Ethics, integrity and aptitude

What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) A man can give up a right, but he may not give up a duty without being guilty of a grave dereliction.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories

Civil servants, who are themselves honest, but do nothing to save the institution from corruption, do greater damage to the system. Elucidate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

CorruptionProbity in Governance

What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established." — Aristotle

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

World ThinkersIntegrity

A reputed Automobile company based in India developed an Electric Vehicle(EV) for the international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approval. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for the domestic consumers with almost same quality and safety features. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the domestic competent authority and launched the product in the Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earned substantial profit both domestically and internationally. However, the random sample test conducted by inspecting team found the product being sold domestically in variance with the approval obtained from the competent authority. On further investigation, it was also discovered that the automobile company was not only selling electric vehicles which were not meeting the stipulated safety standards of the country but also selling the rejected export vehicles in the domestic market. This episode adversely affected the reputation and profitability of the automobile company. (a) What action do you visualize should be taken by the competent authority against the automobile company for violating the laid down Domestic Vehicle Safety Norms and selling rejected export products in the domestic market? (b) What course of action is available with the automobile company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation? (c) Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Technology and EthicsAccountability and Ethical Governance

Do you think there has been a convergence of values between public and private sectors in the wake of increasing role of the private sector in public service delivery?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Civil Service ValuesCorporate Governance

The onslaught of the Covid-19 Pandemic resulted in loss of many lives. Many families were left without anyone to take care of children and many parents lost their beloved children. This situation left an environment of misery. Taking this situation into consideration, the Chief minister of a state declared a scheme under which Rs 5 Lac will be provided to a family who had suffered a loss of life during the Covid-19 onslaught. Vikram Singh is a responsible district level officer, who enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his honesty, the government entrusted him with the responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under the declared scheme. The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following: (a) Aadhar card of the deceased. (b) Belonging to a reserved community. (c) Family income of less than 1 lakh per annum. (d) Valid death certificate which mentions Covid as Primary cause of Death. One day, an old couple visited Vikram's office with their application. They have been the residents of a village in his district since their birth. The old man informed Vikram that his Son has died due to the Covid. His son was the sole breadwinner and after his demise they have been left helpless as there is no income and now he has to provide for the future of his three grandchildren. Whatever money has been left with them, they are using it to fund children's education and other expenses and are hopeful that the recently declared scheme would benefit them greatly. The Old couple fulfills all the criteria except criterion 'a' and 'd'. However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their quality of life. How should Vikram Singh respond to the situation?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Rules versus CompassionEmpathy and Compassion

Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

AttitudeHuman Values

Bhanjanagar is a sleepy Sub-division of Ganjam district of Odisha. Ganjam district had been a witness to devastation caused by many tropical cyclones over the years. Unfortunately, this year Cyclone Fani hit the Eastern coast of India, with Bhanjanagar being the point of landing of cyclone causing massive disaster resulting in loss of property and lives. You are heading the rescue operations in the Bhanjanagar area which is seriously ravaged by the cyclone. Thousands of people are rendered homeless and deprived of food, drinking water and other basic amenities. Rescue work has been disrupted by heavy rainfall and damage to supply routes. The local people are seething with anger against the delayed limited rescue operations. When your team reaches the affected area, the people there heckle and even assault some of the team members. One of your team members is even severely injured. Faced with this crisis, some team members plead with you to call off the operations fearing threats to their life. In such trying circumstances, what will be your response?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Crisis Decision MakingDedication to Public Service

Examine with the help of examples how living in harmony with nature has always been an integral part of Indian cultural traditions and social values.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Environmental EthicsHuman Values

"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do" - Potter Stewart.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Dimensions of EthicsLaw and Morality

Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Transparency and InformationProbity in Governance

"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world."

