General Studies IV

3 questions

• 2024 · Question 5 · Section A · 20 marks

  1. (a) "The 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Corporate governance and ESG
  • Defence reforms

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 7 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder of this company. The fast technological improvements have raised worries among environmental activists, regulatory authorities, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario. You confront substantial issues about the business's environmental footprint. In 2023, your organization had a significant increase of 48% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the levels recorded in 2019. The significant rise in energy consumption is mainly due to the surging energy requirements of your data centers, fuelled by the exponential expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-powered services need much more computational resources and electrical energy compared to conventional online activities, notwithstanding their notable gains. The technology's proliferation has led to a growing concern over the environmental repercussions, resulting in an increase in warnings. AI models, especially those used in extensive machine learning and data processing, exhibit much greater energy consumption than conventional computer tasks, with an exponential increase. Although there is already a commitment and goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, the challenge of lowering emissions seems overwhelming as the integration of AI continues to increase. To achieve this goal, substantial investments in renewable energy use would be necessary. The difficulty is exacerbated by the competitive environment of the technology sector, where rapid innovation is essential for preserving market standing and shareholders' worth. To achieve a balance between innovation, profitability and sustainability, a strategic move is necessary that is in line with both, business objectives and ethical obligations.

  1. (a) What is your immediate response to the challenges posed in the above case?

     undefined marks

  2. (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.

     undefined marks

  3. (c) Your company has been identified to be penalized by technological giants. What logical and ethical arguments will you put forth to convince about its necessity?

     undefined marks

  4. (d) Being a conscience being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between AI innovation and environmental footprint?

     undefined marks

  • Corporate governance and ESG
  • AI beyond agentic AI
  • Energy transition after the oil shock

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 10 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in-charge of the new super speciality center that the hospital is building with state-of-the art equipment and world class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother's company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favouritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers.

  1. (a) What should be Sneha's course of action?

     undefined marks

  2. (b) How would she justify what she chooses to do?

     undefined marks

  3. (c) In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?

     undefined marks

  • Integrity under political pressure
  • Corporate governance and ESG

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2024, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)