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Exam Year: 2021

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    The above statement highlights the fundamental truth that human beings are inherently social creatures. Meaning in life emerges from cooperation, mutual care and shared responsibility rather than from radical individualism.

    Values involved

    Solidarity

    Cooperation

    Empathy

    Mutual respect

    Responsibility

    Collective well-being

    Social harmony

    Inclusiveness

    Reciprocity

    From a psychological perspective, each stage of human growth involves social interaction. The trust an infant feels depends on the care of an adult, the identity that an individual gets depends on society and the integrity an elder feels depends on the respect of the young. A life focused solely on the “I” leads to stagnation and isolation. Eg- rising depression among isolated youth

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, individual safety depended on collective behaviour – mask-wearing, vaccination and mutual care.

    Similarly, Climate change similarly reveals global interdependence. Stubble burning in Punjab impact quality of air in Delhi.

    Globalization has resulted in economic interdependence. A disruption in one part of the world can affect supply chains, employment and prices elsewhere.

    At social level, harmony depends on people recognising that their freedoms are tied to others’ rights. Eg- SHG movement in India empower women through collective savings and mutual support

    Ethically, the quote challenges extreme individualism that prioritises personal gain over social welfare. When people forget interdependence, societies fragment, inequality widens, and conflict intensifies as seen in Middle East.

    On the other hand, India sending vaccines to neighbouring countries under Vaccine Maitri reflected recognition of global ethical interdependence.

    Recognising this interconnection is essential for sustainable development, social harmony and global peace.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    A crisis of conscience arises when a person faces a conflict between personal values, professional duties, social pressures and moral principles. EI can play decisive role in navigating this crisis.

    Role of EI in overcoming crisis of conscience

    Self-awareness helps identify moral discomfort early.

    Self-regulation prevents panic, fear or anger from dictating action. (“Amygdala Hijack”) Eg- Sanjiv Chaturvedi (IFS) exposing corruption in AIIMS

    EI provides Moral clarity through reflection – prevents impulsive action.

    EI builds courage through emotional control and enables ethical action. Eg- Whistleblowers like Satyendra Dubey.

    EI developes communication skills that enables respectful dissent. Eg- Mahatma Gandhi

    EI helps in conflict management without hostility. Eg- Nelson Mandela balancing justice and reconciliation.

    It builds resilience to endure consequences of ethical action. Eg- punitive transfers of Ashok Khemka

    Empathy and perspective-taking helps avoid moral absolutism and promotes fairness. Eg- Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer institutionalising PIL

    Inner peace through EI reduces cognitive dissonance after ethical choice. Eg- Satish Dhawan taking responsibility for failure

    On the other hand, EI can also undermine ethical stand

    EI can be used to justify unethical actions. Eg- bureaucrats blaming “political pressure” to justify complicity.

    Rationalisation of wrongdoing – Managing guilt instead of correcting behaviour. Eg- “sanskritization of corruption”

    Manipulation of others’ emotions. Eg- Cult leaders like Jim Jones emotionally controlled followers into mass suicide.

    Conflict avoidance instead of necessary confrontation. Eg- Corporate HR heads ignoring harassment complaints to “avoid workplace disruption”.

    Institutional conformity – EI helps individuals to adapt to unethical cultures. Eg- Eichmann committing atrocities under “orders” (banality of evil)

    Emotional burnout due to constant emotional regulation

    High empathy may lead to compromise on objectivity and firmness

    Ethical relativism – Eg- Justifying censorship or surveillance as “necessary for public safety.”

    Thus, EI is value-neutral and a “means” to an “end.” It needs a strong moral compass to develop virtuous character.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    Attitude refers to a person’s predisposition to think, feel and act in a particular way. In the words of Lou Holtz,

    “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

    Importance of Attitude in the Development of Humans

    Knowledge Function- Attitudes help humans organize and simplify complex information. Eg- positive attitude toward “Digital Governance” make it easier to implement new tech-tools.