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Empathy and CompassionHuman Values

While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Civil Service ValuesImpartiality and Objectivity

You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district, which has witnessed several lynching related crimes in the recent past. One day, a police station in the district got an SOS that in a particular village under their jurisdiction, two women have been accused of witchcraft and are now being paraded naked by the villagers. Given the past record of crimes in the village, it was likely that they would be killed by the villagers. When a police team from the station reached the spot and tried to save the two women from the mob, a scuffle broke out. In the ensuing scuffle, the police were brutally attacked and they had to retaliate by lathicharging in order to save themselves. The incident left three villagers dead. There is anger amongst the villagers, who are also a critical vote bank of the ruling party in the state. As the SP, you have been instructed to institute a quick enquiry and take the strictest action against the police team who lathicharged. You are aware that with elections around the corner, you need to diffuse the situation quickly. Given the situation, answer the following : (a) Identify the stakeholders and the issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these will you choose and why? (c) As an objective and scientific-tempered administrator, what steps will you suggest in the long-run to deal with mob lynching?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty

"No society can surely be flourishing and happy of which by far the greater part of the numbers are poor and miserable" – Adam Smith.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values

Explain the difference between end-oriented values and means-oriented values. In your opinion, which is more important for a public servant?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Aptitude for Civil ServiceDimensions of Ethics

Emotional intelligence is highly instrumental for public officials to successfully navigate the various complexities and contradictions they face in both their public and private life. Do you agree?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Emotional IntelligenceEthics in Private and Public Life

Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Technology and EthicsAttitude

"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong." - Mahatma Gandhi

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Human ValuesIndian Thinkers

You are serving as a District Magistrate in a district, which is prone to recurrent droughts. The issue of scarcity of water is aggravating year by year. Even during the years of high rainfall, the district has witnessed severe shortage of water for agriculture purposes, mainly due to cultivation of water guzzling crops. It is evident that water scarcity is one of the main reasons for backwardness of the district. Recognising this, the state government decided to withdraw some incentives given for cultivation of such crops and incentivise a cropping pattern more suitable to the agro-climatic conditions of this region. However, anticipating worsening of their economic condition in such times, the farmers have taken to protesting on the streets. Despite such a well-intentioned move by the government, the farmers feel that response of the state administration has been anti-farmer and cruel. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think there is a real divergence between interests of the farmers of this district and the state? (b) What immediate steps should you advocate in the interests of farmers of the district?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEnvironmental Ethics

The ideals of ‘Dhamma’ by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Indian ThinkersCivil Service Values

Bhuvan-ultra is a famous real estate developer engaged mostly in housing projects. It has a very good track record of timely delivery of housing projects and enjoys a high level of trust among buyers. One of the ongoing projects of Bhuvan-ultra is a housing project with six residential towers. The construction has been in full swing for the last four years. Given the good record of the builder, all the flats have already been sold. Four out of six towers are complete and people have started living in these towers. Two other towers are near completion and it is expected that these would be ready in the next few months. Satish lives in a rented house and he daily crosses through this project on his commute to office. Satish always wanted to buy a flat in one of these towers. One day while reading the newspaper Satish came across a news article on the ongoing project of Bhuvan-ultra. Through the news article, he came to know that Bhuvan-ultra had permission to construct only four towers and it has illegally constructed two more towers in the project. The two illegal towers were standing on ground which was supposed to be a wetland. The entire conundrum points toward massive corruption and negligence by state development authorities. The matter went into the court and the court has ordered demolition of the two illegal towers. However, as the two illegal towers lie in close proximity with the other four legally constructed and inhabited towers, demolishing them is not only expensive but also a risky affair. Further, as all the six towers share a common basement, demolition of two towers can have implications for structural integrity of other four towers. Satish sits there thinking about the pain of the people who have invested their life's savings in the project and questioning whether he should ever invest in a residential property. He is also questioning himself whether demolition of a residential apartments in a country where lakhs of people are homeless, is justified or not. On the basis of above case study, answer the following: a) Identify various ethical dilemmas involved in this case study. b) What can be the other options to achieve justice in the given case, apart from demolition of the illegal towers? Evaluate each of these options and suggest the most suitable option.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEnvironmental Ethics

In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India. (b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

AttitudeDimensions of Ethics