Ethics, integrity and aptitude

Explain briefly the contribution of Acharya Vinoba Bhave in establishing a society with justice and setting the tone for a better India for tomorrow.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Indian Thinkers

Every culture passes certain values such as empathy, compassion from generation to generation. Discuss some of the values of Indian culture which helps us to develop an ideal personality

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education

Mr X is travelling by road with his family to attend a marriage ceremony. His grandfather, who is the head of the family is also travelling with him. On the way to their destination, all of them stop at a road side restaurant for lunch. This is a well-known restaurant owned by one of the friends of Mr X. The place is known for its tasty and hygienic food. However, the grandfather notices a picture on the wall of the restaurant and enquires about the religion of the restaurant owner. Mr X's friend belongs to a religion different from the grandfather's religion. The grandfather has a negative attitude towards the religion of Mr X's friend and he insists that he will not eat in that restaurant. He demands that the entire family should leave the restaurant immediately as they are travelling for a happy occasion and eating at this particular restaurant will pollute them. Mr X tries to calm down his grandfather and explain to him that religion has nothing to do with purity or pollution. He also reasons that several travel magazines have rated the restaurant highly, especially for its superior hygiene standards. Also, he points out that there is no restaurant in the way for the next 100 Km and it will be difficult for all to make do without food for that long. However, his arguments fall on deaf ears, and which is more his grandfather admonishes him for bringing the family to the restaurant despite being aware about the religion of the owner. Mr X's friend feels insulted and discriminated against due to his religion. Mr X's father is upset but refuses to say anything out of respect for the grandfather. Entire family is embarrassed by the attitude of the grandfather and they are getting ready to leave the restaurant. Mr X is confused regarding how he should act in this situation. a) What are the various ethical issues in the above case study? b) Imagine yourself in the place of Mr X. Evaluate the different courses of actions available with you. What is the most suitable course of action?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

AttitudeEmpathy and Compassion

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest." Discuss the significance of this statement in present day India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values

What are the options available to Mr. Sharma and the CEO?

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance

What does each of the following quotations mean to you? "It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently." – Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

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

Dimensions of EthicsEmotional Intelligence

Rohan was a new intern at ABC computers, a company that deals in assembling and sales of desktops. ABC computers is a leading company in its field, and it was a dream come true for Rohan to get an opportunity to intern at the company. Rohan is an ethical and upright person who does his duty with utmost sincerity and dedication. Rohan's hard work at ABC computers was well recognized and his superiors were satisfied with his performance. One day, Avinash, Rohan's team leader, gave him a file and instructed him to deliver it to Mr. Manoj, the General Manager of XYZ Chemicals, a Public Sector Unit (PSU). Avinash told Rohan that the contents of the file were confidential as it contained the company's quotation for a tender of 100 computers required by XYZ chemicals. Rohan felt encouraged that Avinash had chosen him for this important task. As instructed, Rohan reached the office of XYZ chemicals on time. While waiting for his turn to meet the General Manager, Rohan noticed the citizen's charter of the XYZ chemicals on the wall. Apart from explicit provisions for transparency and checking corruption, there was a dedicated section for grievance redressal in the citizen's charter. Rohan mentally appreciated the initiative of having a citizen's charter at public offices. On his turn, Rohan greeted Mr. Manoj and presented him with his company's quotations. Mr. Manoj looked visibly satisfied with the quotations, however, he asked Rohan as to what incentives there were for him personally, for approving the quotations. Rohan was shocked by this question, and before he could say anything, Mr. Manoj himself hinted that he expects 10% of the quotation value to be delivered to him, as a token of gratitude for approving the quotation of ABC computers over the quotations of other companies. A man of scruples, Rohan was offended at the proposition of Mr. Manoj, who was directly demanding a bribe for doing his stipulated duty. He requested Mr. Manoj to consider the quotations on their competitive merit, and to not embarrass him by demanding a bribe. Mr. Manoj asked Rohan to leave and also told him that his attitude may become a problem for him and his company in the future. Rohan felt harassed by the threats of Mr. Manoj. While leaving XYZ chemicals, Rohan remembered the grievance redressal section in the citizen's charter. He wrote a detailed application of complaint against Mr. Manoj on the letter head of ABC computers, and submitted it with the grievance redressal authority of XYZ chemicals. On returning to his office, he appraised Avinash about all that transpired at XYZ chemicals. Rohan expected his company to initiate an official complaint against Mr. Manoj. However, he was shocked with the response of his company. Avinash blamed Rohan for spoiling the relations of the company with a long-time client. He also questioned Rohan's authority for writing a complaint on the company's letterhead without consulting his superior. He further belittled Rohan's actions by telling him that Mr. Manoj has always ensured that ABC computers got preferential treatment over its competitors. Furthermore, Avinash asked Rohan to apologise to Mr. Manoj, and take back his complaint. He also hinted that if he refused to comply, his internship in the company will be ended with immediate effect. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case study? b) Rohan considers you a wise person and seeks your advice. As a friend of Rohan, what advice will you give him under these circumstances? c) What are the reasons for the acceptance of this kind of corruption? What steps can be taken to tackle the same?

