Category: UPSC GS4 2023

  After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch your son play, one of your colleague’s son shows you a video in which students have caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting in the stands. You purposefully walk past …

Continue reading “Q12. You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government. One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal’s office. The Principal informs you that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in progress. The class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not respond to questions in the class, he had also been unable to perform well in the football trials held recently. You bring your son back from the school and in the evening, you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son’s changed behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that some children had been making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by calling him stunted, duh and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest.”

A new lady architect. Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly …

Continue reading “Q11.  You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of the Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life.”

  The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the high-handedness of the Chairman in financial matters. A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and …

Continue reading “Q10. Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and uprightness.”

She reflects on how she had looked forward to this posting and had worked long hours for months to achieve it. She had kept the welfare of people uppermost in discharging her duties. She feels that she has not done enough justice to her family and she has not fulfilled her duties in discharging essential …

Continue reading “Q9. At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and is frequently out of town in connection with his work. Their two children aged 5 and 3 are looked after by their domestic helper. At 9:30 pm her superior, Mr. Suresh calls her and asks her to prepare a detailed note on an important matter to be discussed in a meeting in the Ministry. She realises, that she will have to work on Sunday to finish the additional task given by her superior.”

  A man came running to you with a request for urgent medical help for his pregnant wife who is in labour and is losing blood. You directed your medical team to examine his wife. They return and convey to you that this woman needs a blood transfusion immediately. Upon enquiry, you come to know …

Continue reading “Q8. A landslide occurred in the middle of the night on 20th July 2023 in a remote mountain hamlet, approximately 60 kilometres from Uttarkashi. The landslide was caused by torrential rains and has resulted in large-scale destruction of property and life. You, as district magistrate of the area, have rushed to the spot with a team of doctors, NGOs, media and police along with numerous support staff to oversee the rescue operations.”

  A few weeks later, you ask her about the well-being of her father and she informs you about his successful surgery and that he is recovering. She then confides in you that the bank manager was kind enough to facilitate the release of Rs. 10 lakh from a dormant account of someone to pay …

Continue reading “Q7. You are working as an executive in a nationalized bank for several years. One day one of your close colleagues tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease and needs surgery immediately to survive. She also tells you that she has no insurance and the operation will cost about Rs. 10 lakh. You are also aware of the fact that her husband is no more and that she is from a lower-middle-class family. You are empathetic about her situation. However, apart from expressing your sympathy, you do not have the resources to fund her.”

   Introduction Social capital refers to the collective value of networks, relationships, and social connections that individuals and communities build over time.   Body Social capital, an intangible asset can help improve governance in the following ways:   Enhanced Civic Participation – The community movement led by Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan culminated in the RTI …

Continue reading “Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (Answer in 150 words)10”

  Introduction Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism and a prominent social reformer of the 16th century has left behind a rich legacy of spiritual teachings.   Body  His way of life and profound teachings still continue to hold strong relevance in today’s modern world. Some of them include – Oneness in God– Emphasised belief …

Continue reading “What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words)10”

  Introduction   There are numerous basis on which ethical decisions can be made of which conscience is the prominent one. Conscience refers to the inner voice of a person, a moral compass to differentiate between right and wrong. Laws, rules and regulations, on the other hand, are external guides providing a clear set of …

Continue reading “Q5. Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)10”

  Introduction In our daily lives, we are faced with ethical dilemmas requiring us to make moral judgements. Both ‘moral intuition” and ‘moral reasoning’ form the basis of such ethical decision-making. Body   However, they differ from each other in the following aspects: Conclusion   Recognizing when to trust our intuitions and when to engage …

