Ethics, integrity and aptitude

You are the Chief Judicial Magistrate of a district and you have also administrative authority on district judiciary. In due course, a four days leave from work falls and everyone seems to enjoy the holidays. On the third day of the leave, you come to know through TV channels that one of your subordinate judges had been caught in a raid on a hotel, famed for prostitution in the neighbouring country. However, the judge is released without any case registered against him and is freed by the local police of the neighbouring country. The neighbouring country did it due to good relation with our country. Although the news did not reach to the press and public of your district, but staff members are aware about such incident. Majority of staff members want only warning should be given, but the other want the erring judge to be sacked. (a) What should be your courses of action in this case and discuss why they are necessary? (b) Discuss some feasible strategies to avoid such type of embarrassment in future.

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

Civil Service ValuesIntegrity

Discuss the reasons why public servants are expected to have more discipline in their conduct than others and hence there are code of conduct and code of ethics for them? Is a public servant only a public servant during office hours or ethical norms should be practiced outside office hours also? Explain.

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

Codes of Ethics and ConductEthics in Private and Public Life

Recently, a metropolitan city which is also the NCT of the country is experiencing extreme air pollution due to which it has been unofficially declared as 'environmental emergency'. The city appears to be like a gas chamber. The immediate causes are burning of crops stubbles in vicinity states and fire crackers on the festive occasion. The other factors are related with city lifestyle wherein most of the human polluting activities remain largely unregulated. Other cities in the country which are close to the vicinity states have also started facing air pollution problems. The emergency like situation has resulted into respiratory related problems such heart and asthma and children are being considered as the most vulnerable. One death has also been reported. Suppose you are the head of the pollution department of the city then a) Is it failure of environmental governance or a human failure? Analyse the factors responsible for failure of regulation of human activities in the city. b) What should be the immediate steps taken to tackle the emergency? c) Discuss the medium and long term steps so that the city air pollution is contained at acceptable.

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

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

In the face of prevalent circumstances, our efforts at combating corruption suffer for three basic reasons: - (i) Absence of a basic or minimal code of conduct that applies uniformly to every holder of public office or authority, irrespective of the wing of the State to which he belongs; (ii) A procedure that offers escape routes, at every step of the way, to the delinquent; and (iii) Lack of will or initiative on the part of authorities in catching the bull by the horns. Analyse them and give your appropriate response to each reason.

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

Given are two quotations of moral thinker/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context: (a) "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that".

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

Indian ThinkersHuman Values

All nations give first priority to their citizens for example they are given some constitutional rights which are not enjoyed by people of other countries. Doesn't it show giving preference to citizen over human? Is it ethically justifiable to divide people on the basis of citizenship, that is, territorial sovereignty? Illustrate and explain.

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

Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics

You are in a subordinate position as a Revenue Officer next to the district head of your department. Your department is entrusted with revenue collection in the district. Annual and the corresponding monthly targets are duly achieved in the district where you are posted and the performance of that district is considered to be satisfactory and even good as compared to other districts in the state. Eventually, you come to know that there is more potential for revenue collection and hence you start applying more efforts. Your enthusiasm to collect more revenue has not gone well in the administration. You are advised from above and below your rank to maintain status quo or face consequences. All the staff seems to be in collusion and you have good evidence to believe that the nexus goes to the departmental headquarter. (a) Identify the various actions that you could take; (b) Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your actions. (c) What should be the most appropriate action in your view? Give adequate justification.

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

CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government

An honest civil servant should not be harassed by anybody or agency or institution while in service or after retirement. It would make the civil servants working in the system nervous, which would not be in the interest of the country". Comment.

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

Civil Service ValuesPressure and Loyalty

There is a view that in the last three decades governments have given too many rights to citizens such as in terms of local bodies, Citizen's charter, RTI, RTE, whistle-blowing law, rights getting expansion due to innovative interpretation by judiciary, etc. In the light of this statement, answer the following questions. i. They have strengthened democracy at the cost of governance. ii. They have strengthened both governance and democracy but at the cost of economic growth.

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

Accountability and Ethical GovernanceTransparency and Information

What is meant by bureaucratic work culture and how it is different from professional work culture? Discuss the factors responsible for their distinctive characteristics. Do you think that a fully professionalised bureaucracy will not suit to Indian conditions? Give justification to your view.

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

Work CultureCivil Service Values

A wrestler who has participated at international and national events gets his berth to represent India in the upcoming Olympic through a court battle replacing the sportsperson who won a medal in the last Olympic. When few days are left in the event, there are reports of doping against him. He alleges for foul practices by some people in his foods. Initial investigation also happens from this angle. He is being portrayed as clean. The Indian anti-doping agency also clears his name which is challenged in the world anti-doping agency. This agency rule against the wrestler and consequently, he loses chance to participate in the Olympic. At this stage, India loses chance to participate in the category he could have participated. Most importantly, image of the country has suffered. Suppose you were the concerned authority to take a final decision on his participation and replacement at early stage when the controversy first surfaced then a) Discuss the courses of action that you could have followed and give reasons in justification. b) What steps should be taken by the sports authorities in the country to avoid such embarrassment at national and international level. c) To what extent adoption of a code of sports ethics at national level will help in this regard?

