UPSC Mains 2024 GS4 Analysis
UPSC MAINS 2024 GS-lV PAPER QUESTION PAPER, ANALYSIS AND PAST YEAR TRENDS
On September 22, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the General Studies (GS) Paper lV for the Civil Service Examination (CSE) Mains 2024.
This paper consists of 12 questions divided into 2 sections; Section A and Section B.
The total marks of the GS lV paper is 250, and the allotted time is 3 hours.
UPSC 2024 GS Paper lV: Instructions
There are 12 questions divided into Two Sections and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
All questions were compulsory.
The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided.
No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.
UPSC MAINS 2024 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER IV
SECTION A
Q1. (a) The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)
(b) “Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behavior”. Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in professional contexts. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q2. (a) “It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it.” In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today’s international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
(b) Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between society and the environment? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q3. Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
(a) “Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others.” — Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
(b) “Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” — Sardar Patel (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
(c) “In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” — Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q4. (a) “The concept of just and unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today’s context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice.”
Examine the above statement with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
(b) “Mindless addiction to form, ignoring the substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent.”
Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q5. The ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Code of Ethics’ are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is a code of conduct already in operation, whereas a code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for a code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity, and transparency in governance. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
(b) The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Q6. “In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years”. Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity.” (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
(b) Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behavior to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
SECTION B
Q 7. There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second-largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder of this company. The fast technological improvements have raised worries among government authorities, regulatory authorities, environmental activists, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario. You confront substantial issues about the business’s environmental footprint. In 2023, your organization had a significant increase of 48% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the levels recorded in 2019. The significant rise in energy consumption is mainly due to the surging energy requirements of your data centers, fueled by the exponential expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-powered services need much more computational resources and electrical energy compared to conventional online activities, notwithstanding their notable gains. The technology’s proliferation has led to a growing concern over environmental repercussions, resulting in an increase in warnings. AI models, especially those used in extensive machine learning and data processing, exhibit much greater energy consumption than conventional computer tasks, with an exponential increase.
Although there is already a commitment and goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, the challenge of lowering emissions seems overwhelming as the integration of AI continues to increase. To achieve this goal, substantial investments in renewable energy use would be necessary. The difficulty is exacerbated by the competitive environment of the technology sector, where rapid innovation is essential for preserving market standing and shareholders’ worth. To achieve a balance between innovation, profitability, and sustainability, a strategic move is necessary that is in line with both business objectives and ethical obligations.
(a) What is your immediate response to the challenges posed in the above case?
(b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.
(c) Your company has been identified to be penalized by technological giants. What logical and ethical arguments will you put forth convince about its necessity?
(d) Being a conscience being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between AI innovation and environment footprint? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
Q8. Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which need his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group was a matter of grave concern.
It was noted that unemployment was relatively high in the state. The problem of unemployment amongst graduates and those with higher education was much more grave. Thus, they were vulnerable and soft targets.
In the review meeting taken by him with senior officers (DIG range and above), it came to light that a new terrorist group has emerged at the global level. It has launched a massive drive to recruit young unemployed people. Special focus was to pick young people from a particular community. The said organization seemed to have the clear objective of utilizing/using them for carrying out militant activities. It was also gathered that the said (new) group is desperately trying to spread its tentacles in his state.
A definite/reliable intelligence tip was received by the State CID and Cyber Cell that a large number of such unemployed youth have already been contacted by the terrorist outfit/group through social media and local organizations and other contacts. The need of the hour was to act swiftly and check these elements/designs before they assume serious proportions.
Discreet inquiries made by the police, through the Cyber Cell, revealed that good numbers of unemployed youth are very active on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. On an average, many of them were spending 6-8 hours each day, using electronic devices/internet. It also came to light that such unemployed youth were showing sympathy and endorsing the messages received from certain persons, allegedly the contact persons of the global terrorist group. Their social media accounts revealed their strong affinity to such groups inasmuch as many of them started forwarding anti-national views on their WhatsApp and Facebook. It seemed that they succumbed to their play, and started propagating secessionist ideology. Their posts were hyper-critical of the government’s initiatives, policies, and subscribing to extreme beliefs and promoting extremism.
(a) What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation ?
(b) What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state ?
(c) In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence gathering mechanism of the police force? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
Q 9. With a multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments, especially in the last few years, the naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of the country. However, there are a few pockets in certain states where the naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to the involvement of foreign countries. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) for the last one year, in one of the districts which is still affected by the naxalite problem. The district administration has taken a lot of developmental works in the recent past in the naxalite-affected areas to win the hearts and minds of the people.
