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.
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"Great leaders not only possess Interpersonal intelligence but also Intrapersonal intelligence." Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Emotional Intelligence
You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in the present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local political party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty
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
While being a civil servant comes with many perks and benefits, it also brings with it its limitations and various rules surrounding an officer's conduct. In this context, examine the role of the Code of Conduct in civil services. Is it an adequate mechanism to prevent India's "steel frame" from deteriorating? [10M]
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Codes of Ethics and ConductCivil Service Values
Examine the impact of political attitude on ethical governance. How can a balanced political attitude ensure good governance?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
AttitudeAccountability and Ethical Governance
3 institutional practices that can improve transparency and responsiveness in disaster prone districts :
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Transparency and InformationQuality of Service Delivery
"Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either." Albert Einstein.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
'People know what they do; frequently they know why they do what they do; but what they don't know is what they do does.' Michel Foucault
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
"A Constitution may indicate the direction in which we are to move, but the social structure will decide how far we are able to move and at what pace". In the light of this statement, do you think that attitudes held by us are the main cause of lack of desirable level change in our society? Discuss the hurdles faced in changing such attitude?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
Karthik has been posted as a SDM in a part of the district that is backward and is facing the problem of high malnourishment among children. As soon as he assumed charge, he was mandated by the DM to take immediate action against the issue and show progress. He collects the basic information and facts about the issue and learns that the major reason for malnourishment among children is women of the district being anaemic. The patriarchal setup prevailing in the area has allowed least opportunities for the women to grow. Most of the girls are married off once they attain puberty. The administrative set up has turned blind eye to the situation, not wanting the wrath of communities. Mostly confined to home and engaged in the household work, women haven't been able to access the public healthcare facilities. In addition to this, there is rampant corruption in the ground among law enforcement agencies as well as the healthcare workers who are diverting the benefits given for pregnant women. a. What are the ethical issues involved in the present case? b. What measures would you adopt to improve the nutritional status of children of the district?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
CorruptionEmpathy and Compassion
Explain the influence of peer groups within society on the development of ethical values among adolescents.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Discuss strategies that a civil servant can employ to ensure the inclusion and well-being of the weaker sections of society. How can policies be designed to bridge the gaps and promote social equity?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Empathy and CompassionDedication to Public Service
In late November, as a thick layer of smog settled on the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, patients began to experience extended wait times. Long lines snaked along the vast building and backed up for several yards. Computers at the hospital had stopped working, so medical reports could not be generated. Though patients were still being treated, paper bills were being handed out. After a few days, people who feared that traveling back home would be too expensive began to sleep under a nearby overpass to wait it out. A massive cyberattack had compromised the health data of millions of patients, from those who live in extreme poverty to high-profile politicians, bureaucrats and judges. The Delhi Police had a bigger problem at hand. They were in possession of an email that read, "What happened? Your files are encrypted? What is the price to repair? The price depends on how fast you can pay to us," reported news sources. The police soon confirmed that the servers at AIIMS were attacked and data was being held for ransom. Police sources were quoted as saying the attack originated oustide the country. Cybersecurity experts express larger concerns. Since India does not have robust cybersecurity systems or strong data protection laws, the breach has made observers uneasy about plans to digitize the health records of all Indians. Cybersecurity experts are doubtful about getting informed consent as that concept is relatively new in the country. With plans for ubiquitous sharing of health records across hospitals, doctors, insurance agencies and health tech firms, Indians' health data is expected to be more prone to leaks, data breaches and exploitation. Currently, the safety of a patient's data will depend on how safe the hospital servers are. Under the present regulatory regime, all hospitals will be responsible for storing and protecting the patient data they collect. a) Identify the ethical issues associated with ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure. b) What measures would you suggest to pursue digitization while balancing the risks of scaling up? Justify.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Technology and EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
The effects of climate change will be felt most keenly by developing nations eg submergence of small island nations states like Maldives due to sea level rise. small nations are virtually powerless to arrest climate change. thus developed nations must behave responsibly and accept their differentiated responsibilities regarding climate change.