Continue reading “Differentiate ‘moral intuition from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable (Answer in 150 words)10 Introduction   In our daily lives, we are faced with ethical dilemmas requiring us to make moral judgements. Both ‘moral intuition” and ‘moral reasoning’ form the basis of such ethical decision-making. Body   However, they differ from each other in the following aspects:     MORAL INTUITION MORAL REASONING       Nature ·        It is an automatic, instinctive response to a moral situation. ·        It relies on immediate feelings or gut reactions. ·        It is a deliberate, cognitive process. ·        It involves conscious thinking through moral principles, ethical theories, and potential consequences.     Suitability ·        Well-suited for straightforward situations. E.g.- Quickly apologizing for a minor mistake. ·        Better for complex, multifaceted dilemmas. E.g. – ethical considerations of Euthanasia for terminally ill     Basis of decision ·        Relies on personal values and instincts. E.g. – Leaving one’s seat to an elderly person in a crowded metro. ·        Utilizes ethical principles and theories. E.g. – Applying principles of utilitarianism to justify eviction for a public project.       Speed of decision-making   ·        Swift and often provides an immediate response. E.g. – Shifting an accident victim to the hospital. ·        Operates more slowly, involving conscious thought and analysis. E.g.- on whether to bear the victim’s medical expenses or not by consciously assessing his/her financial situation.     Vulnerability to bias ·        Prone to biases and cultural influences. ·        Can be more robust in addressing biases as it involves conscious examination. Consciousness of Thought ·        It occurs without a conscious, deliberate thought process. It’s more automatic and intuitive. E.g. – Policeman chasing a fleeing robber ·        It requires conscious thought and cognitive effort to analyse and evaluate moral dilemmas. E.g. – Analysing the ethical dimensions of capital punishment by considering legal and ethical principles. Conclusion   Recognizing when to trust our intuitions and when to engage in reasoned analysis can lead to more effective ethical decision-making. Striking a fine balance between the two can help us navigate ethical challenges effectively.”

  Introduction   EQ is a measure of the emotional intelligence (EI) level of an individual. It refers to his/her ability to perceive, use, understand and manage emotions.   IQ on the other hand, is a measure of one’s cognitive intelligence level.   Body  Set of emotional skills, collectively grouped under EI are vital for …

Continue reading “What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ- not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.” Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 150 words)10”

  Introduction   Swami Vivekananda is among the prominent spiritual leaders who made untiring efforts to spread love and harmony across the world. The given quote implies that “We reap what we sow”, and the need to be conscious of what we sow.   Body   Hatred is a negative emotion if cultivated can come …

Continue reading “Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.” – Swami Vivekanand. (Answer in 150 words)10”

  Introduction   The above quote by the first Prime Minister of independent India demonstrates his visionary perspective on the integral role of women in societal advancement. It lays the foundation for the inclusive progress of the nation.   Body   Women’s empowerment is integral for national progress as it strengthens society at different levels. …

Continue reading ““To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawaharlal Nehru (Answer in 150 words)10”

  1. “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words)10 Introduction   The above quote highlights the significance of compassionate actions over mere ritualistic gestures. Body   This quote carries profound significance in the present context as acts of kindness …

Continue reading “Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What does each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?”

  Introduction: The productivity and effectiveness of any organisation is largely dependent on its work environment. However, ‘coercion and undue influence’ are among the unethical practices that can affect overall workplace culture. ‘Coercion and undue influence’ can be distinguished as   Conclusion Initiatives like the Internal Complaints Committee, and culture keepers are significant steps in …

Continue reading “In the context of the work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)10”

    Introduction Society’s identity is closely intertwined with the core value system it holds. Corruption is a menace that can tarnish this identity eroding the values and principles society holds dear.   Body To tackle this menace of corruption, strengthening the societal core values is an effective way. This can be achieved through the …

Continue reading “Q3. A.“Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society? (Answer in 150 words)10”

   Introduction In a world marked by stark disparities in wealth and resources, international aid is crucial for nations struggling to meet the basic needs of their people. From famine relief and disaster response to long-term development projects, international aid continues to play a vital role.   Body However, in today’s world, some ethical considerations …

Continue reading “Q2. ‘International aid’ is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations. Comment on ‘ethics in contemporary international aid’.  Support your answer with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)10”

Q1. What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)10   Introduction Corporate governance involves a certain set of principles that ensure that a company runs in the best interest of all stakeholders involved. Moral integrity and professional efficiency …

Continue reading “Q1. What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)10”