    Ego-Defensive Function- Protects self-esteem and emotional stability. Eg- Coping with failure without losing confidence.

    Value-Expressive Function- Attitudes allow humans to express their central values.

    Instrumental function – Guides behaviour to achieve rewards and avoid punishment.

    Adaptive (utilitarian) function – Helps individuals adjust to social and professional environments

    Attitude acts as a “behavioral compass,” ensuring consistency in beliefs and actions, leading to a sense of “Wholeness.”

    Decision-making function – Influences judgement and choices.

    Ways to build a suitable attitude for a public servant

    Internalising constitutional and ethical values. Eg- Ethics training at LBSNAA.

    Sensitivity Training through village immersion programs for breaking the “Elite Bubble.”

    Practicing Self-reflection for recognising biases and emotional triggers. Eg- reflective journaling.

    Developing Emotional intelligence through mindfulness and counselling sessions for managing stress and conflict constructively.

    Role modelling. Eg- “Technocratic Optimism” of E. Sreedharan for a solution-oriented attitude

    Learning responsibility through transparency. Eg- Social audits and RTI processes.

    Continuous learning for updating knowledge and perspectives. Eg- Mid-career training.

    Adversity Simulation – Creating high-pressure scenarios in a controlled environment to build resilience. Eg- “crisis-room” simulation during training

    Peer-to-Peer De-biasing- Group sessions to identify and dismantle hidden prejudices and develop objectivity. Eg- Using Implicit Association Tests (IAT)

    Feedback Loops- Direct citizen interaction to develop compassion and leadership. Eg- Jan Sunwais

    Historical Analysis of Failures to build Proactiveness. Eg- Analyzing the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to foster an attitude of “Precautionary Vigilance” rather than “Post-facto Compliance.”

    These can help in shifting from a “Command and Control” mindset to “Collaborate and Care” attitude among public servants

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

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    Correct Answer:

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    As per Bruce Hoffman, “Terrorism is the deliberate creation and exploitation of fear through violence or the threat of violence in the pursuit of political change.”

    Complexity of Terrorism

    Absence of a universally accepted definition makes global consensus and coordination difficult.

    Multi-actor nature – Involves state-sponsored, non-state, proxy and lone-wolf actors

    Decentralised structure limits traceability. Eg- lone wolf attacks

    Transnational character – Funding, training, ideology and operations span across borders.

    Technological sophistication increases operational complexity. Eg- Use of encrypted communication, drones and digital finance.

    Intensity of Terrorism (Global Terrorism Index 2025)

    Over 8,000 terrorism-related deaths globally (2024)

    Islamic State (IS) expanded its operations to 22 countries

    Terrorist attacks jumped by 63% in the West

    India witnessed Pahalgam terrorist attack in 2025

    High psychological impact

    Causes of Terrorism

    Political Causes

    Political instability – Weak or exclusionary governance fuels extremism. Eg- in Syria

    Ideological radicalisation through identity and grievance politics. Eg- ISIS

    State repression – Eg- Militant recruitment in Kashmir exploiting allegations of rights abuses.

    Socio-Economic Causes

    Poverty and unemployment Create fertile ground for recruitment. Eg- in Palestine (Hamas)

    Inequality – Disparity between haves and have-nots fuels resentment.

    Regional underdevelopment and ‘Governance vaccum’- Eg- Insurgency in India’s Northeast

    Geopolitical Causes

    Proxy warfare and state sponsorship – Eg- Pakistan’s policy of bleeding India by thousand cuts

    Regional conflicts – Eg- Iran’s support “Axis of Resistance” including Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis.

    Technological and Global Factors

    Online radicalisation – Eg- Use of Telegram and encrypted platforms by terror outfits.

    Ease of connectivity and funding – Eg- Hawala networks financing terror modules in India

    Linkages and Obnoxious Nexus

    Terrorism-Organised Crime Nexus – Eg- role of D-Company in 1993 Bombay blast

    Terrorism-Narco Nexus – Drug trade finances terror operations and insurgency.

