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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"A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes." - M.K. Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
You are newly selected for an International cricket match against Pakistan. Just before the match the captain of the team calls you aside and tells you to use sticking gum to alter the condition of the ball during the match. You know that this is a clear case of ball tampering which is illegal in international cricket. Subsequently, you come to know that several senior players are also involved in this. Also, this match is very important for the team for two reasons i.e. to maintain 1st ODI ranking in ICC & 2. It is with Pakistan wherein sentiments of the country are grossly involved. Given this situation, answer the following questions What are the ethical issues involved with Ball tampering? What are the options available to you? Discuss the merits and demerits of each. Also, what would be your response to the situation?
20 marks · 300 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
IntegrityEthical Dilemmas in Government
Ways to build stronger corporate governance mechanism to prevent this?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance
Discuss Vivekananda's views on nationalism. Do you think nationalism has become more a divisive force in the world today than one that integrates?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Indian Thinkers
What is the role of conscience in the process of ethical decision making? Cite an example from your life where it has helped you in ethical decision making.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Sources of Ethical GuidanceEmpathy and Compassion
As the administrator in-charge of your area, you are witness to the widespread food wastage in lavish parties as well as in restaurants and eateries, on one hand and people starving due to inability to ensure one square-meal a day, on the other. Realizing that it is not the scarcity of resources, but the habit of people that is causing paucity in availability of food, you decide that certain measures are needed to be taken in order to deal with the issue of starvation at the grassroot level. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What measures would you take to deal with wastage of food in your area? (c) What explains this co-existence of affluence and hunger in developing countries like India?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Empathy and CompassionEthics in Private and Public Life
Q-1(b) There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this ‘acceptance’ be shifted to ‘rejection’ towards corruption?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
CorruptionFamily, Society and Education
What do you understand by utilitarianism? Illustrate with examples the grounds on which it has been criticized.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Ethical TheoriesWorld Thinkers
You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing "solvers" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Conflict of InterestCorruption
In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places government arrested few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. (a) What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? (b) Are their any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? (c) What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
What are the internal and external factors that can help the Citizen's Charter to have a significant impact?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2013
Citizens ChartersQuality of Service Delivery
Ramesh, a very hardworking person, is the sole bread earner in his family. He has worked with an oil company's local affiliate for several years, and has established a strong, trustworthy relationship with Suresh, manager of the local facility. Suresh has recently recommended Ramesh to be recruited as the corporate consulting engineer for the company, which would be a position of greater responsibility along with a stable income. During a casual conversation, Suresh mentions an incident in the 1960s wherein 10,000 gallons of a petrochemical was leaked into the local environment by the company due to negligence, though at the time no damage was found, and no mention of the leak was made to the press. When Ramesh mentions that the state law requires him to report all spills, Suresh reminds him that no harm had been done and reminds him that the company can't have a consulting engineer who does not value loyalty and respect confidentiality. 20 (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the given case. (b) What are the options available to Ramesh in this situation? Evaluate each of them. (c) Had you been at Ramesh's place, what would have been your course of action? Give reasons for the same.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
The strength of character and emotional intelligence to face setbacks is the true measure of success. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Emotional IntelligenceHuman Values
You are a District Magistrate posted in a backward district of the country. You are responsible for getting an Atal Residential School built on the village land in your district. The contract for the construction of the school has been assigned to a popular local leader's son. This land is presently occupied by tribal communities but they cannot produce any ownership records. They claim that they have resided on the land for generations. They also allege that the administration is pressuring them to vacate their land to build the school and have assured that they will be relocated elsewhere. However, they are hesitant to do so as it will uproot them from their homes and will affect their livelihood. One of the prominent tribal leaders has highlighted this issue and it has caught the attention of the mainstream media. In the light of the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Discuss the various ethical concerns in the given case. (c) What are the options available to you and which of these options you will choose? Justify.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEmpathy and Compassion
It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard. (Social License to Operate: SLO)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Corporate Governance
You are posted as a District Education Officer (DEO) in a Maoist affected district. You have been specifically given the responsibility to work on the literacy mission. After reading the education reports and doing field visits, you find that the number of out of school children has increased drastically and the motivation amongst students and teachers is also low. While the basic infrastructure is already in place, the main hurdle in attracting students to these schools include the attitude of inhabitants towards education and the security issues involved in sending children to schools. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Analyse the reasons behind such an attitude. (b) As a DEO, what are the steps you would take in order to increase the school attendance and change the prevalent attitude of inhabitants towards education?
