UPSC Mains GS4 Paper 2020

Q1. Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies) and social harmony.

Q1. Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round development of an individual and social transformation". Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement.

Q2. What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI)? Can they be learned? Discuss.

Q2. 'Hatred is destructive of a person's wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation's spirit.' Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

Q3. What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.

Q3. 'The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.' Examine this statement in the context of international relations.

Q4. A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person ?

Q4. Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.

Q5. What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.

Q5. 'The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.' Discuss.

Q6. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi

Q6. Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way." - Swami Vivekanand

Q6. A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true." - Socrates

Q7. Discuss the following with reference to this case: (a) Ethical issues involved in re-appropriation of funds from a welfare project to the developmental projects. (b) Given the need for proper utilization of public funds, discuss the options available to Rajesh Kumar. Is resigning a worthy option?

Q8. As Chairman of BML, what are your views on the following points ? (a) As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical issues involved in arms trade? (b) List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign governments.

Q9. You are appointed as the District Collector of Rampura. Identify the ethical issues involved. Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate the conditions of minor girls of your district and to improve the over-all economic scenario in the district ?

Q10. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. What are the options available to you in this situation ? Explain your selected course of action.

Q11. Critically analyse the story of APW and state the ethical issues involved. Do you consider APW as a role model for development of backward areas ? Give reasons.

Q12. You have learnt many lessons from this situation when you were tasked to oversee the functioning of the District Disaster Relief Force in your district. In your opinion what ethical issues arose in the current migrant crisis ? What do you understand by an ethical care giving state ? What assistance can the civil society render to mitigate the sufferings of migrants in similar situations?