GS4 · Practice questions
Ethics, integrity and aptitude
369 questions match. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
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Propose a course of action that respects judicial authority while upholding the values of compassion, fairness, and responsible governance.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentRules versus Compassion
Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Dimensions of EthicsWorld Thinkers
Sunshine electronics is a domestic mobile manufacturer and you are its CEO. Sunshine electronics has made an affordable 5g phone with over 80% domestically sourced components. It has spent a large amount of money for promotion of the phone. General public is excited about the new phone and the company has already received over 1 lakh pre-launch orders from various online shopping portals. The achievement of the company has also received recognition from the highest political level and has been cited as a successful example of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat. The Central Minister of Electronics and Information Technology is the chief guest in the launch event of the new mobile phone. Just a day before the launch of the new phone, you received a call from the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of your company. He informs you that the US has banned Huwu Technologies Pvt. Ltd. from doing business in the USA and a similar ban is expected to be imposed by the EU in the next few days. The ban on Huwu is based on a report claiming that Huwu has been working very closely with the Chinese government and there are technical 'backdoors' in the components made by Huwu that allows it to spy on users of the devices that have these components. The new phone made by your company also uses a chip manufactured by Huwu. To fulfil the pre-orders in the shortest possible time, Sunshine Electronics has also manufactured around fifty thousand devices. Cancelling or postponing the launch event would be embarrassing for political dispensation and financially disastrous for your company. On the other hand, going ahead with the launch would mean potentially risking the privacy and security of your customers. 1) On the basis of this case, identify the various ethical dilemmas involved. 2) What principles of corporate ethics would you consider while taking the decision in this case? 3) Examine various options available with you for handling the issue at hand. What will you do in the given case?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
Mr. X is a billionaire businessman who heads a conglomerate engaged in insurance, energy generation and distribution, and manufacturing. Despite being globally known as a great philanthropist, he turned down a shareholder request seeking the disclosure of the conglomerate's actions on issues related to climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. Because of increased attention to climate and diversity issues, many leading firms have committed themselves to incorporate relevant considerations in their business strategies. Therefore, some industry-observors wonder if Mr. X is out of touch with the industry at large and have warned him that failing to address climate change issues puts his businesses under systemic risk. But, Mr. X maintained his vote against the disclosure proposal, while at the same time acknowledged the importance of both climate change and a diverse and inclusive work force. However, Mr. X believes that such ethical issues take secondary importance to maximising shareholder profit. (a) Discuss the importance of including climate change strategies and diversity and inclusion in a business organisation? (b) In your opinion, what matters more for a business organisation - socio-environmental concerns or shareholder profit? (c) How can the two above-mentioned issues be reconciled?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are the District Magistrate of a district, which is the hub of coaching centres for engineering as well as medical entrance exams. Recently, around 5 students have committed suicide owing to academic and social pressure. Students in the age group 15-18 years from across the country come to the district with the dream of getting admission into prestigious institutions like the IITs and AIIMS. However, the coaching institutions are business-minded and want to have toppers from their institute so that they can attract more students. They create a lot of pressure on students to perform, with differential treatment like forming different category of batches depending on students' performance. These students live as Paying Guests and in hostels away from their families and many cannot tackle the huge burden of competition and the associated mental stress. The recent spate of suicide by 5 students has been highlighted by the national media and you have been asked by the Chief Minister to present a report of the situation and take steps on the matter. The Chief Minister has also asked you to keep the matter away from limelight so that the coaching centres continue with their business and generate revenue for themselves as well as the state. Upon investigation, you find out that 2-3 of the most famous coaching institutions are run by political leaders of the ruling party. They are involved in false advertisements in order to lure students. They also create undue pressure on the students to perform. Also, there is an emerging black market for performance enhancing drugs, which have become common among the students. (a) Highlight the stakeholders involved and discuss the associated ethical issues in the given case. (b) Given the situation, what will be your course of action? (c) Discussing the various reasons for increased cases of suicides among students, suggest measures to address the issue in the long-run.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentPressure and Loyalty
Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Technology and EthicsAccountability and Ethical Governance
Positive attitude refers to readiness of psyche to act-react in manner based on right cognitive, affective and behaviour tendency.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
How does emotional intelligence influence interpersonal relationships in the workplace? Discuss the impact of emotional intelligence on team dynamics, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Emotional Intelligence