    Terrorism-Religious Extremism Nexus for recruitment and legitimacy.

    Terrorism-Cyber Nexus – Use of social media and encrypted platforms for propaganda

    Terrorism-State and Non-State Actor Nexus. Eg- Pakistan’s support to LeT and JeM

    The zero tolerance against terrorism strategy needs 6-fold approach

    Robust counter-terror legal framework – Swift investigation, prosecution and conviction.

    Strengthening HUMINT (Human Intelligence) and TECHINT (Technological Intelligence).

    SMART Borders (Madhukar Gupta Committee)

    Raising cost of terrorism for Pakistan. Eg- Operation Sindoor

    Human-centric Counterinsurgency

    International Cooperation – Intelligence sharing, financial sanctions and diplomatic pressure on sponsors of terrorism. Eg- FATF Grey Listing

    Thus a holistic strategy is needed for ‘Terror free world’.

    Role of External State and Non-state Actors

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    Correct Answer:

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    As per report of CloudSEK, India emerged as the second most targeted nation in terms of cyber attacks in 2024.

    Impact of Cross-Border Cyber Attacks

    Threat to Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) – Eg – attempts by the Pakistan-linked APT36 group to infiltrate India’s Northern Power Grid

    Economic Destabilization by attacks on financial gateways like UPI or BSE.

    Salami-Slicing of Intellectual Property (IP)- Eg- theft of IP from manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors to weaken India’s “Make in India” competitive edge.

    State-Sponsored Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)- Eg- Pakistan-linked actors used “Dance of the Hillary” malware to infiltrate DRDO systems during “Operation Sindoor”

    Compromise of National Defense & Military Intelligence- “Operation FlightNight” targeted Indian defense and energy sectors using malware disguised as an Indian Air Force invitation.

    Psychological Warfare- Eg- Following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan-linked groups flooded social media with 2 lakh deepfakes and “forged” government documents to spread panic.

    Threat to privacy. Eg- Star Health Insurance breach leaking data of 31 million customers

    “Mass Defacement” – Simultaneously taking down hundreds of government websites to Undermine government authority

    Measures to Strengthen Cyber Security in India

    Legal Measures

    Stringent implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act to hold “Data Fiduciaries” (companies) accountable for breaches.

    Empower the CBI to investigate cybercrime cases nationwide without needing general consent from state. (Parliamentary panel on home affairs)

    Replacing the IT Act, 2000, with the proposed Digital India Act to address modern threats like Deepfakes, AI-driven extortion.

    Institutional Measures

    Expanding the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre to serve as a 24/7 national “War Room” for real-time threat mitigation and interstate coordination.

    Strengthening the NCIIPC to secure “Critical Information Infrastructure” (CII).

    Establishing dedicated cyber-police stations in every district, integrated with the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (1930).

    Policy Measures

    Implementing the National Cyber Security Strategy focusing on Sovereign Cyber Defense and building a “Cyber-Resilient” ecosystem.

    Adhering to the CERT-In Cyber Security Audit Policy, which mandates annual third-party audits for all government and critical sector entities.

    Promoting the Golden Hour Protocol to report financial frauds within the first 2 hours.

    Technological Measures

    Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA)- Transitioning from traditional perimeter security to a “Never Trust, Always Verify” model for all digital access requests.

    AI-Driven Threat Intelligence- Deploying machine learning algorithms for real-time detection of anomalies and Automated Incident Response (AIR).

    Promoting the “Atmanirbhar” development of indigenous operating systems and security software. Eg- Maya OS

    Global Measures

    Leveraging partnerships like the Quad Senior Cyber Group to share threat intelligence on state-sponsored APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats) in the Indo-Pacific.

    Collaborating with Interpol (Project Gateway) and FATF to track and dismantle the financial backbones of transnational “Cyber Slavery” hubs.

