GS Paper - IV Model Answers (2023) - 1 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Question 1 (a): What do you understand by 'moral integrity' and 'professional efficiency' in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:
Introduction
Corporate governance is a broad term that refers to the mechanisms, processes, and relationships that govern and direct corporations.

Moral integrity in corporate governance in India:

• Moral integrity is an unconditional and unwavering commitment to moral principles like compassion, honesty, sustainability etc.
• It will ensure the Greatest good to the greatest number by implementing the CSR scheme like the TATA group.
• The idea of Trusteeship can be realised with the help of moral integrity for example SEWA (Self Employed Women Association) and Amul.

Professional Efficiency in Corporate Governance in India:

• Professional efficiency refers to the ability to produce the greatest amount of tasks and labour with the least amount of time and effort.
• Professional efficiency is required to increase the productivity of the employee so that it can minimise the pain and maximise the pleasure of self and employer.

It is categorically imperative for an employee to be more and more efficient like Sundar Pichai.

Conclusion
Thus, it is clear that Moral integrity and Professional Efficiency are crucial to realise the objectives of corporate governance in India

Q1 (b): 'International aid' is an accepted form of helping 'resource challenged' nations. Comment on 'ethics in contemporary international aid'. Support your answer with suitable examples. (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:

Introduction
International aid involves the movement of financial resources, commodities, or services from a nation or global organization to assist the recipient party.

Ethics in contemporary international aid.

To increase the wisdom of general mass- education aid by Global Partnership for Education and UNESCO have supported Chad.

• To preserve human dignity, Ethiopia was helped by the World Food Programme to combat hunger and malnutrition.
• To realise the ideal of Universal brotherhood, E.g., Vaccine Maitri campaign by India.

Limitations of International aid.

• Dependency and Lack of Self-Reliance: Over-reliance on foreign aid can inhibit the country's ability to develop on its own. Eg. African Nations.
• Means vs. ends of Aid: Lyndon B Johnson used PL-480 scheme to shape India's opinion of Vietnam War. It acted as a tool of US foreign policy.
• Corruption and Misappropriation: Saddam Hussein's regime manipulated the distribution of humanitarian aid, diverting it for political and personal gain.

Conclusion
Conclusively, foreign aid should be done with ethical intent and distributed amongst the beneficiaries effectively. 

Q2 (a): "Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society." In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society? (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:
Introduction
Corruption results in depriving others of their rightful entitlements, indicating a deficiency in fundamental principles such as sensitivity, empathy, and concern for others.

Measures to Uplift the Core Values in Society

Role of Families:

• Parents teaching honesty through examples like paying taxes diligently, following rules.
• Grandparents sharing stories of exemplary leaders like Gandhiji to inspire values.

Promoting Value Education:

• National Service Scheme (NSS) in schools promotes values through community service.
• Value education made compulsory in schools after NEP 2020.

Community Engagement:

• Campaigns like Jaago Re! by Tata Tea promoted voter awareness and civic duties.
• Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) carried out mass campaigns to spread awareness about RTI.

Inner value transformation:

• Curb greed and promote contentment. Adhering to Buddha's teachings to control desire and find happiness.
• Yoga Day initiatives aim at wellness and cultivating discipline.

Reforming Governance:

• Promoting Probity and demonstration of accountability in public office
• Encouraging the use of conscience for decision-making.
• Recognize and reward honest officers
• Encourage community participation in civic life. E.g., Success of Bhagidari initiative in Delhi.

Conclusion
Core values let us live in a society like different cells in the organism – with harmony and cooperation, leading to the absence of corruption.

Q 2 (b): In the context of the work environment, differentiate between 'coercion' and 'undue influence' with suitable examples. (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:

Introduction
In an ideal scenario, the workplace should be characterized by democracy, inspiration, and motivation. Unfortunately, many organizations at times resort to intimidating methods, such as coercion and excessive influence, to align employees with the goals of the organization.

