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UPSC Mains 2024 GS IV previous year questions

Ethics, integrity, aptitude and case studies — value-based answers with structure, not slogans.

UPSC Mains 2024 PYQ PDF →

Section a · Q2(a) · UPSC 2024 · GS IV · 10 marks · Solution

"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?

Ethics and Human Interface

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Section a · Q6(a) · UPSC 2024 · GS IV · 10 marks · Solution

"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

Probity in Governance

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Q7 · UPSC 2024 · GS IV · 20 marks · Solution

Case study. 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 environmental activists, regulatory authorities, 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, fuelled 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. 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. (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 to convince about its necessity? (d) Being a conscientious being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between AI innovation and environment footprint?

Ethics Case Studies

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Q8 · UPSC 2024 · GS IV · 20 marks · Solution

Case study. 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 needed his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group, was a matter of grave concern. Unemployment was relatively high in the state. A new terrorist group has emerged at the global level and launched a massive drive to recruit young unemployed people, with special focus on a particular community. Discrete inquiries through the Cyber Cell revealed that good numbers of unemployed youth are very active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, spending 6-8 hours each day, showing sympathy and endorsing messages from contact persons of that global terrorist group. (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?

Ethics Case Studies

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Q9 · UPSC 2024 · GS IV · 20 marks · Solution

Case study. With a multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments, the naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent. However, there are a few pockets where it still persists. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations). He established an excellent intelligence network. Leading a contingent, he got a message that about ten hard core naxalites were hiding in a particular village. His team overpowered all the naxalites along with their automatic weapons. Meanwhile more than five hundred tribal women surrounded the village demanding immediate release of the insurgents. Two of those apprehended were hard core top insurgents with prize money of ten lakhs on their heads. If he did not release them, the situation could get out of control. (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?

Ethics Case Studies

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Q10 · UPSC 2024 · GS IV · 20 marks · Solution

Case study. Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in-charge of procurement for a new super speciality centre. 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. Her brother's company has been facing financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. Allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favouritism. (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?

Ethics Case Studies

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Q11 · UPSC 2024 · GS IV · 20 marks · Solution

Case study. With the summer heat being exceptionally severe, the district has been facing severe water shortage. The District Collector has taken strict measures for stopping the over-exploitation of groundwater. Farmers are agitated that they are not being allowed to irrigate their crops while big industries located near the river are drawing huge amounts of water. The farmers allege that the administration is anti-farmer and corrupt. 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?

Ethics Case Studies

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Q12 · UPSC 2024 · GS IV · 20 marks · Solution

Case study. Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist working for a reputed biotechnology company. He is heading a research team working on a new drug aimed at treating a rapidly spreading viral infectious disease. There is huge pressure to expedite the trials. Senior team members suggest shortcuts: manipulating data to exclude some negative outcomes, foregoing informed consent, and using compounds already patented by a rival company. Dr. Srinivasan is not comfortable taking such shortcuts, at the same time he realises 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?

Ethics Case Studies

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