UPSC_CS MAINS 2022 Paper IV

(a) 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.

Points to Remember: The importance of Emotional Quotient (EQ) versus Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in achieving success, happiness, and lifelong achievements. The role of emotional skills in various aspects of life. Evidence supporting the significance of EQ. Potential limitations of focusing solely on EQ. A balanced perspective considering the interplay of EQ and IQ. Introduction: The … Read more

(a) Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making ? Discuss.

Points to Remember: Conscience as an internal moral compass. Laws, rules, and regulations as external frameworks. Conflicts between conscience and legal frameworks. The limitations of both conscience and legal systems. The importance of a nuanced approach to ethical decision-making. Introduction: Ethical decision-making is a complex process involving navigating internal moral compasses and external legal frameworks. … Read more

What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency’ in the context of corporate governance of India? Illustrate with suitable examples.

Points to Remember: Moral integrity: Adherence to strong moral principles and values in corporate actions. Professional efficiency: Competent and effective performance of duties, maximizing output with minimal waste. Corporate governance in India: Framework of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. Importance of both for sustainable and ethical business practices. … Read more

Write short notes on the following in 30 words each: (i) Constitutional morality (ii) Conflict of interest (iii) Probity in public life (iv) Challenges of digitalization (v) Devotion to duty

Points to Remember: Key concepts of Constitutional morality, conflict of interest, probity, challenges of digitalization, and devotion to duty. The approach is primarily factual with a touch of analytical explanation for some points. Introduction: These five concepts are crucial for effective governance and a just society. They represent ethical and practical principles that underpin responsible … Read more

Whistle blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle blower?

Keywords: Whistleblower, protection, corruption, illegal activities, policy measures, safeguard. Required Approach: Analytical and Policy-Oriented Points to Remember: The importance of whistleblowers in combating corruption. The risks faced by whistleblowers. Existing legal frameworks for whistleblower protection. Policy measures to strengthen protection mechanisms. The need for a multi-pronged approach. Introduction: Whistleblowers play a crucial role in uncovering … Read more

In contemporary world, corporate sector’s contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do you Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate work mandated? Critically examine.

Points to Remember: The increasing role of the corporate sector in wealth generation and employment. The negative environmental and social impacts of corporate activities. The effectiveness and sufficiency of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in addressing these impacts. The need for a balanced approach considering both the positive contributions and negative externalities of corporations. Introduction: The … Read more

It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning?

Points to Remember: Ethics as a foundation for smooth organizational functioning. Ethical values’ role in promoting human well-being. Conflict resolution through ethical frameworks. Examples of ethical dilemmas and their resolution. Introduction: The smooth functioning of any organization or system hinges significantly on the ethical conduct of its members. Ethics, a branch of philosophy dealing with … Read more

What do you understand by term ‘good governance’? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries?Discuss with suitable examples.

Points to Remember: Definition of Good Governance Key characteristics of Good Governance Role of e-Governance in achieving Good Governance Examples of e-Governance initiatives and their impact Challenges and limitations of e-Governance Suggestions for improvement Introduction: Good governance is a multifaceted concept encompassing the processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, mediate … Read more

Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the administration and for teaching and learning in education sector to the extent telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent authority. No doubt it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to vulnerable section of society.

Points to Remember: Ethical implications of online methodologies across sectors (administration, education, healthcare). Focus on vulnerable sections of society. Balanced discussion of advantages and disadvantages. Policy recommendations for mitigating ethical concerns. Introduction: The increasing reliance on online methodologies across various sectors – from administrative approvals and educational instruction to healthcare delivery – presents both significant … Read more

Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair.

Points to Remember: The ethical implications of the Russo-Ukrainian War are multifaceted and complex. National interests often clash with universal ethical principles during wartime. The war’s impact extends beyond immediate combatants to global stability and humanitarian concerns. International law and humanitarian principles provide a framework for evaluating ethical conduct. Introduction: The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, initiated … Read more