25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government

Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss. Also, state ways to enhance probity in governance.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Probity in GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

"Civil servants are the custodian of public resources." In the context of this statement, state the importance of holistic competence for civil servants in India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Civil Service ValuesUtilisation of Public Funds

Aarav was a young man in his early twenties, working as a promising IAS officer recently posted in a prominent district. His family, well-respected and influential in their community, arranged his marriage to Priya, a bright and educated young woman from a nearby town. The marriage was celebrated lavishly, with local leaders, senior bureaucrats, and influential people attending the grand ceremony. To the outside world, Aarav and Priya seemed like an ideal couple. However, behind closed doors, Aarav's parents soon began demanding additional dowry shortly after the wedding. Despite their respectable social standing and Aarav's prestigious position in government service, they were never satisfied with what Priya's family had given at the time of marriage. They repeatedly reminded Priya of the 'promised gifts' that they claimed were incomplete: a new car, more gold jewelry, and financial help to buy an upscale apartment in the city. Aarav, caught between his duty as a husband and his deep-seated conditioning to obey and please his parents, often tried to mediate but rarely stood up firmly for Priya. He rationalized that as an officer entrusted with maintaining law and order in society, he should avoid any scandal that could tarnish his family's reputation and his own career prospects. He was raised to believe that family honor and parental wishes were paramount. Meanwhile, Priya bore the brunt of daily taunts, subtle threats, and constant emotional harassment. Her mother-in-law would belittle her for "bringing shame" to their family by not fulfilling her family's so-called promises. Whenever Priya's parents visited, they were met with humiliation and veiled threats about sending Priya back if they did not arrange more money. Fearing for their daughter's marriage and social standing, Priya's father sold part of his ancestral land to provide additional cash and jewelry. But the demands never stopped. Aarav, though fully aware of the injustice and the fact that dowry harassment was illegal under Indian law chose silence over confrontation, convincing himself that confronting his parents would shatter family harmony and invite public shame. As the pressure mounted, Priya's mental health deteriorated. She grew withdrawn and anxious, confiding in her parents about the relentless harassment but begging them not to take any legal action. She feared social stigma, public scandal, and the impact it might have on Aarav's reputation and career. Aarav, meanwhile, continued to live with the moral conflict between his role as an upholder of the law and his inability to protect his own wife from a crime happening within his own household. (a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Aarav in this scenario. (b) Suggest institutional and social mechanisms that can prevent dowry harassment cases like this and support victims who fear social stigma if they take legal action. (c) Examine how social conditioning and family honor often influence ethical decision-making in Indian families.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentFamily, Society and Education

Lack of organ donation results in half a million deaths annually, in India due to unavailability of organs. How social persuasion and attitudinal changes can help reduce such deaths.

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

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband Arjun is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave. At 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming local festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning. Srushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their daughter has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself like this and that the child needs more of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for availing maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti is ignoring her health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported. Later that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being fair to her own child and family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight of expectations. Male officers with children are rarely questioned. But as a new mother, she is constantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty. Srushti starts thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) Evaluate the options available to Srushti in the above situation. c) What suggestions would you make to help officers like Srushti maintain a healthy work-life balance.

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

Ethics in Private and Public LifeCivil Service Values

Emotional intelligence is primary in managing workplace conflicts. Discuss with suitable examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Emotional Intelligence

According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer. On the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so. (a) What is your opinion on the matter? (b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken. 11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance

Read the following case studies and answer accordingly with proper justifications. Answer should not exceed 200 words each 3x15=45 (a) A junior member of staff has just returned to work after taking special leave to care for her elderly mother. For financial reasons she needs to work full-time. She has been having difficulties arranging proper care for her mother, which has led her to miss important team meetings (usually taking place at the beginning of each day) and to leave the office early. She is very competent in her work but her absence is putting pressure on her as well as her overworked colleagues. You being her manager are aware that the flow of work is coming under pressure due to this. One of her male colleagues is beginning to make comments such as "a woman's place is in the home", and is undermining her at every opportunity, putting her under even greater stress. How will you deal with the situation?

