GS4 · Practice questions
Ethics, integrity and aptitude
2,285 questions, with how toppers answered each. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
All 36 themesFewer themes
Discuss the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda. Bring out their relevance in the contemporary world.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Ethics plays an important role in sports. In this context, explain the importance of the virtues of fairness, integrity, responsibility and respect for sportspersons.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
RTI Act 2005 was revolutionary in ensuring transparency & accountability in government institutions, values which are precursor to good governance.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Transparency and InformationAccountability and Ethical Governance
Being honest is not easy, there is a price that you have to pay. Discuss with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
IntegrityCivil Service Values
Governance is not always about objective measures but also about finding the right interpretation of subjective ambiguities. This requires conscience and courage.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government
Mr. Sinha assigns a research problem in a high school calculus class. The problem is quite difficult and will require collaborative time and effort of a team. Mr. Sinha divides the class into groups of four students, gives them instructions, and tells them when the problem will be due. Pradeep's group has an initial meeting and decides to divide up the work and then collaborate the information. Veena, one of Pradeep's group members, offers to write a particular section of the paper based on some great information she found on the Internet. The other members of the group, including Pradeep, divide the remaining work and proceed with their respective research. One week before the project is due, Pradeep finds out that Veena has chosen to "copy and paste" most of her paper from the Internet source. Pradeep picks up on Veena's plagiarism and knows it is wrong, but he needs an "A" on this research problem in order to pass Calculus. Pradeep confronts Veena and asks her to redo her paper without plagiarizing, but Veena claims she is too busy with her other class work. She assures Pradeep that Mr. Sinha will never discover the plagiarism, and that if he does, she will take complete blame for it. Pradeep finds himself in an extremely uncomfortable position. He feels partly responsible for the plagiarism because he is a part of the same group and he knows about it as well. The following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: 1. Pradeep should forget about plagiarism as it is a common practice and ultimately he is not the one who did it. 2. Pradeep should highlight the issue to the whole group and then decide after taking everybody's advice. 3. Pradeep should talk directly to Mr. Sinha and leave it to him to take the right course of action. 4. Pradeep should himself redo the work of Veena and then submit the paper. Also indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options), what would you advise, giving proper reasons.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
IntegrityEthical Dilemmas in Government
What do you think Rashmi should do? Would it be a good idea for Rashmi to involve local administration? Suggest an implementable course of action.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
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 requests him to be lenient in the enquiry report. They propose that looking at the good track record 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 2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption
Aristotle quote highlight the significance of self-control in face of utilisation of power.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
World ThinkersHuman Values
Cultivating a scientific temper is a fundamental duty of each citizen under Article 51-A under the Constitution of India.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
What steps should be taken by the govt for increasing effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanism?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Quality of Service DeliveryCitizens Charters
If Mandatory CSR with criminal offence is punishment for corporates even if they are neutral & not interested in philanthropy. charity should come from the corporates themselves & showing the stewardship and responsible management. Mandatory CSR reflects forced weapon or kind of tax terrorism.
Answered by 1 topper
Corporate GovernanceLaw and Morality
What lessons can be learnt from the life of Mother Teresa? Discuss their relevance in the contemporary world.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Human Values
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
What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) "The only thing necessary for triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you would deem appropriate in the prevailing context.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
What do you understand by ‘Code of Ethics’ & ‘Code of Conduct’? Do you think there is a need to shift from Code of Conduct to Code of Ethics?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Codes of Ethics and ConductCivil Service Values
What do you understand by the term 'Conflict of Interest' in the context of public service? What are the norms prescribed for Civil Services in India to deal with this issue?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015
Conflict of InterestCivil Service Values
The values of tyaga, seva, daanam, damah proposed by Buddhist thought and Hindu thought are eternally relevant for they promote human virtue and common good.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Prateek Kumar, the Project Manager, is in charge of the construction of a highly anticipated highway that is expected to drive regional development. The project aims to enhance connectivity, boost trade, and create substantial employment opportunities. Given its importance, it has become a focal point for the ruling party, which is actively promoting it as a symbol of progress ahead of the upcoming state elections next year. The timely completion of the highway is crucial, as the Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate it upon completion. This has led to added pressure on Prateek and his team to meet the approaching deadline, which is set for next month. During a routine inspection, Prateek discovers that a particular stretch of the highway has been built with substandard materials. This section fails to meet the required safety and durability standards, posing a serious threat to public safety and lives. If left unresolved, the compromised quality could lead to accidents, undermining both the project's credibility and the government's promises for safe and reliable infrastructure. Concerned, Prateek raises the issue with the contractor, but the contractor downplays the severity, claiming that minor adjustments will fix the problem without causing major delays. In a subsequent team meeting, some senior members suggest that Prateek overlook the quality concerns to ensure the project remains on schedule. They argue that the majority of the highway meets standards and emphasize the severe economic and political consequences of delays. With elections upcoming, they stress the importance of the Chief Minister's inauguration as a key political event. They warn that any delay could damage the ruling party's image, harm its electoral prospects, and potentially have repercussions for the team and the organization. Later, the contractor privately approaches Prateek with a substantial bribe, urging him to ignore the issue and allow the project to proceed. The contractor justifies his actions by citing financial pressures and the need to complete the project on time. Prateek is an honest and upright officer, but he understands that addressing the problem would delay the project, making it impossible to meet the deadline. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Prateek as the Project Manager? Critically evaluate each of the options. (c) What option should Prateek adopt and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption
With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental wellbeing. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Emotional IntelligenceFamily, Society and Education
Discuss how empathy and compassion can enhance the effectiveness of public service delivery in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Empathy and CompassionQuality of Service Delivery
What is the significance of Emotional Intelligence in Civil Servants? Share your viewpoint and provide supporting arguments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Emotional IntelligenceCivil Service Values