General Studies IV

3 questions

• 2025 · Question 8 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  In line with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs — "Roti, Kapda aur Makan (Food, Clothes and Shelter)" — for the under-privileged. Pursuing this mandate, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of forest land to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections of the society. The proposed land, however, is an ecologically sensitive zone densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital biodiversity. Besides, these forests help to regulate micro-climate and rainfalls; provide habitat for wildlife, support soil fertility and prevent land/soil erosion and sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities. Inspite of the ecological and social costs, the administration argues in favour of the said proposal by highlighting that this very initiative addresses fundamental human rights as a critical welfare priority. Besides, it fulfils the government's duty to uplift and empower the poor through inclusive housing development. Further, these forest areas have become unsafe due to wild-animal threats and recurring human-wild life conflicts. Lastly, clearing forest-zones may help to curb anti-social elements allegedly using these areas as hideouts, thereby enhancing law and order.

  1. (a) Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like, housing for the homeless?

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  2. (b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development?

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  3. (c) What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected?

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  • Climate and intergenerational justice
  • Forest governance

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2025, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

• 2024 · Question 2 · Section A · 20 marks

  1. (a) "It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it." In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today's international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts?

     10 marks · 150 words

  2. (b) Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment?

     10 marks · 150 words

  • Ethics in war and foreign policy
  • Climate and intergenerational justice

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

• 2022 · Question 12 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words

  You are appointed as an officer heading the section in Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its follow-up. In that region, there were large number of small and medium industries which had been granted clearance. You learnt that these industries provide employment to many migrant workers. Most of the industrial units have got environmental clearance certificate in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper environment and living species in the region. But in practice, most of these units remain to be polluting units in several ways like air, water and soil pollution. As such, local people encountered persistent health problems. It was confirmed that majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent authority. However, your action met with hostile response from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local politicians. The workers also became very hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant unemployment will lead to insecurity and uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the industries approached you with the plea that you should not initiate harsh action as it would compel them to close their units, and cause huge financial loss, shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the labourers and the consumers alike. The labour union also sent you representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown corners. You however received supports from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and they demanded the closure of the polluting units immediately.

  1. (a) What are the options available to you under the given situation?

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  2. (b) Critically examine the options listed by you.

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  3. (c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance?

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  4. (d) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in exercising your option?

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  • Climate and intergenerational justice
  • Air pollution

  Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2022, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)