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion
Can you think of some effective persuasion techniques that could influence others by using their values, priorities and contextual demands? Elaborate with examples.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2013
Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude
"Traditional folklore, rituals, and community customs have long played a role in transmitting ethical values to younger generations." In the context of weakening family structures and growing digital influences, critically evaluate the effectiveness of these cultural practices in shaping moral behavior among children and youth. Can they be revitalized to address the ethical void in contemporary society?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
Prakash and Meena were a married couple living in Gurgaon, Haryana. Both Prakash and Meena were corporate executives, working in XYZ retail and ABC enterprises respectively. The two were leading a rewarding professional life. However, as both worked in different companies and often had different office timings, their personal lives were getting affected. Due to their busy schedules and official commitments, they were unable to find sufficient time for each other. Things came to such a pass that the two could not spend their last anniversary together. While Prakash was working on an important project, Meena was busy with the launch of a new product. Though the two understood the importance of professional commitments, the lack of quality time with each-other was increasingly becoming a cause for concern and frustration. One day Prakash informed Meena about a vacancy in his company for the post of regional manager. Prakash, who himself was working at the same position, knew that this post was an ideal opportunity for Meena professionally. While Meena's work in her company was well appreciated and her prospects for growth were sound, she was still willing to grab the present opportunity. This would have enabled the two of them to work in a common office space, with relatively more coherence in their office timings. Consequently, she applied for the vacancy in Prakash's company. As Meena was reasonably qualified for the job and had good experience, she was hired by Prakash's company. The two were very happy about the prospects of working together. Besides working from a common office space, Prakash and Meena were able to go to and return from work together. The two were, resultantly, very happy about this positive change in their lives. Meena quickly adjusted to the new office environment and began her work in the same department as that of Prakash. Meena's positive work came into the notice of her superiors. She was frequently appreciated for her diligence and sincerity. XYZ retail was in the process of preparing a presentation for a potential government contract. While Prakash was expecting that he would be chosen for preparation, the branch head of XYZ retail entrusted Meena with this strategically important task. Prakash was visibly disappointed with this, as he had been preparing for this task for a long time. Meena could also sense Prakash's dejection, as he not only didn't congratulate Meena but also pointed out how it should have been him doing the job. Meena, as was her nature, worked hard on the report, and successfully made the presentation to the client. As the report was made and presented in an efficient manner, XYZ retail gained a big contract from the government. While the entire office was congratulating Meena for her success, Prakash remained indifferent towards Meena's achievement. Meena was visibly hurt by Prakash's behaviour. Meena's success with the government contract earned her a promotion, and she was made the head of her department. This further enraged Prakash, as now he was supposed to report to Meena. Moreover, Prakash's behaviour at the workplace changed significantly. He started misbehaving with his juniors over small things. He became careless in his work, often leading to mistakes and errors. Prakash's behaviour at office had a spill-over effect on Prakash and Meena's personal lives. One day he slapped an office peon for entering his cabin without knocking. After an enquiry about the incident, Meena recommended suspension of Prakash. While the two had continuously quarrelled over trivial things since her promotion, this time Prakash's career was at stake leading to a huge fight. Earlier Prakash and Meena tried to spend time together whenever possible, now the two despised being together at home and office. While Meena could not comprehend Prakash's behaviour, Prakash was jealous of Meena's success. Meena began to re-evaluate her decision to join XYZ retail. a) In your opinion, what qualities do Prakash lack? Do you think that Meena also lacks some qualities? b) As a common friend of Meena and Prakash, what advice will you give to the couple? c) How can they develop the qualities that could have prevented such a distressing situation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethics in Private and Public LifeEmotional Intelligence
Please check Questions 7, 8, 9, 10 (case studies).
