Ethics, integrity and aptitude

Our probity is not less at the mercy of fortune than our property. What do you mean by probity in governance? Discuss ways of inculcating probity in public life.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper

Probity in GovernanceCivil Service Values

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

Ethics in Public administration in twenty-first century is likely to be different from that of the twentieth century. Explain the reasons for such changes and also discuss some prominent new values of twenty-first century which are different from twentieth century.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance

Motivation is the reason for people's actions, desires, and needs. How do you keep yourself motivated? Illustrate giving two examples from your study room that motivates you and why.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018

Aptitude for Civil ServiceHuman Values

Non-violence is the highest form of fundamental moral virtue. Comment.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics

Discuss the ethical issues involved in the spending of public money by the government on advertisements? What measures would you suggest to address these issues?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Utilisation of Public FundsAccountability and Ethical Governance

"Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude." Martin Luther King, Jr.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics

Define Civic Virtue. How can it be cultivated among citizens in a democracy like India?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Big firms often undertake sub-contracting to complete large infrastructure projects in a timely manner. You recently joined one such firm as a manager responsible for awarding these contracts. Looking at the past records, you find that all contracts for the past few years have been awarded to a particular firm, X. Your superior has asked you to award an upcoming contract to the same firm. Although, not binding, company procedure maintains that sub-contracting work should be offered after competitive bids. This is to ensure that the firm most suitable for the project in terms of operations and finance gets the contract. When you discuss this with your superior, he insists that hiring of the firm X has been done as per legal norms of the company and does not constitute a violation of any rule. You decide to contact the owner of the firm X. After doing so, you realize that he is the nephew of your superior, who is also a shareholder in the company. (a) State the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Does this form of transaction between two private parties constitute a conflict of interest? Justify. (c) Evaluate the possible ways of awarding contracts in such a situation with their merits and demerits. Also state which method would be more suitable in each situation.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Conflict of InterestCorporate Governance

Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss. (b) What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance. (b) Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples. (b) "A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both." What does this quotation mean to you? Explain with an example.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

Nanded is one of the most backward districts in the state of Maharashtra. It had received award for its exemplary performance in the implementation of MNREGA from the union government for 'Planning for Water Conservation' 2010-11. Since 2012-13, its implementation has almost come to a virtual standstill due to exposure of corruption. It has happened due to two conflicting claims. The first is due to detention of many officials including Junior Engineer and Sarpanch and an enquiry is underway. The local officials think that arrest was made under political influence without conducting a proper inquiry as there have been serious attempts by various political parties to show the scheme in a bad light and thwart the implementation of MNREGA. This has made them wary of dealing with MNREGA as the indiscriminate arrests have instilled a sense of fear in them. This is despite the fact that subsequently there have been many systemic improvements. For example, most of the wage payments now go through banks rather than the post office. There is a helpline and ombudsman for grievance redressal, and so on. The second is contrary to the allegations posed by implementing agencies; facts through Right to Information (RTI) application show that the most rampant form of corruption happened through the deliberate creation of bogus workers by some corrupt officials and a large proportion of funds have been siphoned off by them. Meanwhile, the benefits of Water Conservation which the district has experienced for three years are at risks if the standstill of the programme is not removed soon. The poor and farmers will be the most affected people as drought, scarcity of water and declining water table put their livelihood in danger. Suppose the state government has posted you as DM effective handling of the issues then (a) Identify the major flaws in handling of the above case by the district administration. (b) Discuss your strategies to instil confidence among local officials so that the programme can be resumed with the same enthusiasm. (c) Suppose you were in place of the outgoing DM then what could have been your correct responses when the scam was exposed which might have averted the pitfalls?

25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

CorruptionRules versus Compassion

Do you think that relationship between the virtues of integrity and courage is mutually reinforcing? Give reasons to justify your views. 2. "If emotion without reason is blind, then reason without emotion is impotent."- Peter Singer.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Dimensions of EthicsEmotional Intelligence

A devastating flood has struck regions of a flood-prone state, leading to widespread humanitarian distress. Amid ongoing rescue operations, social media is flooded with claims that relief efforts are being deliberately delayed for certain communities. These posts go viral, fueling communal tensions and eroding public trust in disaster response agencies. Ishita, a senior officer in the State Information Department, conducts an investigation and finds that most of these claims are either unsubstantiated or manipulated. However, she faces mounting pressure from different stakeholders. Political leaders seize the social media outrage as an opportunity to criticize the ruling party, calling for a judicial inquiry. Activists argue that removing or countering these posts could be seen as a violation of free speech. Further complicating the matter, a high-ranking government official instructs Ishita to refrain from taking action, fearing that any intervention might be perceived as an attempt to suppress dissent. Ishita is deeply concerned that unchecked misinformation could escalate communal tensions and undermine the credibility of the administration. However, intervening too aggressively could trigger accusations of censorship and political bias, placing her in a difficult ethical position. (a) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in handling the misinformation crisis. (b) What should be Ishita's course of action in balancing freedom of speech, public order, and government directives? Justify your response. (c) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentTransparency and Information