Over a period of time, Rohit has established an excellent intelligence network to get real-time information regarding the movement of naxalite cadre. To instill confidence in the public and have moral ascendancy over the naxalites, a number of cordon and search operations are being conducted by the police. Rohit, who himself was leading one of the contingents, got a message through his intelligence source that about ten hardcore naxalites were hiding in a particular village with sophisticated weapons. Without wasting any time, Rohit reached the target village with his team and laid out a foolproof cordon and started carrying out a systematic search.
During the search, his team managed to overpower all the naxalites along with their automatic weapons. However, in the meantime, more than a hundred tribal women surrounded the village and started marching towards the target house. They were shouting and demanding the immediate release of insurgents since they are their protectors and saviors. The situation on the ground was becoming very critical as the tribal women were extremely agitated and aggressive. Rohit tried to contact his superior officer (IG Special Operations) of the state on the radio set and on mobile phone, but failed to do so due to poor connectivity. Rohit was in great dilemma since out of the naxalites apprehended, two were not only hardcore top insurgents with prize money of ₹10 lakhs on their heads, but were also involved in a recent ambush on the security forces. However, if he did not release the naxalites, the situation could get out of control since the tribal women were aggressively charging towards them. In that case, to control the situation, Rohit might have to resort to firing, which may lead to valuable loss of lives of civilians and would further complicate the situation.
(a) What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation?
(b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit ?
(c) Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why?
(d) In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
Q 10. Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in charge of the new super specialty centre that the hospital is building with state-of-the-art equipment and world-class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed, and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother’s company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favoritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers.
(a) What should be Sneha’s course of action ?
(b) How would she justify what she chooses to do ?
(c) In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
Q 11. With the summer heat being exceptionally severe this year, the district has been facing severe water shortages. The District Collector has been mobilising his subordinate officials to conserve the remaining water reserves for preventing the district from plunging into an acute drinking water crisis. Along with an awareness campaign for conserving water, strict measures have been taken for stopping the over-exploitation of groundwater. Vigilance teams have been deployed to tour the villages and find the farmers who are drawing water from deep borewells or from the river reservoir for irrigation. The farmers are agitated by such action. A delegation of farmers meets the District Collector with their issues and complaints that while they are not being allowed to irrigate their crops, big industries located near the river are drawing huge amounts of water through deep borewells for their industrial processes farmers allege that their administration is anti-farmer and corrupt, being bribed by the industry. The district needs to placate the farmers as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, the District Collector has to deal with the water crisis. The industry cannot be closed as this would result in a large number of workers being unemployed.
(a) Discuss all options available to the District Collector as a District Magistrate.
(b) What suitable actions can be taken in view of mutually compatible interests of the stakeholders?
(c) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas for the District Collector ? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
Q 12. Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist working for a reputed biotechnology company known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals. Dr. Srinivasan is heading a research team working on a new drug aimed at treating a rapidly spreading variant of a new viral infectious disease. The disease has been rapidly spreading across the world, and the cases reported in the country are increasing. There is huge pressure on Dr. Srinivasan’s team to expedite the trials for the drug, as there is significant market demand for it, and the company wants to get the first-mover advantage in the market. During a team meeting, some senior team members suggest taking shortcuts to expedite the clinical trials and obtain requisite approvals. These include manipulating data to exclude negative outcomes, selectively reporting positive results, foregoing the process of informed consent, and using compounds already patented by a rival company, rather than developing one’s own component. Dr. Srinivasan is not comfortable taking such shortcuts, but at the same time, he realises that meeting the targets is impossible without using these means.
(a) What would you do in such a situation?
(b) Examine your options and consequences in the light of the ethical
questions involved.
(c) How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large in such a scenario? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
ANALYSIS OF UPSC MAINS 2024 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER IV
The UPSC Mains GS IV paper highlights important ethical concepts like integrity, accountability, and professional ethics. It expect candidates to make fair decisions in complex situations, it analyses modern challenges like ethical dilemmas involving technology, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian issues. The paper encourages honesty, responsibility, and making choices that benefit everyone, especially in difficult situations.
One of the key theme in the paper is how ethics should be at the heart of decision-making. Sometimes, civil servants or leaders might follow rules too strictly without thinking about fairness. The paper highlights that using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in decision-making can lead to issues because machines don’t always understand the “spirit of justice.”