    Social Measures

    Digital Literacy (Cyber Shikshaa)- awareness campaigns like #CyberDost

    Capacity building of the judicial and police workforce through the CyTrain portal

    Cyber Hygiene- Eg- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and use of the “Chakshu” portal for reporting suspicious communications.

    As cybercrimes move into the realm of “Grey Zone Warfare,” India’s cyber defense must be proactive rather than reactive.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    Internal security can be defined as the management of security within the border of a country. It involves the maintenance of peace, law and order, upholding the sovereignty of the country and dealing with external state and non-state actors.

    Multidimensional Challenges Posed by External Actors

    Challenges from External State Actors

    Proxy Warfare by Pakistan to ‘Bleed India by thousand cuts’. Eg- Pakistan-backed LeT and JeM in Jammu & Kashmir.

    Border incursions by china. Eg- Galwan clash

    Cyber spionage targeting digital and critical systems. Eg- APT41 (China), targeted Indian telecom, power grids

    Strategic Encirclement under ‘string of pearls’. Eg- Chinese presence at Gwadar, Hambantota and Maldives.

    Disinformation Operations – Use of social media and digital platforms to spread fake news, incite communal unrest, and delegitimize democratic institutions.

    Hybrid Warfare – Eg- use of drones by Pakistan to challenge India’s air defenses during 2025 Operation Sindoor

    Illegal migration along porus border impacting demography in border states and leading to social unrest. Eg- Rohingya infiltration via Bangladesh

    Challenges from External Non-State Actors

    Terrorist Organisations – Violence to create fear and instability. Eg- Red Fort Bombings

    Organized Crime Syndicates – Terror-financing, arms & drug smuggling, extortion, money laundering etc. Eg- D-Company

    Left-Wing Extremists (Naxalites) – Guerrilla attacks on police and destruction of infrastructure. Eg- dantewada attack

    North-East Insurgent Groups – Ethnic militancy, drug and human trafficking along India-Myanmar border. Eg- NSCN (IM), ULFA

    Cyber Criminals – Data breaches, espionage, financial frauds, infrastructure sabotage etc. Eg- RedEcho group (China-linked)

    Foreign-Funded NGOs – Anti-development protests, exploitation of tribal/ethnic fault lines (loss of 2% of GDP – IB Report).

    Narco-Terrorism – Drug trade funding violence and terrorism. Eg- Heroin and arms smuggling via Punjab border.

    Measures required

    Policy measures

    Finalisation of National security doctrine

    Federal coordination through national internal security council

    Security and Intelligence Measures

    Strengthening HUMINT (Human Intelligence) and TECHINT (Technological Intelligence).

    SMART Borders (Madhukar Gupta Committee)

    Legal and Institutional Measures

    Robust Counter-Terror and AML Frameworks – Swift investigation, prosecution and conviction under UAPA and PMLA

    Cyber Security Capacity – Expansion of CERT-In, cyber commands and AI-based monitoring.

    Diplomatic Measures

    International Cooperation through intelligence sharing and financial sanctions. Eg- FATF Grey Listing

    Raising cost of terrorism for Pakistan. Eg- Operation Sindoor

    Social and developmental Measures

    De-radicalisation and Counselling of youth

    Heart and mind strategy – Eg- Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill) of Indian Army

    Employment and Skill Development to mainstream youth. Eg- Udaan Scheme

    Technological Measures

    Use of AI, Big Data and Satellites – Predictive policing and early threat detection.

    As per Kautilya, security witthin borders is indispensible for achieving Yogakshema – security, welfare, and prosperity of citizens

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    As per FATF, “Money laundering is the processing of criminal proceeds to disguise their illegal origin in order to legitimize the ill-gotten gains of crime.”

    As per UNODC, money laundering costs around 2-5% of global GDP ($2 to $5.5 trillion)

    Role of emerging technologies

    Cryptocurrencies and Virtual Assets – Enable anonymous, borderless and rapid transfers. Eg- Laundering through Bitcoin and privacy coins.

