2012 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I

Question 59: Polity and Governance

Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution?

  1. 1.To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
  2. 2.To protect the weaker sections from social injustice
  3. 3.To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry
  4. 4.To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

a1 and 2 only
b2 only
c1, 3 and 4 only
d1, 2, 3 and 4

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Article 51A lists the Fundamental Duties, which include preserving the rich heritage of our composite culture, developing scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry, and striving for excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity. Protecting weaker sections from social injustice is a state responsibility under the Directive Principles (Article 46), not a listed Fundamental Duty.

  • 1. Preserving the rich heritage of our composite culture is a duty.
  • 2. Protecting weaker sections is a Directive Principle (Article 46).
  • 3. Developing scientific temper and spirit of inquiry is a duty.
  • 4. Striving for excellence in all spheres is a duty.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (a), (b) and (d) go: each of them includes 2.

    What you needed to know: Protecting weaker sections is a Directive Principle (Article 46).

Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statements 1, 3 or 4.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: protecting weaker sections is a Directive Principle, not a duty.
  • (b) Wrong: the protection of weaker sections is a Directive Principle, not a Fundamental Duty.
  • (c) Correct: composite culture, scientific temper and excellence are listed duties.
  • (d) Wrong: statement 2 is a Directive Principle, not a duty.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.