For example, think of a government official relying on AI to allocate resources for a disaster relief operation. If the system only uses numbers and data without considering people’s real needs, it might miss the most vulnerable. The paper asks us to consider how leaders can use both technology and their own judgment to make fair decisions.
Moral leadership is about making decisions that are not just legally correct but also morally right. The paper provides the example of Mission Karmayogi, which focuses on improving the skills and ethics of public servants. It explores how female public servants face challenges, and why it’s important to remove these barriers.
For instance, a woman civil servant might face issues in a male-dominated field, but if leaders show integrity and support, these challenges can be overcome. The case studies in the paper highlight real-life scenarios, such as managing water crises or dealing with Naxalites (a group in India involved in violent conflicts). Leaders in these situations need to show both legal understanding and moral responsibility.
The paper also touches on real ethical dilemmas people face at work. For example, Sneha’s conflict of interest in procurement shows how professionals must balance personal gain with public responsibility. In Sneha’s case, she is tasked with approving contracts, but if she chooses a supplier that benefits her personally, she risks losing the trust of her organization and the public.
Similarly, Dr. Srinivasan’s dilemma in drug trials shows the struggle between getting results quickly and ensuring the safety of patients. It’s not just about following rules but also thinking about the well-being of others.
Global issues, such as climate change and war, are discussed in the paper. It highlights that developed countries and big companies have a responsibility to protect the environment and prevent conflicts.
For example, the role of big corporations in reducing industrial emissions is crucial in the fight against global warming. The paper calls for ethical leadership from these industries to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
The paper uses quotes from thinkers like Swami Vivekananda and Immanuel Kant to reflect on deeper ethical values. For example, Kant’s idea of moral intent is about doing something because it’s the right thing to do, not because it benefits you.These philosophical ideas are important for leaders today. For example, a public servant making a difficult decision during a natural disaster should be guided by the intent to help, not by what will make them look good.
UPSC MAINS 2024 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER IV: Detail Analysis
SECTION A
1.(a) The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)
Discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be both helpful and challenging in decision-making, highlight ethical concerns like bias in algorithms, lack of accountability, and transparency. Use examples, such as AI in hiring practices, where biased algorithms can harm marginalized groups. Underline that while AI can improve efficiency, it must be implemented responsibly, with human supervision.
(b) “Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behavior”. Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in professional contexts. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Describe the basic dimensions of ethics, such as honesty, fairness, responsibility, and respect. Explain how these dimensions guide individual behavior and organizational actions, and how to promote a culture of ethical decision-making in professional life. Use case studies of companies that emphasize corporate responsibility and ethical wellbeing.
Q2. (a) “It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it.” In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today’s international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Highlight the moral obligation on developed nations to promote peace rather than making profit from war. Discuss the role of the arms trade in sustaining war and the ethical implications of prioritizing economic interests over human lives. Stress on UN peacekeeping efforts as an ethical responsibility that developed countries should support.
(b) Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between society and the environment? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Discuss sustainable development practices to combat climate change, such as renewable energy initiatives and conservation efforts. Suggest implementing policies that prioritize environmental protection while promoting economic growth. Use authentic data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), World Meteorological Organization, etc to support your points.
Q3. Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? (150 words each)
(a) “Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others.” — Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
The quote encourages individual authenticity in learning. Discuss how embracing diverse ideas while remaining true to oneself promotes innovation and personal growth. Use examples from modern startups that blend various influences into unique products.
(b) “Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” — Sardar Patel (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
The statement underlines the importance of combining faith with action. Discuss how belief in a cause must be supported by the strength and commitment to act. Provide examples of social movements, like India’s independence, showcasing the synergy between faith and action.
(c) “In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” — Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
The quote highlights the distinction between legal and ethical guilt. Discuss how ethics extends beyond actions to thoughts and intentions. Use real-life examples, such as corporate fraud, where intent can lead to ethical violations even if the law isn’t broken.
Q4. (a) “The concept of just and unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today’s context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice.”
Examine the above statement with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Examine how societal changes can shift perceptions of justice. Use historical examples, like changing views on marriage equality, to demonstrate that what was once considered just can become unjust as societal values evolve.
(b) “Mindless addiction to form, ignoring the substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent.”
Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Discuss how focusing strictly on regulations can lead to injustices. Use examples from bureaucracy where rigid commitment to rules has neglected the underlying purpose, such as delays in providing aid during emergencies.
Q5. The ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Code of Ethics’ are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is a code of conduct already in operation, whereas a code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for a code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity, and transparency in governance. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Suggest a model for a code of ethics that includes principles like transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Emphasize the importance of training programs and public engagement to instill ethical values in governance.
