Part of the General Studies-IV question bank for OPSC (OAS) Mains.
A comprehensive, topic-wise practice set of 15 questions on International Relations & Environmental Ethics for OPSC (OAS) Mains General Studies-IV. 13 of them have been set in an actual paper — the years and exams are printed against each (2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2015, 2024). The rest are practice questions on the same syllabus points.
Previous year questions
| No. | Question | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective. | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2026 10 marks |
| 2 | Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights. | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2026 10 marks |
| 3 | Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas. | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2025 10 marks |
| 4 | Carl von Clausewitz once said, "War is a diplomacy by other means." Critically analyse in present context of contemporary geo-political conflict. | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2025 10 marks |
| 5 | "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." Major weapon industries of developed nations are influencing wars for self-interest. What are the ethical considerations of powerful nations to stop ongoing conflicts? | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2024 10 marks |
| 6 | Global warming and climate change are outcomes of human greed in name of development. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between society and environment? | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2024 10 marks |
| 7 | While India is not a signatory to the International Convention relating to Status of Refugees, several persons who have entered India without valid documents keep seeking refugee status in India. Do we have a moral obligation to provide shelter to refugees on humanitarian grounds, particularly when a section of our own population is living in poverty? Discuss. | OPSC OAS Mains 2024 15 marks |
| 8 | What do you understand by environmental ethics and our duty towards maintaining biodiversity, non-human life on earth and responsible self-sustaining use of natural resources? The Constitution lays down duty to protect and improve the natural environment as one of the Fundamental Duties for every citizen of India. Is this an absolute duty or does it admit of exceptions in consideration of practicality? | OPSC OAS Mains 2024 15 marks |
| 9 | 'International aid' is an accepted form of helping 'resource-challenged' nations. Comment on 'ethics in contemporary international aid'. Support with examples. | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2023 10 marks |
| 10 | Russia and Ukraine war has been going on. Different countries have taken independent stands. What ethical issues are crucial to be considered while launching war and its continuation? | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2022 10 marks |
| 11 | "Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face prosecution or human rights violation." Examine with reference to ethical dimension being violated by nations claiming to be democratic. | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2021 10 marks |
| 12 | 'The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.' Examine in context of international relations. | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2020 10 marks |
| 13 | Strength, peace and security are considered pillars of international relations. Elucidate. | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2017 10 marks |
| 14 | What is meant by 'environmental ethics'? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics. | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2015 10 marks |
| 15 | At international level, bilateral relations are governed on policy of promoting one's own national interest without regard for others. How can ethical consideration help resolve tensions? Discuss with examples. | UPSC Mains GS-IV 2015 10 marks |
Practice questions
| No. | Question | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Discuss the ethical dimensions of environmental governance in India. How can environmental ethics be integrated into policy-making? | — |
| 17 | Examine the role of ethics in international relations. Can ethical considerations coexist with national interest in global politics? | — |