What is 'success in life' for you? Explain with relevant references and examples. Discuss its importance in your life. Do you think success is essential for recognition in society?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, a significant controversy erupted surrounding a female Algerian boxer. Disqualified from the 2023 World Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to failed gender tests, the athlete, assigned female at birth and identifying as a woman, faced intense scrutiny over her eligibility. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) later intervened, reinstating her eligibility for the Paris Games amidst allegations of widespread corruption within the IBA and increasing public speculation about her gender. The situation became more contentious after her impressive victory over an Italian boxer, who withdrew from the fight after a powerful hit, leading to further debate about the athlete's physical strength. Historically, black and brown women athletes have faced skepticism about their femininity, often being seen as too masculine compared to white standards of femininity. The controversy surrounding this athlete, particularly given her background and competition against a white opponent, has intensified these concerns. This case has reignited discussions about the vilification of transgender athletes, who are often accused of being "men masquerading as women." Such narratives not only impact transgender athletes but also adversely affect cisgender women, especially those of color who do not conform to conventional femininity. Addressing these issues of exclusion, racism, and sexism is crucial for fostering a more equitable environment for all athletes. In the given situation answer the following: a) Identify the ethical issues surrounding the case. b) Distinguish between gamesmanship and sportsmanship. What role does ethics play in sports? [20M]

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort ‘hafta’ - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019

CorruptionEmpathy and Compassion

A District Magistrate, posted in a district affected by left wing extremism, was abducted by the extremists while he was on a routine inspection tour to assess the progress of the development work in one of the villages. After abduction, extremists demanded the release of two of their leaders who are accused of involvement in the violent attack on the police convoy few months back. After few days of continued negotiations, the centre and state governments agreed to accept the demands of extremists in return for release of the District Magistrate. During the time when District Magistrate was held captive, he was treated well by the extremists and many extremists and even locals came to visit him in order to point out the problems in the service delivery, excesses of the police and paramilitary forces in a very convincing manner. After being released, the District Magistrate comes to you to seek advice on how to deal with the issues, which arose out of his abduction. Some of the suggestions are as follows: 1. The District Magistrate should file a criminal case against the extremists for his abduction and help the security forces in whatever way he can to catch the culprits and also request for a transfer. 2. The District Magistrate should take up a review of status of developmental work in that region while leading the audit himself; but at the same time work on new innovative strategies so that locals can be made free from the control of extremists, treating the incidence as a wakeup call.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

Critical 'tiger' habitats (CTHs), also known as core areas of tiger reserves- are identified under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA) 1972 based on scientific evidence that "such areas are required to be kept as inviolate (no human settlement and usage) for the purpose of tiger conservation, without affecting the rights of the Scheduled Tribes or such other forest dwellers". Critical 'wildlife' habitats (CWLHs), on the other hand, are defined only in the Forest Rights Act, 2006. CWLHs are meant to be areas of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that are required to be kept as inviolate for the purpose of wildlife conservation (not just tigers). Similar to CTH, the identification of CWLH is done based on scientific and objective criteria, but it mandatorily requires settlement of forest rights under FRA. Unlike CTHs, the notification of CWLHs can only be done with the consent of the Gram Sabhas and affected stakeholders. You are the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) who granted Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights for fishing inside the Tiger Reserve. Within few days the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) of the Government of India ordered against the recognition of forest rights (which are rights recognisable under the Forest Rights Act, 2006) in critical tiger habitats. The forest dwellers as all FRA-related matters are the domain of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), but it has been silent on the order. There are concerns among advocates of wildlife conservation that the recognition of forest rights will negatively impact tiger populations in CTHs. On other hand Tribal activist demand that the NTCA order has no legal or scientific basis, and should be withdrawn with immediate effect, as it may have adverse implications on forest rights of communities living inside CTHs. a) In the above case, what options are available to you? b) What will be your course of action? Justify your position. c) In your opinion, should human rights take precedence over animal rights? Justify the morality of your position.

25 marks · 300 words · Answered by 1 topper

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEmpathy and Compassion

Explain the role of society in imparting values. In this context also, discuss a situation wherein acquired values learnt from home or school guided you in a situation of dilemma.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Family, Society and EducationHuman Values

Transparency, accountability and fairness are cornerstone of good governance. They are foundational public service values which every civil servant is bound to uphold.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance

The work culture of the police in India is said to be characterised by indecision, inefficiency and lack of empathy. Discuss. Also, suggest remedial measures in this context.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Work CultureCivil Service Values

Write short notes on the following in 30 words each : Dedication to public service

30 words · Answered by 1 topper

Dedication to Public Service

The family is often the first school of values, but it may also become a breeding ground for biases, stereotypes and hierarchical attitudes. Critically evaluate the dual role of family in value inculcation in a society.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Family, Society and EducationHuman Values

Explain the importance of diligence as a value for a civil servant. How can it be inculcated among civil servants?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015

Aptitude for Civil ServiceCivil Service Values