UPPSC MAINS 2018 Paper-4

Points to Remember: The Civil Service is the backbone of governance, responsible for implementing government policies and providing public services. Integrity, impartiality, objectivity, and non-partisanship are crucial ethical principles for civil servants. Breaches of these principles can lead to corruption, inefficiency, and erosion of public trust. Introduction: The Civil Service, the permanent bureaucracy of a … Read more Discuss and evaluate the relevance of the following in the context of the Civil Service: (a) Integrity (b) Impartiality (c) Objectivity (d) Non-partisanship

Points to Remember: Attitudes are learned predispositions to respond consistently favorably or unfavorably to an object, person, or event. Attitude formation is a complex process influenced by multiple factors. Experiences play a crucial role, but are not the sole determinant of attitudes. Introduction: The statement “Attitudes are the result of our experiences” highlights the significant … Read more “Attitudes are the result of our experiences.” Explain and evaluate the factors responsible for attitude formation in the context of this statement.

Points to Remember: The RTI Act mandates transparency and accountability. Public officials have a duty to uphold the law, even if it means facing personal consequences. Partial disclosure is not permitted under the RTI Act; it must be complete or justified by an exemption. Disciplinary action is a possibility, but not a justification for withholding … Read more A Public Information Officer has received an application under the “Right To Information (RTI) Act.” After gathering the required information, he finds that the information pertains to some of the decisions taken by him, which were not totally correct. Some other employees were also a party to these decisions.Disclosure of the information may lead towards disciplinary action against him and his other colleagues, including probable punishment. Non-disclosure of information or partial disclosure of information may result in less or no punishment.The Public Information Officer is an honest and conscientious person, but the particular decision regarding which an application under the RTI Act was lodged was a wrong decision.The officer comes to you for advice under the above conditions. What will be your advice to the officer? Explain logically.

Points to Remember: Nishant’s hypocrisy: The core issue is the discrepancy between Nishant’s public advocacy for government schools and his private pursuit of elite schooling for his child. Ethical considerations: The question explores ethical dilemmas related to personal actions versus public pronouncements. Consistency and credibility: Maintaining consistency between one’s beliefs and actions is crucial for … Read more Nishant is a socially sensitive, socialist, intellectual, and professor. Through his articles, speeches, and media, he raises the voices of laborers, minorities, downtrodden, women, and tribals. A party keeps him in its think tank. In this sequence, once he calls the members of civil society, intellectuals, politicians, and officers to get their children admitted to government schools. In the season of admissions, elite schools are highly criticized for their criteria and their impact on education, and Nishant also joins in these criticisms; meanwhile, it comes out that Nishant himself is trying to get his child admitted to an elite school. People condemn this attitude of Nishant and say that his “actions and words are mismatched.”Question:(i) Should Nishant get his child admitted to the government school? (ii) Should Nishant leave his intellectual discourses? (iii) Should he call his party followers in his favor? (iv) Or should he try to get the admission of his child in the elite school? Discuss.

Points to Remember: Persuasion’s role in attitude change. Different persuasive techniques. Ethical considerations in persuasion. Barriers to persuasive communication. Measuring the effectiveness of persuasive communication. Introduction: Persuasive communication is the art of influencing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It’s a crucial tool for social change, impacting everything from public health campaigns (e.g., promoting vaccination) to political … Read more Explain the importance of persuasive communication to change the attitudes of the masses.

Points to Remember: Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a practical skill, not just a theory. EQ has multiple dimensions impacting social interactions. Developing EQ leads to improved personal and professional success. Introduction: The statement “In essence, emotional intelligence is not a theoretical concept but a multidimensional social skill” highlights the practical application and multifaceted nature of … Read more “In essence, emotional intelligence is not a theoretical concept but a multidimensional social skill.” Explain the concept and dimensions of emotional intelligence in the context of this statement.

Points to Remember: Defining corruption and its various forms. Identifying the societal, economic, and political challenges posed by corruption. Exploring preventative measures at individual, societal, and governmental levels. Emphasizing the role of transparency, accountability, and strong institutions. Introduction: Corruption, the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, is a pervasive global challenge undermining development, eroding … Read more What are the challenges of corruption? What steps should be taken to prevent them from society? Explain.

Points to Remember: Kant’s Categorical Imperative Formalism vs. Materialism in Ethics Rigorism and its implications Practical application of Kantian ethics Criticisms of Kantian ethics Importance of Kantian principles in moral life Introduction: Immanuel Kant’s ethical theory, deontology, is often characterized as both formalist and rigorist. Formalism refers to its emphasis on the form or structure … Read more “Kant’s ethics is formalist and rigorist.” Critically examine this view and evaluate the importance of Kantian ethical principles in moral life.

Points to Remember: Ethical dilemmas faced by public servants stem from conflicts between personal values, professional duties, and societal expectations. Conscience plays a crucial role in navigating these dilemmas but is not a sole solution. External mechanisms and robust ethical frameworks are also essential. Transparency, accountability, and strong institutional mechanisms are vital for addressing ethical … Read more Explain the ethical dilemmas faced by public servants. Will conscience be helpful in their solution? Discuss.

Points to Remember: Dedication to public service is a cornerstone of effective administration. Effective administration encompasses efficiency, accountability, transparency, and responsiveness. Lack of dedication leads to corruption, inefficiency, and public dissatisfaction. Strengthening ethical frameworks and promoting a culture of public service are crucial. Introduction: Effective administration is the bedrock of a well-functioning society. It involves … Read more “Effective administration requires dedication towards Public Service.” Explain.