Answered by 1 topper
Ethics in International RelationsEnvironmental Ethics
In the ethical application there are no solid black or white but only shades of grey. Discuss with examples. Q2. Every year lakhs of aspirants fill civil services forms guided by various motivating factors. What is your motivation to join civil services? Q3. Pandemic was an exceptional situation that has effects on every aspect of human life. Discuss the ethical principles guiding the government's public health policy making. Q6. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make rational decisions by controlling and understanding your emotions. Discuss its components relevant to public service. Q3(a). 'A man is what he thinks'. Explain how values impact individual's behaviour. Q. Distinguish between Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct and Rules and Regulations for a civil servant. Q4(a). The quote talks about the circular nature of Dharma. Explain the interconnectedness of Dharma, Artha, and Governance. Q4(b). Why is it important that a human maintains his crisis of conscience to live a peaceful and mentally stable life? Q4(c). Humility is the absence of ego. Explain why it is difficult to achieve.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
Many Indian cities are facing a major problem of management of household waste. Huge volume of wastes have meant that landfill sites are facing the problem of overcapacity. On the other hand, the waste-to-energy plants constructed to solve the problem are also facing flak due to their inefficiency and release of poisonous pollutants. The manner of waste disposal by people is identified as one of the main reasons behind this problem. The government has notified rules regarding disposal, collection and treatment of waste and has initiated numerous awareness campaigns in the past. Still, the problem does not seem to be getting under control. Given such a situation, answer the following questions: (a) What do you think is the reason behind the apathy of people towards issues like waste disposal that affect the larger interests of society in general? (b) Identify the stakeholders and the significance of their involvement in addressing the issue.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Environmental EthicsAttitude
Duty refers to responsibility in fulfillment of task assigned.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Work CultureCivil Service Values
Discuss with relevant examples the importance of the idea of 'sheelam param bhushanam' (Character is the highest virtue) in the life of a civil servant.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Civil Service ValuesIntegrity
Passionate about the social service, you recently joined a Charity as a supply chain manager. The Charity is undertaking the distribution of Cervical cancer vaccines. It has also started media campaigns and enrolled celebrities, for raising awareness about the disease. The government also promoted the vaccines in a national campaign. You felt proud for joining the national cause. One day, Ravi, from the research department of ABC Corp, the company which produces the vaccines, comes to you and tells you that there are many irregularities in human trials of the vaccines. There is inclusion of poor and vulnerable tribal people in the trials, and in many cases there is a lack of the consent of the patients. Due to many side effects in vaccines, there have been instances of deaths of some patients. To your surprise he tells you that even the media houses and celebrities involved are aware of such malpractices who are choosing to turn blind-eye to the whole issue as they are paid handsomely by the ABC Corp. You raised the matter to the head of the Charity. He asked you to be silent on the matter as the Charity is being funded by a prestigious NGO which has a global appeal and also holds stakes in the ABC Corp. Besides losing your job, any negative news can hamper the national campaign also. He also said that if you remain silent then you will be transferred to a prestigious position in the ABC Corp along with a hefty appraisal. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) Evaluate the options available to you in the given scenario. c) In the light of the above case, suggest some measures to carry out the human clinical trials in an ethical manner.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
What is an ethical dilemma? Discuss various ethical concerns and dilemmas in public institutions.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDimensions of Ethics
What actions should Rashmi take to gain the support of the company and local administration? (c) How can companies adopt social responsibility in their functioning? (d) Analyze the reasons for the reactions from the villagers and how should Rashmi handle the villagers.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Corporate GovernanceSocial Influence and Persuasion
Ramesh has been appointed as the Municipal Commissioner of a coastal city that is grappling with the recurring problem of flooding. Over the years, these floods have led to significant loss of life and extensive property damage, raising serious concerns among residents and policymakers alike. In response to this persistent challenge, Ramesh is committed to finding effective solutions. To identify and address the root causes of the flooding, he established an expert committee tasked with analyzing the situation comprehensively and proposing actionable recommendations. Following extensive and thorough field surveys, the committee identified two primary factors contributing to the city's increasing vulnerability to floods. The first factor is the degradation of wetlands, which serve as critical natural buffers against flooding and play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. The second factor is the illegal encroachments on the flood plains of seasonal streams. These encroachments have significantly reduced the streams' ability to carry water, increasing the risk of flooding. In light of these findings, the committee proposed two major interventions: the restoration of wetlands and the removal of unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains. These actions are aimed at effectively restoring the city's natural drainage system and mitigating future flood risks. Ramesh recognizes the necessity of implementing these measures to ensure the city's long-term safety and resilience against flooding. However, he is also aware of the potential human cost associated with these interventions. The illegal structures in question are inhabited by marginalized neighbor-ers, and their removal would render many families homeless, significantly impacting their livelihoods. Despite his personal reservations regarding the social implications of these actions, Ramesh feels compelled to proceed with the committee's recommendations, as he believes they are essential for preventing future disasters. Subsequently, the operation to remove encroachments was launched with the deployment of a police force to ensure safety and order throughout the process. As the clearance of encroachments commenced, the affected residents expressed their opposition vigorously. Protests escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in assaults on officers and vandalism of government vehicles. The situation quickly deteriorated. When the police attempted to disperse the crowd, a stampede ensued. Tragically, this chaos resulted in the deaths of two elderly men. As the in-charge of the situation, Ramesh feels that these lives could have been saved if he had acted differently. a. Identify the various value conflicts faced by Ramesh in his role as Municipal Commissioner. b. Analyze the decision to remove unauthorized encroachments on the flood plains from an ethical perspective. c. If you were in Ramesh's position and in charge of the situation, how would you have approached the challenges presented by the encroachment clearance and the resulting protests?
25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Rules versus CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government
Though the 'Me Too Movement' helped in creating some murmur with respect to sexual harassment of women at workplace, it has failed to create a lasting positive impact on the work culture in India. Do you agree?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Work CultureEthical Dilemmas in Government
Role models are commanded to act more responsibly than ordinary people as:
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Human ValuesSocial Influence and Persuasion