15 marks · 200 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2013

Work CultureEthical Dilemmas in Government

What is the application of Emotional intelligence to administration? How can emotional intelligence be enhanced?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024

Emotional Intelligence

"Being apolitical is not the same as being unethical." Do you agree? Justify with reference to public administration.

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

Recent land subsidence incidents in Joshimath, Uttarakhand have led to renewed debates about sustainability of various projects in ecologically and geologically fragile areas like Himalayas. This case study is similar to the case of Joshimath. (a) Various conflicting interests in the case are (b) As DM of Prabhinnath, how will you convince people to evacuate the disaster hit area? (c) What measures should be taken to avoid such situations in future? Q. 6) Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) impose the duty on state to prohibit & prevent consumption of intoxicating substances. Recently, many people died in Bihar due to consumption of Hooch (country made liquor). This poses a question of protecting lives before state in line with DPSPs. (a) What measures should Anjali (Joint Secretary) recommend? (b) Discuss the pros and cons of the decisions made in this regard.

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

Mr. X is a renowned Architect. He receives a contract of Rs. 500 crores to design and lead a building project that would not only be an architectural landmark but also involves engineering challenges the solutions for which would change the industry. The building would house the headquarters of a successful company Fictitious Corp. Its chairman, Mr. Y is renowned for his acumen as well as temper. After spending time on the drawing board, Mr. X comes up with an innovative design which in itself is a masterpiece. His office had to lay out the plan and then coordinate with the engineering firms to execute it to perfection. The building is constructed in record time and is praised for its ingenuity and the experts also look at it as an engineering milestone. After six months of its construction, Ms. Z, a doctoral student of mathematics, visits the building for her work on structural engineering calculations. She has immense respect for Mr. X's work. However, she finds that her calculations do not satisfy the requirements of structural integrity for which the building has been widely hailed. She realizes that the building's structure has a deficiency based on the bolted beams used for structural support; this was inadequate if the impact of vertical winds on the building is taken into account. It not only created a threat for the building and its occupants but also the buildings and people nearby. Mr. X is informed of these calculations by the student and her supervisor. However, Mr. X, meticulous as he is, has confidence on his work and detailed design. He looks at the issue seriously and spends time on the design. He indeed finds no flaw in his design and also notes that his design entails the use of welded rather than bolted beams. At the time he is negotiating the construction of another building where the issue of welded versus bolted metal beams is a sticking point. Mr. X prefers welded beams as they are twice as strong as the requirements are. However, the engineering firm responsible for actual construction job and procuring the steel beams points out that double bolted beams are strong enough to meet the requirement, are cost effective and also fulfill the building code requirements. After the meeting Mr. X visits the Fictitious Corp building, and to his horror he realizes that bolted rather than welded beams have been used in the construction of the building. He asks for the design that his office has used after final approval. He notices that indeed the final designs show the use of bolted beams. These beams are classified as trusses which do meet the regulatory requirements but not the structural capacity as envisaged by Mr. X initially. He further enquires and is told that the engineering firm responsible for construction work had also given similar arguments about the sufficiency, cost effectiveness and regulatory

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

India ranks 85th amongst 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index of 2021. In this context, discuss the various ways to tackle corruption in India, with special reference to Kautilya's Arthashastra.

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

CorruptionIndian Thinkers

"The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?" What do you understand by nationalism? What significance does it hold in your life?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017

Human ValuesEthics in Private and Public Life

While the company has offered compensation, rehabilitation, and employment opportunities, past experiences indicate that resettlement programs often fail in execution, leading to impoverishment and socio-economic marginalization of displaced communities. The situation is further complicated by strong protests from environmental activists, civil society organizations, and tribal leaders advocating for the protection of indigenous rights and ecological sustainability. Meanwhile, political leaders and business groups are pressuring Mr. Verma to facilitate the smooth implementation of the project. (a) Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the officer in balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and tribal rights.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEnvironmental Ethics

Objectivity and compassion both are considered foundational values for a civil servant. Why is it important for a civil servant to balance these values? Explain with help of two examples where (i) objectivity was practiced without compassion (ii) objectivity and compassion were blended together.

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

Impartiality and ObjectivityEmpathy and Compassion

As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values