    Dark Web and Encrypted Platforms – Facilitate illegal marketplaces and untraceable transactions. Eg- “Hydra Market”

    Fintech and Digital Payments – Micro-transactions and layering obscure audit trails. Eg- Use of mule accounts in UPI scams.

    AI Tools – Creation of fake digital identities to open mule accounts.

    Online Gambling and Gaming Platforms – Convert illicit funds into in-game assets and winnings. Eg- betting apps linked to Mahadev Book

    NFT Markets – Buying and selling NFTs at inflated prices to legitimise funds.

    DeFi Platforms – use mixers, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and cross-chain bridges to obscure the origins of illicit funds. Eg- internationally sanctioned Tornado Cash

    Impact of Globalisation on Money Laundering

    Ease of Cross-Border Capital Mobility. Eg- Nirav Modi-PNB scam funds traced across Hong Kong, Dubai and the UK

    Offshore Financial Centres and Tax Havens. Eg- Eg- Pandora Papers (2021) revealed shell companies in British Virgin Islands used to hide assets.

    Complex Global Trade Networks – Trade-based laundering through invoice manipulation.

    Multinational Corporate Structures launder money through Shell companies. Eg- Eg- Adani-Hindenburg case (2023)

    Migration and Remittance Networks – Eg- Hawala networks in Gulf-Kerala corridor linked to gold smuggling and laundering.

    Measures taken

    At national Level

    PMLA, 2002 and Amendments

    Definition of “proceeds of crime” expanded to include assets held abroad.

    Virtual digital assets (VDAs) like cryptocurrencies, online gaming and betting platforms brought under PMLA.

    PMLA linked with National Financial Information Registry (RBI) to improve real-time data monitoring.

    ED- Investigates offences under PMLA, including attachment and confiscation of properties. Eg- over 6000 cases filed

    Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND)- Receives and analyses suspicious transaction reports from banks and financial institutions.

    Regulatory Measures by Financial Regulators (KYC norms)

    RBI for banking

    SEBI for capital markets

    IRDAI for insurance

    At international level

    Vienna convention on money laundering 1988.

    FATF – Intergovernmental body setting global AML standards. (India in “regular follow-up” category – highest rating by FATF)

    Egmont Group – International network of FIUs for sharing of financial intelligence across borders.

    Basel AML Index – Ranks countries on AML risk.

    OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS) – Information exchange among countries to detect offshore tax evasion and illicit financial flows.

    India has signed DTAA with 85 countries to prevent illegal activities like tax evasion & money laundering.

    These measures India’s commitment to zero tolerance for money laundering and terror funding.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    According to the World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir, India is the 5th most polluted country, with an average PM2.5 level of 50.6 ”g/m³, 10 times the WHO safe limit (5 ”g/m³).

    Key Points of the Revised WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs)

    The 2021 AQGs set significantly lower recommended levels for major pollutants to better protect health.

    Coverage of Six Key Pollutants – PM2.5, PM10, ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO).

    Include stepwise interim targets to help countries progressively reduce pollution. Eg- Short-term and long-term average recommendations for NO₂ and CO

    Provide guidance on specific particle types (black carbon, ultrafine particles)

    Differences from the 2005 Update

    More Stringent Pollutant Thresholds –

    The annual PM2.5 guideline was halved, from 10 ”g/m³ (2005) to 5 ”g/m³ (2021)

    PM10 and NO₂ limits are also significantly reduced.

    Expanded Pollutant Coverage – include updated short-term exposure metrics and carbon monoxide.

    Stronger Scientific Basis – incorporate global epidemiological data and new evidence on low-level health effects, unlike the more limited evidence base of 2005.

    New emphasis on interim milestone targets for progressive improvement, unlike the broader recommendations in 2005.

