Ethics, integrity and aptitude

The notion of an ethical foreign policy downplays the realities of international politics. Critically discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Ethics in International RelationsEthical Dilemmas in Government

Gandhian ideals are present in our constitution in the form of directive principles, fundamental Duties etc. They can today help us to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Indian ThinkersHuman Values

Discuss whether some restrictions on enjoyment of freedom are necessary in the interest of social harmony.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Dimensions of EthicsLaw and Morality

The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution envisaged a neutral, apolitical civil service. The conduct rules governing the All-India Services explicitly prohibit participation of a member of service in politics. It also limits connection of officers with Press or Radio to matters of public interest. And it also prevents them from criticizing the Government in public. (a) Why is it important for civil servants to be politically neutral? (b) Highlight the challenges faced by politically neutral civil servants in different situations.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Impartiality and ObjectivityCivil Service Values

In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for the people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment. (b) Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

World ThinkersEthical Theories

Bring out the role of social media in shaping one's moral and political attitude.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

What do you understand by Integrity Pact? Highlight the role they can play in bringing transparency in allotment of public contracts and ensuring proper utilization of public funds in India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

World ThinkersHuman Values

The RTI Act, which became operational in 2005 empowers the Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. This, in effect, makes the Government and its functionaries more accountable and responsible. However, it has faced resistance because of the entrenched bureaucratic culture and it is taking time to change the mindset of the people in the government to new realities in wake of the act. This has led to implementation issues and questions have also been raised against the effectiveness of the act in achieving its desired objectives. Apart from this, certain issues related to the information seeker have also been raised from time to time. In view of the innumerable challenges answer the following: (a) Explain the importance of a transparent government system in a democracy, like India. (b) Elaborate on the challenges that the implementation of RTI has faced, in the context of information seeker (demand-side) as well as those entrusted to give information (supply-side). (c) Discuss the role that such a legislation can be expected to play given the ground realities in our country. How can it be ensured that such legislations are effective in achieving their envisaged objectives?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Transparency and InformationAccountability and Ethical Governance

Probity is an essential condition of good governance. Explain.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Probity in GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

Discuss, with examples, the significance of principle of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance

Discuss the importance of behavioural change and role of different stakeholders in addressing the challenges of a pandemic like COVID-19.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

Prachinmath is a pilgrim town nestled in the laps of Himalayas. The town is part of one of the border states of the country. It serves as the base for a highly revered and well-known pilgrimage undertaken by millions of people every year. The people of Prachinmath, who are largely from a close-knit community of Pahadi tribe, have lived in the area for several generations. The Pahadi people, since many generations, have developed a lifestyle which is integral to the ecosystem of Prachinmath. The traditional knowledge of the tribe passed from one generation to other have helped the people in living with the environment in a sustainable manner. The people of Prachinmath worshipped the local deity, and believed it to be their destiny to live in the region in a peaceful and harmonious way. However, the increasing pace of unplanned development, uncontrolled religious tourism, creation of strategic infrastructure etc., in the contemporary times have fundamentally altered the minimalistic nature of relationship that the people of Prachinmath had with the local/fragile environment. Prachinmath Bachao Committee (PBC), a civil society organization of Pahadi tribes, has consistently opposed the unbridled and brazen exploitation of the resources of Prachinmath. They have through petitions, jan sabhas, nukkad nataks etc., highlighted the grave consequences of the unsustainable development model that the state and the Union governments were adopting for Prachinmath. However, their petitions had fallen on deaf ears. Moreover, the government justified the infrastructure creation in Prachinmath in order to cater to its strategic and religious significance. The problems came to a head when the government decided to construct a tunnel in Prachinmath, in order to generate hydroelectricity. The PBC as well as prominent geologists of the country vehemently opposed the idea citing its negative impact upon the region. The scientific community was of the opinion that as Prachinmath sits on geological fault lines and is built on a debris of a landslide, any large-scale construction may cause irreparable damage to the environment. Nevertheless, the government went ahead with the project, constructing the tunnel in a record time, citing its necessity for the energy security of the country. Even many economists were of the opinion that increased energy capacity will help India curtail its import bill. Such steps were hailed by the government as the stepping stone of the country towards strategic autonomy. The worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when the houses in Prachinmath started showing large cracks. The reason for the crack, as found out after a detailed study, was attributed to the subsidence of land in Prachinmath. The sinking of the land, development of large cracks, collapsing of the buildings etc., caught the attention of social, electronic, and print media alike. Overnight, Prachinmath became the talk of the country. Even the international media highlighted the episode, and the existential threat that it posed to the local communities as well as the environment. The state and Union governments swung into action and formed an expert committee, comprising of scientists, bureaucrats, NDRF/SDRF personnel etc., to look into the matter. The committee advised the government to evacuate Prachinmath completely, as the sinking of the land was continuing. Working on the recommendations of the committee, government prepared a detailed resettlement and rehabilitation plan for the people of Prachinmath. The Pahadi people, who squarely blamed the government for the crisis, felt cheated by the actions of the government and refused to evacuate from Prachinmath, the place of their ancestors. a) What are the various conflicting interests in the above case study. b) As a DM of the district in which Prachinmath falls, how will you convince the people to evacuate from the area? c) What can we do to avoid such situations in the future.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

