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
Differentiate 'Consequentialism' from 'Deontological Ethics' with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Theories
Civil servants are committed to the improvement of the policy-making and service delivery abilities of the state. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Dedication to Public ServiceCivil Service Values
What are the key differences between moral and legal responsibilities? Illustrate with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Law and MoralitySources of Ethical Guidance
Of all government activities, public procurement is amongst the one most vulnerable to fraud and corruption. Explain with examples. Further, what steps would you suggest to maintain probity in public procurement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015
Probity in GovernanceCorruption
Effective utilisation of funds is the inevitable requirement for success in the governance process. Utilisation of funds is linked to different stages like sanctioning a specific amount, procurement and implementation. A weak and inefficient procurement process leads to poor utilisation of funds. In India, the procurement practices often differ from what is prescribed because of the hurdles such as inefficient monitoring process, limited accountability and governance, limited awareness and organisational culture. a. What are the challenges that are associated with public procurement policy? b. If you are posted as secretary in the finance department, what measures would you take to reform the public procurement system?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Utilisation of Public FundsCorruption
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. (10) (b) Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned? (10) (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. (10) (b) Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude
You are the principal of a school located in a tier 2 city. One day the parents of a child approached you complaining that their 4 year old girl has been sexually assaulted by one of the attendants in the school washroom. Considering it a very serious matter, you promptly raised the issue to the management. However they paid no heed to it considering it as a fabricated case to destroy the reputation of the school. Two days later, the parents of another girl along with a local politician came with a similar complaint. While you were trying to get details of the matter, the news of the assault spread throughout the city. This led to widespread protests by the locals. To add fire to the scenario, the political parties also declared a bandh throughout the state. You decided to raise the matter again to the management, but again they asked you to remain silent as the reputation of the school was at stake. You requested them to constitute a committee to carry out a detailed enquiry into the whole matter, but to your surprise they straightaway denied it and instead asked to cover up the whole issue. They also offered to promote you to the management board and raise your salary, provided you handle the matter effectively. a) What are the Ethical dilemmas faced by you in the above scenario? b) Evaluate the options available to you in the given scenario. c) What are the measures taken by the Government to prevent sexual offences against children? What additional steps can be taken to make the school environment safer for children?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance
Rashmi is a trained nurse and has an experience of over 20 years. She joined as a contractual nurse in a government hospital during the second wave of Covid-19. At the peak of the second wave of Covid, the health system of the country crumbled under the large number of infections. There was a severe shortage of not only items like medicine, oxygen cylinders etc but also of trained staff. To address the bed shortage, many temporary covid camps were established and to cope up with the dearth of trained staff, the government started hiring on contractual basis. Many nurses, computer operators, sweepers and others in support staff were temporarily hired for the covid period in accordance with outsourcing policy for emergency services at government hospitals. Due to their immense contribution in fight against the pandemic, they were recognized as 'corona warriors'. During their hiring, a verbal promise was made to them that, 'corona warriors' would be given preference in other government hirings. Rashmi signed a contract stating the term of her employment as three months, which was subsequently extended for three more months and so on. After a year, as the number of covid infections have declined, the government has closed many of the temporary camps. Vaccination drive has also shown a decelerating trend as the majority of the population has been inoculated with at least one dose. This has reduced the requirement of nurses, computer operators and other supporting staff. Rashmi was served a 15 day notice and her contractual employment was terminated. Government has cited that since covid wave has subsided, health infrastructure in the country. [Note: The source text appears to be missing text here.] Rashmi recalls her ordeal while taking care of patients during the second wave of Covid-19. She did continuous night shifts which usually stretched to 12-13 hours. Wearing PPE and 3 layers of masks made simple tasks like drinking water or using the washroom very difficult. Dealing with patients, some angry while others grieving, was an emotional drain. Rashmi also played a very important role in the vaccination drive, sometimes vaccinating more than 400 people per day. Many corona warriors contracted disease and died while doing their duty. Corona warriors have put their life on the line to save the country from the pandemic. But after termination of the contract, Rashmi feels that the government has acted with a 'use and throw' attitude. Rashmi and other corona warriors have started protesting near the health ministry, demanding permanent government employment. On the basis of this case, answer the following questions: 1) What are the various ethical issues involved in this case? 2) Do you think Rashmi is justified in demanding a permanent government job? 3) Do you think the government is justified in terminating the contracts of corona warriors? 4) Consider yourself in the position of Health secretary in the concerned state. What would you do to address the issue at hand?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDedication to Public Service