Coercion:

• Forced compliance is obtained by the use of threats, force or intimidation. E.g., Satyam Scandal, M Raju Coerced the employees into fraudulent activities.
• Coercion is deprivation of free will. BPO employees are coerced into working overnight shifts against labour laws by threatening job loss.
• It involves misuse of authority and violation of law.
• Coercion undermines human dignity and right to independent choice.
• Coercion leads to hostile work environment and legal issues. E.g., Enron Scandal, threat of job loss.

Undue Influence:

• It happens when someone misuses their power or trust to influence the decision-making of another person.
• Undue influence is unfair persuasion.
• Corporate lobbyists giving expensive gifts and hospitality to influence policies
• It involves taking unfair advantage of vulnerable position.
• It involves manipulation to sway their decision-making without usage of explicit force. E.g., Tobacco companies creating undue influence on scientists and researchers. (Marlboro case)
• It may lead to creation of collusive work environment. E.g., Coal block allocation case.

Conclusion
Organizations ought to avoid employing detrimental techniques such as coercion and unwarranted pressure on their employees. Instead, they should emphasize trust in their workforce, foster motivation, and acknowledge employees for their valuable contributions. Organizations should adopt Gandhi Ji's trusteeship model as a guiding principle.

Q3(a): "The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer." - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:

Introduction
This quote underscores the significance of translating thoughts into tangible deeds rather than relying solely on prayers and well-wishing. It highlights how even the smallest acts of kindness, both inward and outward, can have a far-reaching and amplified effect.

Strengthens personal character:

• Small actions make us more empathetic and compassionate beings. (universal brotherhood).
• Taking small steps develops courage, awakens conscience and expands our capacity for love (karma yoga).

Uplifting Shared Morality: Small acts of kindness shape our collective humanity. It reinforces values of empathy, dignity, inclusion and social support in daily life for all citizens. E.g.,

• 'Elderline' system to provide emotional support to senior citizens.
• Free food langars run by gurudwaras that anyone can partake of.

Significance in Public Policy: Mainstream inclusivity, promote equity, strengthen human potential in delivering justice, protect human right among others. E.g.,

• Making railway stations disability friendly with ramps and accessible toilets.
• Parental leave and childcare credits to support working families.

Role in private Corporations: Uplift communities, provide meaningful employment, promote diversity and empower people among others. E.g.,

• Microsoft has brought in an Autism Hiring Program to drive neurodiversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

Conclusion
By internalising and spreading goodwill through action, we can build a just society founded on mutual care and compassion

Q3(b): "To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves." – Jawaharlal Nehru. (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:

Introduction
Women are the primary agents of socialization for every child, and only empowered women can bring about positive change within families, communities, and on a national scale.

Here awakened women mean a woman who is aware of the self itself. This means she is aware of the inherent capabilities of production, care, compassion, management, sacrifice etc.

• Role of Women in awakening of Family: Now self-awareness can help in awakening the family because she has the highest impact on the family members through emotional bonds with all the members of the family. For example the role of the Mother of Thomas Elva Edison.
• Role of women in Awakening the village: Awakened women can lead the villagers to raise their concerns like the Chipko movement.
• Role of Women in Awakening at National Level: Awakened women can also create awareness at the national and international level like Malala Yusufzai. It is the virtue of the sacrifice of women that creates a great impact on the masses to follow her.

Conclusion
Thus it is clear that the awakening of women can help in progress at the national level.

Q3(c): "Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle." – Swami Vivekananda (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:
Introduction
In this quote, Swami Vivekananda provides wisdom about the cyclical nature of human emotions.

Hatred circling back: Harbouring hatred clouds our conscience, fuelling prejudice and intolerance. This breeds discrimination as we mistreat hated groups. Exclusion erodes social bonds, causing targets to resent and retaliate, completing the circle. Ultimately, hatred destroys our own integrity and fractures society through cycles of animosity.
E.g., Adolf Hitler anti-Semitism bred discrimination and human right violation, fuelling resentment. The holocaust horror circles back to the shaming and isolation of Germany.