You are the District Development Officer posted in a backward region where open defecation is rampant and there is high child mortality due to diarrhoea. Under the Center's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan you spearheaded the construction of thousands of toilets in your area; still people relieve themselves in the open. The media and the opposition parties are already labelling the programme as a failure and waste of public money. You have been asked to report on the reasons for low usage and bring about a change. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the reasons behind people not using the constructed toilets? (b) How can people's attitude towards open defecation be changed? Give a reasoned account of the steps that you will take to bring about this change.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

"A man of value is worth more than a man of success." Discuss this statement with examples. (b) "Performing an unethical act is bad, but being aware of it and not stopping it is worse." Discuss with examples. 4. (a) What are 'Global Commons'? Discuss the ethical challenges involved in their utilisation. (b) Distinguish between 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics'. Critically examine the efficacy of 'Code of Conduct' in ensuring ethical behaviour in an organization.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics

The excluded and marginalised section of society are worst hit by globalisation. Take the case of Particularly vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) like Sentinelese of Andaman and Nicobar islands; their population has reduced drastically and they are facing various other problems as well. In this context answer the following questions: (a) What are the challenges faced by PVTGs due to globalisation (b) If you are posted as a development officer in such an area, what will be your priorities to reduce their vulnerabilities and ensure welfare?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Empathy and CompassionDedication to Public Service

Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing. (b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics

Ethical framework on how the technology can be used for the betterment of humanity :-

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Technology and EthicsHuman Values

Impartiality as a core value of civil servants should not become a hurdle in showing compassion towards weaker section of the society - Examine.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Impartiality and ObjectivityEmpathy and Compassion

Conscience can neither be silent nor delayed as a source of ethical guidance. Elaborate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Sources of Ethical GuidanceIntegrity

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought with itself an environment of uncertainties and hardships. In this context, discuss the significance of emotional intelligence in dealing with the situation.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Emotional Intelligence

Recently, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended to hike the fines for violations of various traffic rules. While the intention of the amendments was to deter people from violating the law and strictly follow traffic rules in the interest of road safety, these measures are being opposed as it is felt that the fines are too excessive and beyond the reach of common man. (a) In light of this, critically analyse the ethical aspects of the recent amendments. (b) Are legislative measures alone sufficient in bringing about behavioural change?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality

XYZ is a premiere coaching institute located in Chatterjee Nagar locality of Himnagar. XYZ specialises in the coaching for medical and engineering entrance examination. The main office of the coaching, where the daily classes are conducted, is located in a congested locality, from where several other coaching institutes also operate. One day, while classes were in session in the top floor of the building and some 200 odd students were in attendance, a fire broke out in the premises of XYZ coaching. The fire incident created a commotion among those present in the building. Everyone, in a state of confusion, started running helter-skelter. Some students rushed to the very narrow stairs. Many stumbled and fell, hurting themselves. The emergency exit plan of the building was not suitable to cater to the large number of students and staff. In order to save themselves from asphyxiation, some students broke the window of the classroom. However, in absence of a fire stairs they had to climb down using the balcony ledge. In the process, many students had a free fall and hurt themselves badly. While two boys lost their life due to stampede caused while exiting the building, one girl got fatally injured while climbing down the ledge. The civil administration immediately started an audit of the building. Joseph is posted as the Municipal Commissioner of Himnagar. Chatarjee Nagar falls under his jurisdiction. Joseph has ordered an enquiry into the whole incident. Coincidentally, Joseph's younger brother, Frank, is also a student of XYZ coaching. He was not present in the coaching during the fateful day. The owner of the XYZ coaching approaches Joseph and on behalf of Frank they are willing to give him a scholarship to fund not only his coaching fees but also his graduation from any college in the country. They also promise that since Frank is a sincere student, they will dedicate their top faculty to ensure that Frank comes out with flying colours in the coming under graduate entrance examination. Joseph knows that his brother has repeatedly failed in the entrance examinations earlier and a special focus will help him immensely. Also, Joseph himself was under student debt, which he was still paying in small instalments from his own salary. Recently married, and having risen from a poor family, Joseph has always worried about funding his brother's education. a) Identify various ethical concerns in the case study. b) You are a friend of Joseph. Joseph turns to you for advice. What advice will you give to Joseph and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Conflict of InterestCorruption

The right to protest is an integral part of democracy. But protests often take a violent turn and lead to destruction of life and property. In such situations, it is the duty of the police force to deal with the violent protests and restore normalcy. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What challenges does the police force face in such situations? (b) As the SP in the capital city of a state where such protests often take place, how would you deal with such a situation when faced with it?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020

Crisis Decision MakingCivil Service Values