In the profound words of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India and a renowned visionary, lies a timeless truth that transcends individual lives to shape the very fabric of societies.
UPSC Mains Question Paper
What does the quotation mean to you? “A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” – Mahatma Gandhi. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Mahatma Gandhi, a profound advocate of nonviolent civil disobedience and a key figure in India’s struggle for independence
What does the following quotation mean to you? “An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, once declared that “an unexamined life is not worth living.” This profound statement encapsulates the essence of his philosophical teachings and underscores the fundamental importance of self-reflection and introspection in the pursuit of a meaningful existence.
“Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotion work for you instead of against you.” Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Emotional Intelligence, as defined by the statement, underscores the pivotal role of emotions in human behavior and posits that mastering one’s emotions can be transformative.
What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Probity in governance refers to the adherence to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in the functioning of government institutions.
There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Right to Information Act. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
The intersection between the Official Secrets Act and the Right to Information Act has long been a subject of deliberation, giving rise to a contentious view that the former serves as a hindrance to the effective implementation of the latter.
Explain the basic principles of Citizen’s Charter movement and bring out its importance. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
The Citizen’s Charter movement, a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing public service delivery, revolves around the fundamental principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance.
What is meant by “crisis of conscience”? How does it manifest itself in the public domain? (150 Words, 10 Marks)
The term “crisis of conscience” encapsulates the internal conflict individuals experience when their deeply held moral or ethical beliefs clash with external pressures or societal norms.
What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one uphold constitutional morality? (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Constitutional morality refers to the adherence and commitment to the principles, values, and spirit enshrined in a constitution.
“Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption”. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (150 Words, 10 Words)
Corruption traditionally conjures images of financial malfeasance, but the failure to fulfill one’s responsibilities can be equally corrosive to the principles of public service.