Love circling back: Acts of love build bonds of trust and goodwill in society. As we uplift others through inclusion and justice, we foster a spirit of gratitude and solidarity. People support and cooperate with those who have helped them. The initial love expressed ultimately returns through reciprocal appreciation and a more united community.
E.g., Mother Teresa's humanitarian work motivated many more to join her mission. She received global recognition for her selfless love.

Conclusion
The future lies in building bonds of care and trust, uplifting humanity. We must transcend divides and radiate unity through compassionate service, defending justice and inclusion, leading by moral example, and celebrating our shared hopes and human oneness. 

Q4(a): "What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills - your EQ – not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests." Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:

Introduction
Both emotional intelligence (EQ) and cognitive intelligence (IQ) have significant roles in our lives. While cognitive abilities remain essential in various areas, emotional intelligence is crucial for developing vital human skills that contribute to our overall well-being and success.

• Success: IQ helps in academic and technical feats like solving complex problems. But EQ drives the perseverance, motivation and people skills needed to excel in careers and leadership. Steve Jobs succeeded through vision and ambition - EQ strengths.
• Character: IQ aids ethical analysis but EQ traits like empathy, integrity and compassion shape one's character. Nelson Mandela's magnanimity in fighting apartheid showed tremendous character forged by EQ.
• Happiness: IQ enables analysing ideas but happiness comes from emotional factors - relationships, gratitude, resilience and self-awareness. Dalai Lama highlights compassion as the key to true and lasting happiness.
• Lifelong Achievement: While IQ can help strategize goals, EQ provides the persistence to follow through over decades. Pioneering scientist Marie Curie's lifetime dedication to research was fuelled by passion - an EQ trait.

Conclusion
To attain success in every facet of life, both types of intelligence are indispensable. IQ equips us with the capabilities, while EQ imparts the significance. Cultivating emotional aptitude alongside our cognitive abilities is imperative for leading a wise, well-rounded, and influential life.

Q4(b): Differentiate 'moral intuition' from 'moral reasoning' with suitable examples. (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:

Introduction
Moral intuition and moral reasoning are two aspects of ethical decision-making, and they have some interrelations and differences.

Moral Intuition:

• It is a belief that there are objective moral truths in life and humans can understand these truths intuitively.
• It is spontaneous, occurring without conscious thought. Withdrawal of NCM by Gandhiji after Chauri Chaura.
• It is heavily influenced by emotions, instincts, and gut feelings. E.g., NAM Movement.
• Cultural and societal influences play a significant role in shaping moral intuitions.
• Decisions prone to Bias.

Moral Reasoning:

• It is a systematic conscious and analytical process of evaluating ethical dilemmas and making moral judgements.
• It involves a conscious and deliberate thought process. E.g., Raja Ram Mohan's opposition to Sati practice.
• It relies on logical analysis, ethical principles, and structured thinking E.g., Ambedkar's critique of the caste system.
• It is universal and less culture-dependent. E.g., Laws are based on reasoning.
• Unbiased decision

Conclusion
Thus, it can be said that moral intuitions may inform moral reasoning, and moral reasoning may refine or override initial intuitions when faced with complex ethical dilemmas.

Q5(a): Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:

Introduction
Law rules and conscience are considered sources of ethical guidance but their reliability is a matter of debate.

Why do laws and rules act as a source of ethical guidance?

• Laws are based on social norms so it has more acceptance like Civil laws.
• Laws are enacted by representatives hence they have legal sanctity.
• Because the creation of law involves thorough collective debates and discussions by learned men it is rational to follow the law.

