UPPSC MAINS 2019 Paper-4

Points to Remember: The RTI Act aims for transparency and accountability. Public Information Officers (PIOs) have a duty to disclose information, subject to exemptions. Withholding information can lead to penalties. The PIO’s personal consequences must be balanced against the public’s right to information. Ethical considerations are paramount. Introduction: The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, … Read more A Public Information Officer has received an application under ‘Right To Information (RTI) Act’. After gathering the required information, he finds that the informations pertain 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 informations 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 to 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 your advice under the above conditions what will be your advice to the officer? Explain logically.

Points to Remember: Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a practical skill, not just a theory. EQ has multiple dimensions impacting social interactions. Understanding and managing emotions are central to EQ. High EQ contributes to personal and professional success. Introduction: Emotional intelligence (EQ), unlike traditional measures of intelligence (IQ), focuses on the ability to understand and manage … 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 the statement.

Points to Remember: The core values of a civil service are integrity, impartiality, objectivity, and non-partisanship. These values ensure public trust and effective governance. Each value has specific implications for civil servants’ conduct and decision-making. Breaches of these values can lead to significant negative consequences. Strengthening these values requires robust mechanisms for accountability and ethical … 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: 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 importance 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 according to you to prevent them from the society? Explain.

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 school admission for his child. Ethical considerations: The question explores the ethics of public figures, consistency between words and actions, and the impact of hypocrisy on credibility. Societal impact: Nishant’s actions … Read more Nishant is a socially sensitive, socialist, intellectual and professor. Through his articles, speeches and media, he raises the voices of labourers, minorities, downtroddens, 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 in the government schools. In the season of admissions, the elite schools are highly criticised for their criteria and its impact on education and Nishant also joins in these criticism; meanwhile it comes out that Nishant himself is trying to get his child admitted in an elite school. People condemn this attitude of Nishant and say that his ‘action and words are mismatched’. Question therefore is 1) Should Nishant get his child admitted in the government school? 2) Should Nishant leave his intellectual discourses? 3) Should he call his party followers in his favour? 4) Or should he try to get the admission of his child in the elite school? Discuss.

Points to Remember: Persuasive communication’s role in attitude change. Mechanisms of persuasion (ethos, pathos, logos). Barriers to persuasive communication. Strategies for effective persuasive communication. Ethical considerations in 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., … Read more Explain the importance of persuasive communication to change the attitudes of the masses.

Points to Remember: Ethics and morality are closely related but distinct concepts. Ethics are externally imposed rules and principles, while morality is internalized, personal beliefs. Determinants of ethical actions are multifaceted, influenced by individual, social, and situational factors. Introduction: Ethics and morality are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct yet interconnected concepts. Morality refers … Read more Differentiate between ethics and morality and explain the determinants of ethical actions.

Points to Remember: Kant’s categorical imperative The role of reason and duty in Kantian ethics Criticisms of Kantian formalism and rigorism The practical application of Kantian principles The enduring relevance of Kantian ethics Introduction: Immanuel Kant’s deontological ethical theory is often characterized as both formalist and rigorist. Formalism refers to its emphasis on the form … 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 its effectiveness depends on individual strength and institutional support. Solutions require a robust ethical framework, transparent processes, and mechanisms for whistleblowing and accountability. Introduction: Public … Read more Explain the ethical dilemmas faced by the public servants. Will conscience be helpful in their solution ? Discuss.