UPSC_CS MAINS 2020 Paper IV

‘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.

Points to Remember: Hatred’s impact on individual morality (wisdom and conscience). Hatred’s impact on societal well-being (national spirit). Examples of hatred’s destructive consequences. Potential counter-arguments and mitigating factors. Strategies for combating hatred and fostering peace. Introduction: The statement “Hatred is destructive of a person’s wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation’s spirit” posits a … Read more

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

Points to Remember: Definition of Emotional Intelligence (EI) Main components of EI (self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, social skills) Learnability of EI components Evidence supporting the learnability of EI Methods for developing EI Introduction: Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. It’s not simply … Read more

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?

Points to Remember: Factors contributing to a positive attitude. Impact of positive attitude on civil service performance. Strategies for fostering a positive attitude. Introduction: A positive attitude is a mental state characterized by optimism, resilience, and a proactive approach to challenges. It’s widely recognized as a crucial trait for civil servants, who frequently face high-pressure … Read more

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

Points to Remember: Deep-rooted patriarchal norms and traditions. Socio-economic disparities. Lack of access to education and healthcare. Legal and political underrepresentation. Savitri Bai Phule’s pioneering work in education and social reform. Introduction: Gender inequality in India is a multifaceted issue stemming from historical, social, cultural, and economic factors. While significant progress has been made in … Read more

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.

Points to Remember: The “will to power” in international relations: pursuit of national interests, often at the expense of others. Rationality and moral duty in IR: constraints on power, international law, diplomacy, cooperation. Taming the will to power: mechanisms for conflict resolution, international institutions, norms. Examples of both untamed and tamed will to power in … Read more

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

Points to Remember: The impact of the internet on cultural values. Conflict between traditional and internet-driven values. Examples of conflicting values. Potential positive and negative consequences. Strategies for navigating this cultural shift. Introduction: The rapid expansion of the internet has profoundly impacted societies globally, transforming communication, information access, and social interaction. This digital revolution has … Read more

“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.

Keywords: Education, New Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), all-round development, social transformation, injunction, effective tool. Required Approach: Analytical, with elements of factual description. Points to Remember: NEP 2020’s aims and objectives. NEP 2020’s key features (curricular changes, pedagogical shifts, structural reforms). Positive impacts of NEP 2020 on individual and societal development. Challenges and potential drawbacks … Read more

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.

Points to Remember: Ethics and values are fundamental to building strong human capital, effective soft power, and social harmony. Ethical leadership and governance are crucial for fostering trust and cooperation. Promoting inclusive and equitable policies strengthens social harmony and enhances CNP. Cultural preservation and promotion build national pride and soft power. Investing in education and … Read more