Upon his recent appointment as DM of a district, Naveen finds that the local MP is involved in misappropriation of MPLADS funds. The local staff and the previous DCs have turned a blind eye to this practice for their own benefit. There is a strong nexus between the MP and the local administration. The villagers are deprived of the basic amenities for which the funds were meant. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Examine the options available to Naveen and suggest the best course of action. (c) What long-term measures would you suggest to improve the situation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Utilisation of Public FundsCorruption
One of the states in India has experienced violent protest by a dominant caste in which there are also reports of gang-rape of women belonging to lower castes that are poor and have not been part of the protest. Even if military has been called still violence has not been controlled although abated. There are rumours that the state government issued order to administration not to take action against protesters as the government was working at political level to find out solution to their demands. The women and their community are feeling horrified and terrified by the incident and they are not speaking up even if the state administration and civil society have appealed to them to come out and file their complaints and their identity will not be disclosed. Such behaviour by them has resulted into some sections in society to question the validity of the incident and media reports. This is increasingly creating a cloud over the incident and the community is fearful of its safety. (a) Suppose you are the DM of one such district where the incident has been reported then what steps will be taken by you to imbibe trust in women and families so that they can come forward report to police? (b) Are there other ways to enquire about the incident whether it has happened or not? Explain. (c) Discuss the role of district police in ensuring safety to the community.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Empathy and CompassionCivil Service Values
Thirukkural advocates a conscious and a spirit-centered approach to business ethics based on eternal values and moral principles that should govern the conduct of business leaders. What are the ethical issues faced by businesses in contemporary times? How will the teachings of Thirukkural assist in their resolution?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceIndian Thinkers
What is the impact of ethical behaviour on the modern workplace? Discuss if an ethical climate at the workplace can help in better retention of employees.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Work CultureCorporate Governance
Global financial institutions like IMF, World Bank, etc. have been using INCOME APPROACH for decades now to gauge developmental levels of various countries. However, with time, several new & better approaches have come to the fore like ILO's 'Basic needs approach'.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
Discuss the significance and applications of Emotional Intelligence in the administration and governance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Emotional Intelligence
What could be the reasons for such an aggressive reaction from the workers union? How do you think Rashmi should handle the workers union?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Corporate GovernanceSocial Influence and Persuasion
Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical TheoriesWorld Thinkers
You are serving as the Public Health Officer in a district that is lagging behind in achieving the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Even after ensuring adequate access to water and sanitation services, their usage has not spread and the practice of open defecation continues in the district. Despite serious extension efforts by the government, safe hygienic practices have not been adopted by the people. As a result, various instances of bacteriological contamination and water-borne diseases have surfaced up recently. In such a scenario: (a) Examine the reasons behind low usage and adoption rates of built toilets in India? (b) Highlighting the principles to be kept in mind while preparing an effective Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy, design an action plan to address the problem.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Social Influence and PersuasionCivil Service Values
Hatred is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and work life. a) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviour. b) How can it be managed and controlled?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
While discretion is necessary for effective discharge of duties, it is also a major factor responsible for corruption in administration at all levels. Comment. In this context, suggest some ways in which smooth execution of responsibilities can be ascertained while minimising corruption.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
CorruptionTransparency and Information
Some people feel that religion is a source of peace and virtue, while others believe that it is the root cause of violence and chaos. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Explaining what an ethical dilemma is, discuss how it reflects not merely a choice between competing interests and values but also a test of strength of one's character.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDimensions of Ethics
What do you understand by corporate ethics? Explain its significance for socio-economic development.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Elaborate this Aristotelian ethics with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
World ThinkersEthical Theories
Discuss the role of family in inculcating values in your life. What modifications would you like to make in such values while passing it on to your children?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values