Mains PYQs - GS-IV (2025) (Q. 1 & 2)

1. (a) In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard. (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction:

Describe social media (or) the evolution of social media, etc.

Main Body

Ethical issues

• Privacy
• Authenticity of information
• Addiction
• Fake news
• Online harassment

Ethical dilemma

• Addiction vs focused mind
• Privacy vs convenience
• Accountability vs anonymity
• Truth vs virality vs virtual world
• Free speech vs hate speech

Conclusion:

Give a neutral conclusion and also suggest some measures.

(b) “Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence to the rule of law.” Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration. (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction:

Describe Constitutional morality.

Main Body

Significance for public servant

• Upholding the rule of law
• Ensures accountability
• Promotes good governance
• Promoting constitutional values
• Maintains political neutrality

Role in Good Governance

• Transparency
• Accountability
• Responsiveness
• Inclusiveness
• Participation

Role in Ensuring Accountability

• Adherence to RTI, social audits and grievance-redress mechanisms;
• Resistance to arbitrary orders and political interference;
• Reasoned decision-making and maintenance of proper records;
• Institutional checks through legislatures, courts, CAG, Lokpal and vigilance mechanisms;
• Willingness to report wrongdoing and protect institutional integrity.

Conclusion:

Give a neutral and progressive conclusion.

2. (a) “Carl von Clausewitz once said, ‘War is a diplomacy by other means.’ Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict. (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction:

Interpret the statement ‘War is a diplomacy by other means.’

Main Body

Relevance in the Contemporary Context

• War as an instrument of political objectives – Eg., Russia–Ukraine conflict.
• Limited wars for strategic gains – Eg., India's response during the 2016 surgical strikes, 2019 Balakot air strikes.
• Military power strengthens bargaining power
• War and diplomacy operate simultaneously – Peace negotiations, back-channel communications, prisoner exchanges and humanitarian agreements.
• Domestic political purpose
• New means of warfare – cyberattacks, proxy war, etc.

Critical Analyse

• Political objectives ultimately determine the purpose and termination of warfare.
• Creates economic loss, environmental damage, etc.
• Affects smaller countries very badly.
• Economic sanctions, cyberattacks, disinformation, trade restrictions, proxy warfare and technological competition.
• International laws emphasise peaceful settlements of disputes.
• Humanitarian loss
• However, contemporary geopolitics shows that war is no longer simply diplomacy conducted through military force.

Conclusion:

Give a neutral conclusion.

(b) Keeping national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country. (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction:

Describe sensitive border areas and development projects.

Main Body

Ethical dilemmas related to environmental clearance of developmental projects

• National security.
• Environmental conservation.
• Rights of local communities.
• Security versus sustainability.
• Public interest versus ecological rights.
• Operational secrecy vs environmental impunity.
• Economic development versus ecological irreversibility.
• Impact on present vs future generations.

Conclusion:

Give a neutral conclusion and suggest some measures.