UPSC_CS MAINS 2014 Paper IV

(i) an act is ethically right, but not legally and

Points to Remember: The distinction between ethical and legal frameworks. Examples of actions that are ethically right but legally wrong. The potential conflicts between ethical obligations and legal requirements. The importance of considering both ethical and legal implications in decision-making. The role of civil disobedience in challenging unjust laws. Introduction: The question explores the complex … Read more

There is a heavy ethical responsibility on the public servants because they occupy positions of power,handle huge amounts of public funds, and their decisions have wide ranging impact on society and environment. What steps have you taken to improve your ethical competence to handle such responsibility?

Keywords: Ethical responsibility, public servants, public funds, societal impact, environmental impact, ethical competence. Required Approach: Primarily factual and analytical, with a necessary element of self-reflection (opinion-based regarding personal steps taken). Points to Remember: The immense power and responsibility of public servants. The ethical dilemmas faced in handling public funds and making impactful decisions. The importance … Read more

It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. However there is no dearth of instances where affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption in a big way. What are the basic causes of corruption among people? Support your answer with examples.

Points to Remember: Poverty as a driver of corruption. Corruption among the affluent and powerful. Root causes of corruption (individual, systemic, societal). Examples of corruption across socioeconomic strata. Policy recommendations to combat corruption. Introduction: Corruption, the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, is a pervasive global challenge. The common perception links poverty directly to … Read more

What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants?

Points to Remember: Definition of accountability in public service. Individual vs. collective accountability. Mechanisms for ensuring accountability. Challenges in enforcing accountability. Policy recommendations for improved accountability. Introduction: Accountability in public service refers to the obligation of public servants to be answerable for their actions and decisions to the public, their superiors, and relevant oversight bodies. … Read more

“A mere compliance with law is not enough, the public servant also have to have a well-developed sensibility to ethical issues for effective discharge of duties” Do you agree? Explain with the help of two examples where:

Points to Remember: The statement emphasizes the importance of ethical sensibility beyond mere legal compliance for public servants. Examples are needed to illustrate situations where legal compliance alone is insufficient. The response should analyze the interplay between law and ethics in public service. Introduction: The statement “A mere compliance with law is not enough, the … Read more

What do you understand by ‘probity’ in public life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome?

Points to Remember: Definition and scope of probity in public life. Challenges to probity in contemporary society. Strategies for enhancing probity. Introduction: Probity in public life refers to the adherence to high ethical standards and principles of integrity, honesty, and transparency in all public dealings. It encompasses a commitment to acting in the best interests … Read more

What factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems? In our society, contrasting attitudes are prevalent about many social problems. What contrasting attitudes do you notice about the caste system in our society? How do you explain the existence of these contrasting attitudes?

Points to Remember: Factors influencing attitude formation towards social problems. Contrasting attitudes towards the caste system. Explanations for the existence of these contrasting attitudes. Introduction: A person’s attitude towards social problems is a complex construct shaped by a multitude of interacting factors. These attitudes, often deeply ingrained, significantly influence individual behavior and societal responses to … Read more

We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace.

Points to Remember: Prevalence of sexual violence against women. Existing legal provisions and their limitations. Innovative measures for prevention and redressal. Holistic approach encompassing legal, social, and psychological aspects. Introduction: Sexual violence against women is a pervasive global issue, and India is unfortunately no exception. While the exact figures are difficult to ascertain due to … Read more

The current society is plagued with widespread trust-deficit. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can you do at the personal level to make yourself trustworthy?

Keywords: Trust deficit, personal well-being, societal well-being, trustworthiness. Required Approach: Analytical (examining the consequences of a trust deficit and suggesting solutions). Points to Remember: The impact of trust deficit on mental and physical health. The erosion of social capital and its consequences. Strategies for building personal trustworthiness. The role of institutions in restoring trust. Introduction: … Read more

In the context of defense services, ‘patriotism’ demands readiness to even lay down one’s life in protecting the nation. According to you, what does patriotism imply in everyday civil life? Explain with illustrations and justify your answer.

Points to Remember: Patriotism in civil life transcends military service. It involves active citizenship and responsible behavior. It encompasses respect for laws, contributing to society, and promoting national unity. It requires critical thinking and a commitment to ethical conduct. Introduction: The concept of patriotism, often associated with military sacrifice and national defense, holds a deeper … Read more