QUESTION 1(a)
GS4
10 marks
Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP): human capital, soft power (culture and policies) and social harmony.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss how ethics and values strengthen three parts of national power: human capital, soft power and social harmony.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Human capital: honesty, work ethic, trust lower transaction costs; ethical education and health systems build capability≈30 words
- 2Soft power: credible values (democracy, non-violence, pluralism) and consistent policy attract others; hypocrisy erodes it≈30 words
- 3Social harmony: tolerance, fraternity, justice reduce conflict and free energy for development≈30 words
- 4Link: ethics as a force multiplier for material power≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Define CNP brieflyEach component with ethics' role and an exampleConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Explaining CNP without the ethics angle
- Not covering all three components
Draw this
- Triangle of the three components with ethics at the centre
Value addition
- ThinkerJoseph Nye coined 'soft power': the ability to attract and persuade through culture, values and policies.Joseph Nye, 1990
- ExampleIndia's Vaccine Maitri and yoga diplomacy built goodwill that adds to soft power.MEA
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Aakash Garg · AIR 5 · Page 7 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Vidushi Singh · AIR 13 · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
- G Sanjana · AIR 55 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
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