(b) The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Discuss how the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita promotes justice over punishment. Use examples from current judicial practices that focus on rehabilitation rather than sentence, such as restorative justice initiatives.
Q6. “In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years”. Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity.” (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Identify specific challenges faced by women in public service, such as gender bias and work-life balance. Suggest measures like mentorship programs and flexible working arrangements to enhance their performance and well-being.
(b) Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behavior to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level? (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks
Explain how Mission Karmayogi enhances civil servant productivity through skill development and a focus on ethical behavior. Discuss how empowering civil servants leads to better service delivery and citizen satisfaction.
SECTION B
Q 7. There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second-largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder of this company. The fast technological improvements have raised worries among government authorities, regulatory authorities, environmental activists, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario. You confront substantial issues about the business’s environmental footprint. In 2023, your organization had a significant increase of 48% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the levels recorded in 2019. The significant rise in energy consumption is mainly due to the surging energy requirements of your data centers, fueled by the exponential expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-powered services need much more computational resources and electrical energy compared to conventional online activities, notwithstanding their notable gains. The technology’s proliferation has led to a growing concern over environmental repercussions, resulting in an increase in warnings. AI models, especially those used in extensive machine learning and data processing, exhibit much greater energy consumption than conventional computer tasks, with an exponential increase.
Although there is already a commitment and goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, the challenge of lowering emissions seems overwhelming as the integration of AI continues to increase. To achieve this goal, substantial investments in renewable energy use would be necessary. The difficulty is exacerbated by the competitive environment of the technology sector, where rapid innovation is essential for preserving market standing and shareholders’ worth. To achieve a balance between innovation, profitability, and sustainability, a strategic move is necessary that is in line with both business objectives and ethical obligations.
(Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
(a) What is your immediate response to the challenges posed in the above case?
The immediate response to the challenges would be to launch a comprehensive sustainability initiative, which includes conducting an energy audit to identify areas for improvement, investing in renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, and optimizing data center operations to enhance energy efficiency.
Collaborating with environmental experts and stakeholders will be essential to develop innovative solutions that align with business goals.
(b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.
Identify the ethical issues involved in this case like the responsibility towards the environment and society, discuss how ignoring the increased emissions resulting goes against sustainability. Explain the duty of the company towards the community while seeking for profitability.
(c) Your company has been identified to be penalized by technological giants. What logical and ethical arguments will you put forth convince about its necessity?
Convince stakeholders about the penalization, discuss that a proactive approach to sustainability not only aligns with corporate social responsibility but also enhances the brand reputation and long-term viability.
(d) Being a conscience being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between AI innovation and environment footprint?
To maintain a balance between AI innovation and environmental footprint implement measures, such as setting clear sustainability goals, investing in carbon counterbalances, promoting remote work to reduce commuting, and adopting energy-efficient technologies.
Q8. Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which need his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group was a matter of grave concern.
It was noted that unemployment was relatively high in the state. The problem of unemployment amongst graduates and those with higher education was much more grave. Thus, they were vulnerable and soft targets.
In the review meeting taken by him with senior officers (DIG range and above), it came to light that a new terrorist group has emerged at the global level. It has launched a massive drive to recruit young unemployed people. Special focus was to pick young people from a particular community. The said organization seemed to have the clear objective of utilizing/using them for carrying out militant activities. It was also gathered that the said (new) group is desperately trying to spread its tentacles in his state.
A definite/reliable intelligence tip was received by the State CID and Cyber Cell that a large number of such unemployed youth have already been contacted by the terrorist outfit/group through social media and local organizations and other contacts. The need of the hour was to act swiftly and check these elements/designs before they assume serious proportions.
Discreet inquiries made by the police, through the Cyber Cell, revealed that good numbers of unemployed youth are very active on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. On an average, many of them were spending 6-8 hours each day, using electronic devices/internet. It also came to light that such unemployed youth were showing sympathy and endorsing the messages received from certain persons, allegedly the contact persons of the global terrorist group. Their social media accounts revealed their strong affinity to such groups inasmuch as many of them started forwarding anti-national views on their WhatsApp and Facebook. It seemed that they succumbed to their play, and started propagating secessionist ideology. Their posts were hyper-critical of the government’s initiatives, policies, and subscribing to extreme beliefs and promoting extremism.
(Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
(a) What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation ?