Limitations of law and rules and regulations as a source of ethical guidance

• Mostly it is coercive: Income tax law
• It is a tool of powerful: Lifelong presidency by Xi-Jinping with the help of law, and apartheid.
• It may conflict with individual/social morality: Surrogacy law

Conscience as a source of ethical guidance:

• It allows reason and transcends his animal instincts.
• Conscience helps in interpreting ambiguous laws in the best possible manner.

Conclusion
Hence we can conclude that conscience should be considered a supplementary source of ethical guidance along with laws and rules.

Q5(b): Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socioeconomic development.' Discuss. (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:
Introduction
Probity originates from the Latin word 'probitas', meaning good. It is the quality of having strong moral principles and strictly following them.

Probity in Governance is concerned with upholding procedural uprightness, regardless of the individuals manning these institutions. It involves adopting an ethical and transparent approach, allowing the process to withstand scrutiny.

Role of Probity in ensuring effective Governance and Socio-economic development:

• Foremost, it helps build up the legitimacy of the system, i.e. the state. It builds trust in the institutions of the state and a belief that the actions of the state will be for the welfare of the beneficiaries.
• It leads to the avoidance of sub-optimal outcomes, corruption and poor perception through the values of honesty like Ashok Khemka.
• It ensures justice to the subjects through the values of fairness and transparency like implementing RTI in letter and spirit.
• It helps in checking the abuse and misuse of power by various organs of government by creating a sense of duty and accountability among the public servants.
• It can help in improving the work culture through the values of cooperation, tolerance, efficiency etc. like ISRO.

Conclusion
Thus it can be concluded that value of probity is crucial to attain maximum good to maximum number. 

Q6(a): What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:

Introduction
Guru Nanak was a spiritual teacher whose teachings significantly contributed to a moral awakening.

• Nam japna, kirt karna and vand chakhna: Basis of right belief and worship, honest living and helping others which promotes idea of collectivism in society.
• Equality of all Humans: Guru Nanak preached the equality of all humans regardless of their caste, creed, or social status. He rejected the caste system and emphasized that all people are equal in the eyes of God.
• Promoted virtue of compassion: He advocated charity and compassion in individuals which manifests in 'Pangat' (community kitchen), where people of all backgrounds sit and eat together as equals.
• Selfless Service (Seva): Guru Nanak encouraged selfless service to humanity. We are expected to engage in acts of kindness and service to others. E.g., Oxygen langar in the time of Covid-19 Crisis.
• The pursuit of active life with a strong sense of social commitment. E.g., Philanthropic activities carried out by the corporates, and compassionate capitalism of Tata Group.

Conclusion
In an era marked by a spiritual disconnect in people's lives, Guru Nanak's teachings offer a practical path towards achieving the highest good for us.

Q6(b): Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:

Introduction
Social capital encompasses the shared worth stemming from the degree of trust, connections, and networks within a community. It is fundamentally supported by ethical values like fairness, respect, and social equity.

Aspects of social capital:

• Social networks - bonds connecting people and enabling collective action.
• Civic participation - people coming together for community service.
• Cooperation - a culture of collaboration and reciprocity.
• Trust - confidence in social institutions and norms.

Social capital enhancing good governance:

Social networks allow leadership to engage citizens and be responsive to their needs. E.g., Kerala's Kudumbashree enables grassroots mobilisation and participation.

• Civic participation fosters active citizenship, accentuating accountability. It also allows people to express moral principles through action. E.g., MKSS's social audits drive accountability through active citizenship.
• Cooperation enables smooth policy implementation and compliance. Socially cohesive societies uplift disadvantaged sections through solidarity. E.g., Odisha's forest programs catalyse community cooperation.

High trust in institutions and leaders strengthens governance capabilities. This curbs prejudice and discrimination in governance. Universal rights and freedoms are nurtured. E.g., Delhi's Mohalla Sabhas build trust via transparent governance.

Conclusion
Social capital provides a moral foundation for good governance. It realises moral goals of justice, welfare and human dignity.