UPSC Mains GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-IV 2020

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. (150 words)

“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. (150 words)

‘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. (150 words)

What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI)? Can they be learned? Discuss. (150 words)

What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss. (150 words)

‘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. (150 words)

Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them. (150 words)

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 ? (150 words)

What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard. (150 words)

‘The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.’ Discuss. (150 words)

What do each of the following quotations mean to you?

“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 (150 words)

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)

“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 (150 words)

Rajesh Kumar is a senior public servant, with a reputation of honesty and forthrightness, currently posted in the Finance Ministry as Head of the Budget Division. His department is presently busy in organising the budgetary support to the states, four of which are due to go to the polls within the financial year. 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? (250 words)

The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He subconsciously nodded in agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed BML's journey in the past two decades. 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. (250 words)

Rampura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme backwardness and abject poverty. 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? (250 words)

You are a municipal commissioner of a large city, having the reputation of a very honest and upright officer. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. What are the options available to you in this situation? Explain your selected course of action. (250 words)