General Studies 2021 GS Paper IV 20 marks 150 words Compulsory Critically evaluate

Q2

(a) Impact of digital technology as reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example. (Answer in 150 words) 10 (b) Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) तर्कसंगत निर्णय लेने के लिए निवेश (इनपुट) के विश्वसनीय स्रोत के रूप में डिजिटल प्रौद्योगिकी का प्रभाव एक बहस का मुद्दा है। उपयुक्त उदाहरण के साथ आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) (b) नैतिक दुविधाओं का समाधान करते समय एक लोक अधिकारी को कार्यक्षेत्र के ज्ञान के अलावा नव-परिवर्तनशीलता और उच्च क्रम की रचनात्मकता की भी आवश्यकता होती है। उपयुक्त उदाहरण सहित विवेचन कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Critically evaluate

This question asks you to critically evaluate. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Begin with a brief introduction acknowledging both dimensions—digital technology's contested reliability for rational decisions and the necessity of creativity beyond domain knowledge in ethical dilemmas. For part (a), allocate ~75 words to examine both merits (data-driven precision, real-time analytics) and limitations (algorithmic bias, data quality issues, context-blindness) with balanced critique. For part (b), use remaining ~75 words to argue why rote knowledge fails in novel ethical situations, demonstrating how creative reframing generates win-win solutions. Conclude by synthesizing both: technology provides inputs, but human creativity ensures ethically sound judgments. Use one concrete Indian example per part.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Digital technology enhances rational decision-making through big data, AI predictive analytics, and evidence-based policy (e.g., Aadhaar-linked DBT reducing leakage)
  • Part (a): Critical limitations—algorithmic bias (facial recognition errors), garbage-in-garbage-out data quality, absence of contextual/nuanced understanding, surveillance concerns
  • Part (b): Domain knowledge alone insufficient for novel ethical dilemmas requiring value conflicts resolution (efficiency vs. equity, transparency vs. security)
  • Part (b): Innovativeness enables reframing dilemmas, finding third-way solutions, stakeholder-inclusive approaches beyond rule-book adherence
  • Synthesis: Technology as tool, creativity as essential human complement—neither alone sufficient for ethical governance

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Demand-directive understanding20%4Correctly identifies 'critically evaluate' for (a) requiring balanced pros-cons analysis, and 'discuss' for (b) needing explanatory argumentation with examples; maintains distinct treatment of both sub-parts without conflationAddresses both parts but treats (a) as purely descriptive or (b) as mere listing; partial confusion between evaluation and discussion demandsMisreads directives—treats (a) as endorsement without critique or (b) as opinion without reasoning; merges parts into single undifferentiated response
Content depth & accuracy20%4Demonstrates sophisticated grasp of AI limitations (bias, opacity, context-blindness) and creativity's role in ethical reasoning (divergent thinking, moral imagination); accurate technical and ethical terminologySuperficial coverage of digital pros/cons; generic mention of 'thinking out of box' without explaining how creativity resolves specific dilemma typesFactual errors about technology (claims AI is neutral) or creativity (equates with corruption/shortcuts); irrelevant content on digital India without ethical focus
Structure & flow20%4Clear demarcation between (a) and (b) with internal structure—technology arguments flow from utility to critique; creativity argument builds from problem to solution; smooth transitional synthesisBoth parts present but unevenly developed; some structural cues but abrupt shifts; conclusion generic without integrating both themesDisorganized—parts intermixed or one part dominates; no logical progression; missing introduction or conclusion within word constraints
Examples / case-law / data20%4Specific Indian examples: for (a)—COMPASS algorithm concerns in criminal justice, or Aadhaar exclusion errors; for (b)—creative solutions like Kerala's participatory budgeting or IAS officer's community mediation innovationGeneric international examples (Facebook, autonomous vehicles) without Indian relevance; or stated without elaborating connection to argumentNo examples or irrelevant ones (unrelated tech/schemes); fictional/unverifiable claims; examples contradict the argument made
Conclusion & analytical edge20%4Synthesizes both parts insightfully—technology provides structured inputs but cannot substitute human judgment in value-laden situations; creativity ensures ethical outcomes when rules are indeterminate; forward-looking on human-AI collaboration in governanceSeparate summaries for each part without synthesis; or truism conclusion ('balance is needed') without demonstrating what balanced approach entailsNo conclusion; or abrupt ending; conclusion contradicts body; purely descriptive closing without analytical integration

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