UPSC 2024 Mains GS4 - All Model Answers

1. Difficulty level: The GS4 2024 paper leans towards the moderate to difficult range compared to the trends of the past three years. The questions are not only lengthy but also deeply contextual, demanding a strong grasp of applied ethics, with a heightened focus on contemporary issues such as technology, developmental issues, and global conflicts. While the case studies seem more manageable in terms of themes, their length and complexity make quick comprehension and time management critical.

2. Section wise analysis:

● Section A (Theory) presents a notable increase in difficulty, particularly with longer and more contextual questions that require a solid grasp of the subject and quick reading speed. Contemporary issues like Artificial intelligence, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, global conflicts, and climate change are heavily featured, demanding an ethical perspective. The questions are lengthier, requiring not just factual knowledge but also applied understanding. While there is a static blend, covering topics suchas ethics in human actions, codes of conduct, and public service, these require more than surface-level understanding. Additionally, the quotes, though seemingly simple, are more intricate, making them challenging to articulate effectively.

● Section B (Case Studies) focus on highly relevant contemporary issues such as technological sustainability, terror recruitment, naxalism, conflict of interest, environmental crises, and pharmaceutical testing. While the themes remain largely predictable and manageable due to their consistency with past patterns, the lengthier context in each case demands a quicker grasp of the issues. Additionally, the number of questions per case study, typically 3-4, aligns with previous trends, but the increased complexity in context may make the paper more time-consuming.

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1a. 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.

b. “Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour.” Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context.

2a. “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?

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 the society and the environment? (LiFE)

3. Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?

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

b. “Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” – Sardar Patel

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

4a. “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.

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.

5a. “The ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Code of Ethics’ are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.

b. The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, 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.

6a. “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.

b. Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour 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?

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 environmental activists, regulatory authorities, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario.

8. 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. 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.

9. With multipronged strategy of the Central and State Gove specially 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 naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to 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.

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 speciality center 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.

11. With the summer heat being exceptionally severe this year, the district has been facing severe water shortage. The District Collector has been mobilizing his subordinate officials to conserve the remaining water reserves for preventing the district from plunging into acute drinking water crisis. Along with an awareness campaign for conserving water, strict measures have been taken for stopping the over-exploitation of ground-water.

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.
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