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethical Dilemmas in Government
Write short notes on the following in 30 words each: / Profit verses Employee welfare / Accountability and Ethical Governance
10 marks · 30 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Citizens ChartersCivil Service Values
Farmer unions have called for mass protest against the private sugar factories for pending arrear that are due for the last two years. On the day of mass protest, large number of farmers turned up at several places and the protests turned violent. There were instances of stone pelting, vehicle burning, and clashes with police, who were not able to control the violent protesters at some places. The resort to lathi charge only aggravated the agitated protesters. At one of the protest sites, police resorted to firing and four farmers were killed. This further fuelled the protests as farmers at other places also resorted to violence to protest against police action. Looking at the intensity of the situation, under opposition pressure, one of the Minister of the state government gave the statement that farmers did not die due to police firing but there were some anti-social elements amongst the protesters who fired in order to create unrest in the state. This statement of the Minister instead of calming the protesters further angered them as some eyewitness testified to news channels about the deaths being the result of police firing. All this further projected government in bad light and the police action has come under severe criticism by various sections of intelligentsia. The public sentiment has started to sway in favour of the protesting farmers. The protesters have started blocking all the major state highways which has crippled the day-to-day routine of the people of the state. Further, there is a danger that the situation might get out of control anytime. There is huge pressure on the state government to diffuse the situation. Suppose you are the district magistrate where the incident has taken place: a) You are to address the press conference. What will be your statement to the media if it seeks clarification on whether people died in the police firing? b) What are the ethical issues involved in the case? c) What steps will you take to tackle the post-firing situation effectively?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
Jayant is a hard-working and dedicated IAS officer. He is currently posted in a remote district in North-East India. Jayant is married to Sarita who used to work as a software engineer before her marriage. Sarita is a well-educated and ambitious woman who wants to be known by her name and not only as the wife of IAS officer Jayant. Sarita wants to restart her career and has been searching for a suitable job for some time. She has found a good job in an MNC that pays well, but she will have to move to Bangalore for it. Sarita wants to take up this opportunity but Jayant's mother does not want Sarita to move to Bangalore. Jayant also wants Sarita to stay with him so that they can have kids and start their family. Sarita proposes that Jayant move with her to Bangalore as she will get a salary that is substantially more than Jayant's. Jayant and his mother found this proposal offending. Further, Jayant does not want to leave the job that he has dreamed of since his childhood and for which he has toiled hard. The entire issue has become a reason for daily fights between Sarita and Jayant, and has taken a toll on their married life. The issues in personal life of Jayant have creeped into his professional life as well. He is not able to concentrate on his work which has resulted in his poor performance. Just a few days back, Jayant made a blunder and was scolded by his senior for being absent-minded in his work. His behaviour in office has also changed. Now Jayant gets easily irritated and often talks rudely with the staff in the office. This is negatively impacting the motivation level of his subordinates. Jayant is aware of his degrading performance and he thinks that he is failing both in his personal and professional life. You are a mutual friend of Jayant and Sarita. One day you received a call from a distressed Jayant and he asks you for your advice on this issue. 1) Help Jayant identify different options available with him to cope with the crisis? Discuss the merits and demerits of each of these options. 2) As a mutual friend, what advice would you give to Jayant and Sarita in this case so that they can return back to being a happy couple? 3) How can Jayant develop the qualities that are required to handle such crisis situations in life?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Recently, disturbing incidents have occurred in different parts of the country where animals are being subjected to cruelty. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the human-animal relationship and suggest steps to mitigate such incidents.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Environmental EthicsDimensions of Ethics