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

Codes of Ethics and ConductEthical Dilemmas in Government

Water crisis is emerging a new threat for survival of human and peace and harmony in society. Many Indian cities are also facing scarcity of water and one such is Jabalpur which is located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh and lies 15 kilometres from river Narmada. Narmada, rain, groundwater and two reservoirs are the four major sources of water for Jabalpur. Once known as the city of lakes, the water bodies have today lost their lust and it is experiencing an imminent water crisis. Water shortage leads to long queues and street squabbles with people's patience running out. Concrete buildings and waste material, sports and business complexes are being planned in place of the retreating water bodies, without a passing thought to the consequences on environment such as drying of lakes. Scarcity of water has led to the digging of tubewells in every plot of the newly-constructed colonies which has worse effect on groundwater and consequently has further aggravated the problem with the fall of the watertable. Earlier most of the rain that fell recharged groundwater aquifers because of dense green cover which, acted as a barrier for surface runoff. Now, with substantial removal of forest cover the available reservoirs are getting silted up. Unfortunately, there is no official policy to respond to the crisis. (a) As a Municipal commissioner of the Jabalpur discuss the feasible solution for reviving lakes, reservoirs and solving the problem of scarcity of water at the same time ensuring the normal life of people should come under so much disruption. (b) There can be some possible negative consequences of your solutions. Discuss strategies to overcome them?

20 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016

Crisis Decision MakingEnvironmental Ethics

Due to increase in the incidents of stalking, kidnapping and rape in moving vehicle, life of women has become unsafe in one such city. There have been reports of two murders both are related to stalking. In both cases, women were married and had children as well. In both cases, police have been informed and formal complaints were filed but still the menace was not addressed. Interestingly, in one such case when complained was filed by the woman, the constable himself became stalker. These incidents have found wide coverage in the media which has further abetted fearfulness and lack of safety to women. It is also a setback to the city police which has in past special drives for creating awareness on women safety and has taken many measures including community policing. a) Suppose you are the Deputy Police Commissioner in the city then what more specific measures will be taken to tackle the menace of stalking and other issues? b) Discuss the behavioural problems of the police in this case and whether disciplinary action as transfer is sufficient or there in need for upholding police accountability if it is, so how?

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

Crisis Decision MakingAccountability and Ethical Governance

Consider the following questions based on the relationship between religion and law i. Religious belief shouldn't serve as foundation for morality in a pluralistic society like India. ii. Law should prevail over religion whenever there is conflict between the two. Discuss how ethics can help having a better understanding of conflict between religion and law?

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

Law and MoralityDimensions of Ethics

There is a historical city in one of the districts of UP. Recently, it has been in news due to controversy on a report by a person of the city that there has been exodus of people only belonging to majority community although they are in minority in the city. The controversy is on the claim that the migration is only due to fear of the dominant community in the city and not due to other reasons such as search for better life, employment, safety and security due to gagsters menace and law and order problems. This has also been corroborated by a report on the issue by the NHRC, which has also become controversial. Interestingly, the city has always had communal harmony. It has seen no trace of communal tension even at a time when parts of UP witnessed a lot of violence and communal hatred during 2013. a) Suppose you are the District Magistrate of that district then what should be your immediate priorities and why? b) Discuss the role and significance of various stakeholders you will seek help and why? c) Discuss your courses of actions which will be able to not only provide short term solution but also be long lasting in establishing rule of law and peace and harmony in the city.

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

Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion

Dr. A.K. Singh, a professor of medicine, is a prominent cardiologist. His personal financial investments include significant stock holdings in three publicly traded biotechnology firms. He is approached by one of these firms to be a lead investigator in a therapeutic trial of a novel agent for preventing tissue damage from myocardial infarction (MI). This will be a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial (neither patient nor physician will know whether the drug under investigation or a placebo is being used in a given patient). Dr. Singh is quite familiar with the preliminary animal and cell biology work in the area and believes that there is an excellent chance that this new drug will result in a significant improvement in survival and reduce damage to the heart muscle. He even thinks this new agent may reduce the risk of heart failure and irregular beats. Dr. Singh's group is one of the few cardiology groups fully prepared to carry out this investigation, which is why he was contacted. He cares for a large number of patients with MI and believes that he could enroll numerous patients efficiently. The drug will only be available to his patients if his group participates in the trial. The company is offering Rs. 25 lakh for each patient enrolled. As a lead investigator, he will become much better known and will likely experience an increase in referrals if the trial succeeds. 1. Is Dr. Singh's participation in this study appropriate? Justify your position. 2. Does Dr. Singh have a conflict of interest? If so, what is the nature of the conflict? How could it be mitigated. 3. How would the nature of the conflict of interest be different had he not already owned stock, but instead had been offered stock as a form of compensation for conducting the study?

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

Conflict of InterestCorporate Governance

Since politics and business are inseparable, a good governance eco-system is a precondition for corporate governance. Comment.

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

Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

Socialisation can be considered as the ethical eco-system for a child which shapes his/her future character and conduct. i. Discuss how socialisation has undergone changes in 21st century from that of 20th century? ii. There is a view that traditional values have eroded. Discuss how it has posed challenges in values inculcation to social institutions such as family and parents?

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

"Anybody can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power and is not easy".

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

Emotional Intelligence

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

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

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

"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