    Changes Required in India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

    Revise Reduction Targets to align with WHO’s stricter limits rather than the current 20-40% reduction targets.

    Broaden the air quality monitoring network to include more cities, rural zones, and all six pollutants to match WHO standards.

    Improve enforcement and adopt binding air quality targets rather than advisory ones

    Implement an airshed-based approach that addresses transport, industry, biomass burning and regional pollution transport collaboratively.

    Integrate health impact data and public communication into NCAP, promoting behaviour change

    Strengthening NCAP to meet WHO AQGs supports India’s Panchamrit climate goals, and long-term sustainable development objectives.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    Green Grid Initiative, launched by India and UK, seeks to establish an inter-connected global renewable power grid, under the principle of “one sun, one world, one grid.”

    Purpose of Green Grid Initiative

    It is based on three thematic pillars:

    Finance – Mobilise investment to double grid funding by 2030.

    Planning, Permits & Operation – Improve long-term planning and speed up approvals for faster grid development.

    Supply Chains – Strengthen manufacturing and match demand with supply of grid components.

    “The Sun Never Sets” Vision – Ensure continuous solar availability globally by connecting regions in different time zones.

    Build international collaboration for the effective use of renewable energy.

    Global Interconnected Grid to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

    Energy Sharing Mechanism – Enable countries with low sunlight to access power from regions with surplus solar energy.

    Ensuring energy equity and access: enabling mini-grids and off-grid communities

    Accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels by enhancing deployment of clean energy

    History of Green Grid Initiative

    The concept of OSOWOG was first introduced by India’s Prime Minister at the first Assembly of ISA in October 2018.

    It was formally launched by India and UK in COP26

    By building a framework for international cooperation, it strengthens the global pathway towards decarbonisation and energy security by 2030, making it a pivotal instrument for achieving SDG-7 and supporting global climate action.

    (a)

    (b)

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    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP-26) to the UNFCCC, held in Glasgow in 2021, sought to accelerate global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C under the Paris Agreement.

    Major Outcomes of COP-26

    Recognition of Climate Emergency – Countries reaffirmed the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.

    Accelerating Climate Action

    Countries acknowledged this as a critical decade, requiring 45% CO₂ reduction by 2030 to reach net-zero by mid-century.

    They agreed to submit stronger NDCs by 2022, and an annual NDC synthesis report.

    For the first time, parties agreed to phase down unabated coal and phase out inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies, though language was weakened from “phase-out” to “phase-down.”

    Urged immediate fulfilment of Climate Finance Commitments by Developed countries

    Countries agreed to double adaptation finance for developing nations and launched a Global Goal on Adaptation work programme.

    Completing the Paris Rulebook – Consensus achieved on Article 6 (carbon markets), Enhanced Transparency Framework, and common reporting formats.

    Strengthening of the Santiago Network for technical assistance and launch of the Glasgow Dialogue on funding arrangements for loss and damage.

    Major Side Deals & Announcements

    Forests: 137 countries committed to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

    103 countries joined the Global Methane Pledge to cut emissions by 30% by 2030.

    Zero-Emission Vehicles: Over 30 countries and major automakers committed to new zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035/2040.

    India’s Commitments at COP-26

    Panchamrit – Five Key Climate Targets

    500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030

    50% of energy requirements from renewables by 2030

    Reduction of emissions intensity of GDP by 45% (from 2005 levels) by 2030

    1 billion tonnes reduction in projected carbon emissions by 2030

    Net-zero by 2070

    India, along with the UK, launched the Green Grids Initiative – One Sun, One World and One Grid mission to connect grids

    Call for Climate Justice & Equity – India emphasised Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC) and demanded enhanced finance and technology transfer from developed countries.

    The mantra of LIFE- Lifestyle for Environment as a mass movement for Environment Conscious Lifestyles.

    The summit produced new “building blocks” to advance implementation of the Paris Agreement for sustainable, low-carbon pathway forward.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer: