UPSC Mains 2020 GS4 Previous Year Questions

Question list

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1. Q1(a) · Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP): human capital, soft power (culture and policies) and social harmony.
2. Q1(b) · “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.
3. Q2(a) · “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.
4. Q2(b) · What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI)? Can they be learned? Discuss.
5. Q3(a) · What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.
6. Q3(b) · ‘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.
7. Q4(a) · Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.
8. Q4(b) · 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?
9. Q5(a) · What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.
10. Q5(b) · ‘The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.’ Discuss.
11. Q6(a) · “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 Vivekananda. What does this quotation mean to you?
12. Q6(b) · “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi. What does this quotation mean to you?
13. Q6(c) · “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. What does this quotation mean to you?
14. Q7 · Rajesh Kumar, an honest senior public servant heading the Budget Division, must process a proposal to re-appropriate ₹6,000 crore from a National Housing Scheme for weaker sections to two developmental projects: an SEZ and a natural gas processing plant. Delaying either developmental project has economic and international consequences, while diverting welfare funds may delay a politically important housing programme and raise questions in Parliament. (a) Examine the ethical issues in re-appropriation. (b) Discuss the options available to Rajesh Kumar for proper use of public funds. Is resigning a worthy option?
15. Q8 · The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd is asked to consider increasing production of indigenous anti-tank guided missiles for export to a friendly foreign country, alongside a national push to expand defence exports and finance indigenous weapons development. (a) As an arms exporter from a responsible nation, what ethical issues arise in arms trade? (b) List five ethical factors that should influence a decision to sell arms to foreign governments.
16. Q9 · Rampura is a remote, extremely backward tribal district with subsistence agriculture, weak welfare delivery and youth migration. Labour contractors persuade families to send minor girls to Bt cotton farms in another state, where poor living and working conditions create serious health problems; NGOs appear compromised. You are appointed District Collector. Identify the ethical issues and specify steps to protect the minor girls and improve the district’s overall economic situation.
17. Q10 · You are municipal commissioner of a large city. A roof collapse at a mall under construction kills four labourers, including minors, and injures many. Your inquiry reveals poor construction material, an illegal additional basement, inspection failures, encroachment on protected urban space, and possible nexus between municipal officials and the builder. The previous commissioner is your friend; colleagues pressure you to go slow; the influential builder offers a bribe and threatens a false POSH complaint. Discuss the ethical issues, options available, and your chosen course of action.
18. Q11 · Parmal is an underdeveloped district where an industrialist establishes Amria Plastic Works in a village, hires and trains local labour, contributes to village amenities through CSR, supports women’s SHGs, education and an ambulance, and retains employees during lockdown. The factory also once used electricity above its authorized capacity, later rectified. Critically analyse APW’s story and the ethical issues involved. Do you consider APW a role model for development of backward areas? Give reasons.
19. Q12 · During the nationwide lockdown, large numbers of migrant workers lost livelihoods and attempted to return to villages amid lack of transport, food insecurity and inadequate relief arrangements. You were tasked with overseeing the District Disaster Relief Force. What ethical issues arose in the migrant crisis? What do you understand by an ethical care-giving state? What assistance can civil society render to mitigate migrant suffering in similar situations?