Q 1(a). In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard. (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
मौजूदा डिजिटल युग में सोशल मीडिया ने संचार और बातचीत के तरीके में क्रांति ला दी है। हालाँकि इसने कई नैतिक मुद्दे और चुनौतियाँ खड़ी कर दी है। इस संबंध में मूल नैतिक दुविधाओं का वर्णन कीजिए।View Answer
Introduction
In the digital age, social media has transformed communication, with platforms like Facebook and Twitter boasting billions of users. However, this revolution presents ethical dilemmas, including privacy concerns, misinformation, and digital addiction. Thinkers like Sherry Turkle highlight the erosion of face-to-face interactions, while Zeynep Tufekci emphasizes the power imbalance between users and tech giants. The challenge lies in balancing connectivity with ethical responsibility, as underscored by the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which exposed data misuse on a massive scale.
Read
More
Q 1(b). "Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration. (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
"संवैधानिक नैतिकता कोई स्वाभाविक मनोभाव नहीं है, बल्कि नागरिक शिक्षा और कानून के शासन के पालन का परिणाम है।" सिविल सेवक के लिए संवैधानिक नैतिकता का परीक्षण करते हुए लोक प्रशासन में सुशासन को बढ़ावा देने और जवाबदेही सुनिश्चित करने में इसकी भूमिका पर प्रकाश डालिए।View Answer
Introduction
Constitutional morality, as emphasized by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, is cultivated through civil education and adherence to the rule of law, rather than being an innate sentiment. It is crucial for public servants, as it underpins good governance and ensures accountability in public administration. By fostering a commitment to constitutional principles, public servants can effectively uphold democratic values and maintain public trust, thereby enhancing the integrity and efficiency of governmental operations.
Read
More
Q 2(a). Carl von Clausewitz once said, "War is a diplomacy by other means." Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict. (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
कार्ल वॉन क्लॉजविट्ज ने एक बार कहा था, "युद्ध दूसरे माध्यमों से की जाने वाली एक कूटनीति है।" समकालीन भू-राजनीतिक संघर्ष के वर्तमान संदर्भ में उपर्युक्त कथन का आलोचनात्मक विश्लेषण कीजिए।View Answer
Introduction
Carl von Clausewitz famously stated, "War is a diplomacy by other means," highlighting the intrinsic link between military conflict and political objectives. In today's geopolitical landscape, this notion is echoed by scholars like Joseph Nye, who emphasizes the blend of hard and soft power in international relations. The ongoing tensions in regions like the South China Sea and Ukraine illustrate how nations employ military might alongside diplomatic efforts to achieve strategic goals, underscoring the enduring relevance of Clausewitz's insight.
Read
More
Q 2(b). Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country. (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा को ध्यान में रखते हुए देश में पारिस्थितिक रूप से संवेदनशील सीमावर्ती क्षेत्रों में विकास परियोजनाओं की पर्यावरणीय मंजूरी पर विवादों से संबंधित नैतिक दुविधाओं का परीक्षण कीजिए।View Answer
Introduction
Balancing national security and environmental preservation in ecologically sensitive border areas presents significant ethical dilemmas. According to the World Bank, development projects often face scrutiny over their environmental impact, risking biodiversity and indigenous communities' livelihoods. Aldo Leopold, a renowned environmentalist, emphasized the ethical responsibility to maintain ecological integrity. The challenge lies in reconciling development with sustainability, ensuring that security measures do not compromise ecological health, as highlighted in the Brundtland Report on sustainable development.
Read
More
Introduction
The quote "Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself" by Thiruvalluvar, a celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher, encapsulates the essence of resilience. Thirukkural, his magnum opus, emphasizes the power of maintaining composure amidst adversity. This idea resonates with Stoic philosophers like Epictetus, who advocated for inner peace regardless of external chaos. Such wisdom underscores the importance of mental fortitude, suggesting that a calm mind can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
Read
More
Introduction
William James, a pioneering psychologist and philosopher, emphasized the transformative power of attitude in shaping one's life. His assertion aligns with the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, which posits that altering thought patterns can lead to significant life changes. This idea is echoed by thinkers like Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck, who advocate for the role of cognition in emotional well-being. By shifting attitudes, individuals can redefine their experiences and outcomes, highlighting the profound impact of mindset on personal development.
Read
More
Introduction
Swami Vivekananda emphasized that the true strength of a society lies in the morality of its people rather than its laws. This perspective aligns with Socrates, who believed that moral virtue is the foundation of a just society. According to a 2020 study by the World Values Survey, societies with higher moral standards often experience greater social cohesion and trust. Thus, the ethical behavior of individuals is crucial for societal stability and progress, transcending mere legal frameworks.
Read
More
Q 4(a). "For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework." Justify this statement with suitable examples. (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
किसी भी प्रकार की सामाजिक पुनर्रचना के लिए कल्याणकारी योजनाओं को सफलतापूर्वक क्रियान्वित करने हेतु एक सिविल सेवक को नैतिक ढाँचे में तर्क और आलोचनात्मक सोच का उपयोग करना चाहिए। उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ इस कथन की पुष्टि कीजिए।View Answer
Introduction
Civil servants play a pivotal role in social re-engineering by implementing welfare schemes. According to Max Weber, bureaucracy should be rational and efficient, emphasizing the need for reason and critical thinking within an ethical framework. For instance, India's Aadhaar initiative, aimed at improving welfare delivery, required ethical considerations to balance privacy concerns. Similarly, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) showcases how critical thinking ensures effective resource allocation, enhancing social welfare.
Read
More
Introduction
Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, emphasized principles like Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (many-sidedness), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness). These teachings advocate for compassion, open-mindedness, and minimalism. Thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi drew inspiration from Mahavir's principles, highlighting their enduring relevance. In today's world, these teachings promote peace, tolerance, and sustainable living, addressing contemporary issues like violence, intolerance, and environmental degradation.
Read
More
Q 5(a). "One who is devoted to one's duty attains highest perfection in life." Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant. (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
"जो व्यक्ति अपने कर्त्तव्य के प्रति समर्पित होता है, वह जीवन में सर्वोच्च पूर्णता को प्राप्त करता है ।" एक सिविल सेवक के रूप में जिम्मेदारी की भावना और व्यक्तिगत संतुष्टि के संदर्भ में इस कथन का विश्लेषण कीजिए।View Answer
Introduction
The statement "One who is devoted to one's duty attains highest perfection in life" resonates with Immanuel Kant's deontological ethics, emphasizing duty as a moral imperative. In the context of a civil servant, this devotion translates to a profound sense of responsibility, ensuring effective governance and public welfare. According to a 2022 World Bank report, countries with high civil service integrity show 20% better public satisfaction. Thus, fulfilling one's duty not only enhances personal fulfillment but also societal progress.
Read
More
Q 5(b). To achieve holistic development goal, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal? (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
समग्र विकास लक्ष्य को प्राप्त करने के लिए, एक सिविल सेवक विकास के नियामक के बजाए एक सक्षमकर्ता और सुविधाप्रदाता के रूप में कार्य करता है। इस लक्ष्य को प्राप्त करने के लिए आप क्या विशिष्ट उपाय सुझायेंगे ?View Answer
Introduction
In the pursuit of holistic development, civil servants must transition from mere regulators to proactive enablers of growth. Inspired by Amartya Sen's capability approach, this shift emphasizes empowering communities and fostering innovation. According to the World Bank, effective governance can boost economic growth by up to 2.5%. By adopting participatory governance and leveraging technology, civil servants can facilitate sustainable development, ensuring equitable resource distribution and enhanced public welfare.
Read
More
Q 6(a). It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place? (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
ऐसा कहा जाता है कि नैतिक कार्य संस्कृति के लिए प्रत्येक संगठन में आचार संहिता होनी चाहिए। मूल्य-आधारित और अनुपालन-आधारित कार्य संस्कृति सुनिश्चित करने के लिए, आप अपने कार्यस्थल में कौन से उपयुक्त उपाय अपनायेंगे ?View Answer
Introduction
Incorporating a code of ethics is crucial for fostering an ethical work culture, as emphasized by thinkers like Milton Friedman who advocated for corporate responsibility. According to a 2022 Deloitte survey, 94% of executives believe that a strong ethical culture is essential for business success. To ensure a value-based and compliance-driven environment, organizations should implement regular ethics training, establish clear reporting mechanisms, and promote transparency and accountability at all levels.
Read
More
Q 6(b). India is an emerging economic power of the world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the world in near future? (UPSC 2025, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
भारत विश्व की उभरती हुई आर्थिक शक्ति है क्योंकि आइ.एम.एफ. के अनुमानानुसार हाल ही में इसने विश्व की चौथी सबसे बड़ी अर्थव्यवस्था का दर्जा हासिल किया है। तथापि यह देखा गया है कि कुछ क्षेत्रों में आबंटित धनराशि का या तो कम उपयोग किया जाता है अथवा उसका गलत उपयोग होता है। इस संबंध में जवाबदेही सुनिश्चित करने, लीकेज रोकने तथा निकट भविष्य में विश्व की तीसरी सबसे बड़ी अर्थव्यवस्था का दर्जा प्राप्त करने के लिए आप क्या विशिष्ट उपाय सुझायेंगे ?View Answer
Introduction
India, now the world's fourth-largest economy according to IMF projections, faces challenges in fund utilization across sectors. Economist Amartya Sen emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in governance to curb inefficiencies. To ascend to the third-largest economy, India must implement stringent monitoring mechanisms, enhance public financial management, and foster a culture of accountability. These measures will ensure optimal resource allocation, minimize leakages, and sustain economic growth.
Read
More