Raman can tackle the situation through various options. He could enhance community engagement initiatives to build trust between law enforcement and the youth. He could implement awareness campaigns about the dangers of extremist ideologies and provide alternative employment opportunities through skill development programs.
(b) What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state ?
To strengthen the existing setup, measures should include increasing surveillance on social media platforms to monitor recruitment efforts, collaborating with local NGOs to provide support and education to at-risk youth, and establishing hotlines for reporting suspicious activities.
(c) In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence gathering mechanism of the police force?
To enhance intelligence gathering, suggest setting up a specialized cyber unit within the police force that focuses on monitoring online radicalization. Regular training sessions for officers on digital literacy and community outreach could also be beneficial in detecting potential threats early.
Q 9. With a multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments, especially in the last few years, the naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of the country. However, there are a few pockets in certain states where the naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to the involvement of foreign countries. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) for the last one year, in one of the districts which is still affected by the naxalite problem. The district administration has taken a lot of developmental works in the recent past in the naxalite-affected areas to win the hearts and minds of the people.
Over a period of time, Rohit has established an excellent intelligence network to get real-time information regarding the movement of naxalite cadre. To instill confidence in the public and have moral ascendancy over the naxalites, a number of cordon and search operations are being conducted by the police. Rohit, who himself was leading one of the contingents, got a message through his intelligence source that about ten hardcore naxalites were hiding in a particular village with sophisticated weapons. Without wasting any time, Rohit reached the target village with his team and laid out a foolproof cordon and started carrying out a systematic search.
During the search, his team managed to overpower all the naxalites along with their automatic weapons. However, in the meantime, more than a hundred tribal women surrounded the village and started marching towards the target house. They were shouting and demanding the immediate release of insurgents since they are their protectors and saviors. The situation on the ground was becoming very critical as the tribal women were extremely agitated and aggressive. Rohit tried to contact his superior officer (IG Special Operations) of the state on the radio set and on mobile phone, but failed to do so due to poor connectivity. Rohit was in great dilemma since out of the naxalites apprehended, two were not only hardcore top insurgents with prize money of ₹10 lakhs on their heads, but were also involved in a recent ambush on the security forces. However, if he did not release the naxalites, the situation could get out of control since the tribal women were aggressively charging towards them. In that case, to control the situation, Rohit might have to resort to firing, which may lead to valuable loss of lives of civilians and would further complicate the situation.
(a) What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation?
Rohit has several options: he can negotiate with the tribal women to calm the situation while keeping the naxalites detained, consider the possibility of a strategic release to prevent violence, or request reinforcements to manage the crowd while upholding law and order.
(b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit ?
Rohit faces ethical dilemmas, such as prioritizing the lives of the naxalites versus the safety of civilians. He must consider whether to uphold the law strictly or respond to community sentiments, balancing public safety with legal responsibilities.
(c) Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why?
The most appropriate option for Rohit would be to negotiate with the tribal women while maintaining control over the naxalites. This approach can prevent escalation and foster community trust, allowing law enforcement to operate without unnecessary violence.
(d) In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters?
Precautionary measures for police in dealing with women protesters include deploying female officers to manage the crowd sensitively, using non-violent communication techniques, and ensuring clear channels for dialogue between protesters and law enforcement to prevent misunderstandings.
(Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
Q 10. Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in charge of the new super specialty centre that the hospital is building with state-of-the-art equipment and world-class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed, and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother’s company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favoritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers.
(a) What should be Sneha’s course of action ?
Sneha should disclose her brother’s involvement in the bidding process to the hospital management. To avoid any perception of favoritism, she can recuse herself from the decision-making process regarding her brother’s bid and let an independent committee evaluate the proposals.
(b) How would she justify what she chooses to do ?
Sneha can justify her decision by emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness in procurement. By removing herself from the decision, she upholds the hospital’s integrity and ensures that all vendors are evaluated solely on their merits.
(c) In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?
Medical ethics are compromised when personal interests overshadow professional responsibilities. Allocating the contract to her brother without proper scrutiny could lead to allegations of corruption and harm the trust between the hospital and the community it serves.
(Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
Q 11. With the summer heat being exceptionally severe this year, the district has been facing severe water shortages. The District Collector has been mobilising his subordinate officials to conserve the remaining water reserves for preventing the district from plunging into an acute drinking water crisis. Along with an awareness campaign for conserving water, strict measures have been taken for stopping the over-exploitation of groundwater. Vigilance teams have been deployed to tour the villages and find the farmers who are drawing water from deep borewells or from the river reservoir for irrigation. The farmers are agitated by such action. A delegation of farmers meets the District Collector with their issues and complaints that while they are not being allowed to irrigate their crops, big industries located near the river are drawing huge amounts of water through deep borewells for their industrial processes farmers allege that their administration is anti-farmer and corrupt, being bribed by the industry. The district needs to placate the farmers as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, the District Collector has to deal with the water crisis. The industry cannot be closed as this would result in a large number of workers being unemployed.
(Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
(a) Discuss all options available to the District Collector as a District Magistrate.
The District Collector can consider various options: implement strict regulations on industrial water usage, negotiate reduced water extraction for industries, and develop community-based water management programs that involve farmers in decision-making.
(b) What suitable actions can be taken in view of mutually compatible interests of the stakeholders?
Suitable actions for mutually compatible interests include establishing a water allocation plan that fairly distributes resources among industries and farmers, promoting water conservation techniques for both sectors, and facilitating discussions to address grievances.
(c) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas for the District Collector ?
The District Collector may face administrative dilemmas, such as balancing industrial growth with agricultural needs. Ethical dilemmas could arise from favoritism towards industries or ignoring farmers’ rights, which could lead to community unrest.
Q12. Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist working for a reputed biotechnology company known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals. Dr. Srinivasan is heading a research team working on a new drug aimed at treating a rapidly spreading variant of a new viral infectious disease. The disease has been rapidly spreading across the world, and the cases reported in the country are increasing. There is huge pressure on Dr. Srinivasan’s team to expedite the trials for the drug, as there is significant market demand for it, and the company wants to get the first-mover advantage in the market. During a team meeting, some senior team members suggest taking shortcuts to expedite the clinical trials and obtain requisite approvals. These include manipulating data to exclude negative outcomes, selectively reporting positive results, foregoing the process of informed consent, and using compounds already patented by a rival company, rather than developing one’s own component. Dr. Srinivasan is not comfortable taking such shortcuts, but at the same time, he realises that meeting the targets is impossible without using these means.
(Answer in 250 words) (20 marks)
(a) What would you do in such a situation?
Oppose the suggested shortcuts. Emphasize the importance of ethical integrity in drug development and the potential consequences of compromised data on public health.
(b) Examine your options and consequences in the light of the ethical
questions involved.
The options involve choosing between meeting corporate targets and upholding ethical standards. Compromising integrity could lead to harmful drugs entering the market, damaging the company’s reputation and risking lives.
(c) How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large in such a scenario?
Data ethics and drug ethics play a crucial role in ensuring that public safety is prioritized. Upholding these principles safeguards against potential harm, promotes trust in medical research, and ensures that life-saving drugs are developed responsibly and ethically.
Understanding the Trend
The UPSC General Studies (GS) Paper IV is all about testing how well you understand ethics and morality in real life. Over the years, this paper has shifted from asking simple definitions to making you think deeper about ethical issues and how to solve them.
Section A
- Earlier students could answer by just memorizing definitions. Now, you need to show that you can think deeply about ethical theories and explain how they work in real life. For example, if a question asks about "utilitarianism," you can’t just say it's about doing the greatest good for the most people. You have to explain when this theory works well and when it doesn’t, using examples.
- UPSC wants you to look at both sides of an issue. Let’s say the question is about honesty in public service. You’ll need to explain both why honesty is important and how sometimes being too honest can cause problems, like breaching confidentiality.
- Compared to older papers, the questions are now longer and require more time to understand and answer. This means you have to practice answering such questions so you don’t get stuck.
Section B
- Case studies now present more dilemmas—tough decisions where every option has pros and cons. For example, a case might ask what you will do if you were a government officer who had to choose between following the law strictly or helping a poor family who broke a minor rule. Both choices have good and bad sides, so you need to explain which one you’d choose and why.
- UPSC wants you to look at the problem from multiple angles. Let’s say a case study talks about a factory that pollutes a river but also provides jobs. You need to analyze this problem not just as an environmental issue but also from the perspective of the workers and the local economy.
- In recent papers, the case studies have been longer, and each one has multiple questions. This makes them harder to read quickly. The trick is to focus on the core problem, identify the ethical issues, and then carefully answer each part of the question.
Conclusion
Success in the UPSC Mains General Studies Paper IV requires candidates to apply ethical principles into real-world challenges, they must demonstrate moral courage, maintain public integrity, and practice ethical leadership, this approach will not only help them to score good marks in the paper, but also prepare them to become an effective and responsible civil servants, who is committed towards welfare of society.
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