You, as the Superintendent of Police, find yourself in a district plagued by severe civil unrest and law-and-order issues. Despite numerous appeals from political leaders, the situation shows no signs of improvement. The rioters have managed to loot a nearby army camp, gaining access to weapons and ammunition. This has escalated the conflict between different communities, resulting in constant gunfire exchanges. In the midst of this chaos, you receive a distressing midnight call from an officer at a refugee camp. He informs you that a 7-year-old child has been shot in the back at the camp, revealing that the rioters targeted the police for providing protection to people from other communities. The officer at the camp requests your assistance in escorting the injured child to the nearest hospital. You quickly arrange for an ambulance and make your way to the camp. However, while enroute, you receive a message from one of your subordinates, alerting you of the spread of fake news. According to this misinformation, it is being falsely claimed that state officials are misusing the ambulance to offer preferential treatment to a particular community. In this situation what are the different approaches available to you? What will be your course of action? How will you ensure that law and order situation is maintained?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crisis Decision MakingEmpathy and Compassion
It is said: "In history of mankind more harm is done by silence of good, than vices of evil", highlighting on role of right moral compass. 2(b) Human values vs Public service values: Difference and complementarity. 3(b) Do you agree that the dilemma regarding women's roles is a product of social construction? Elaborate. 4(a) Ethics and laws are not always in harmony. Elaborate with examples and how to resolve the conflicts between them.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
"You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water." - Rabindranath Tagore
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
The different ethical principles account to changed area of focus based on their thoughts and prioritization. 2(b) Quality in service delivery refers to overcoming 'just doing duty' with a sense of transparency, accountability and responsibility with ethical governance. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Civil Service ValuesQuality of Service Delivery
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? Illustrate with examples from your life.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
Under the Mid- Day Meal (MDM) scheme, children are served cooked food in their school. It has been revolutionary in not only improving the nutritional status of children but also increasing the retention ratio in schools. However, the quality of food has been a cause of concern. In one of the unfortunate incidents, two students lost their lives and over thirty children fell ill after eating the MDM in their school. The district administration was quick in its action and fired the cook (bhojan-mata) of the concerned school. The bhojan-mata, who belongs to a backward caste, is the sole breadwinner in her family after her husband passed away. In an TV interview related to the incident, Bhojan-mata claimed that she is being made a scapegoat and being targeted only because she belongs to a backward caste. This created a political storm in the state. Opposition parties picked up the issue of social discrimination and started state-wide protest demanding justice for the bhojan-mata. The protest found resonance with the masses and the ruling party was severely criticized. To win back the confidence of the public, the government has constituted a commission to investigate the matter in an impartial manner. You are a joint secretary level officer and have been appointed as a member of the commission. During the investigation, you found that bhojan-mata was indeed not at fault. It was the contractor who was supplying poor quality raw materials to the school that caused the food poisoning in children. You also found that the food contractor was the brother of a powerful cabinet minister. You suspect that the district administration was hand-in-glove with the contractor and they connived to implicate bhojan-mata and exonerate the contractor. You brought these findings before the head of the commission. To your surprise, the head of the commission informs you that he was already aware of these facts. He informs you that the minister has asked him to make a report that vindicates the bhojan-mata and reinstates her in order to subdue the opposition led agitations. He asks you to find someone else who can be blamed to ensure that the government is able to save its face as declaring the brother of a sitting cabinet minister responsible would push the government further in trouble. He also tells you that that helping the ruling dispensation would ultimately help you, subtly giving hints of getting a ‘plum posting’ and also warns you that going against the wish of the minister can attract the wrath of the minister that can be disastrous for your career. 1) What are the various ethical dilemmas that you face in this situation? 2) What are the different courses of action that you can take? Identify the most suitable course of action and justify your choice.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Sita is a young woman living in a small village in rural India. She belongs to a lower-caste community that has traditionally been associated with manual scavenging. Sita's parents were manual scavengers, and as a child, she had often accompanied them on their rounds, collecting and disposing of the excreta of their higher-caste neighbours. When Sita turned 18, she decided that she didn't want to continue with this degrading and unhealthy work. She wanted to break free from the cycle of poverty and discrimination that had trapped her community for generations. However, finding alternative employment was not easy. Sita had little education and few skills, and the only jobs available to her were in the informal sector, where wages were low and working conditions were poor. One day, Sita heard about a job opportunity at the local municipality. The municipality was looking for a "safai karamchari" to clean the streets and dispose of the garbage. Sita applied for the job and was selected. At first, Sita was excited about her new job. She earned a regular wage and had the satisfaction of doing work that was important to the community. However, as time went on, Sita began to realize that her job involved much more than just cleaning the streets. She was often asked to clean and dispose of the excreta of people who were unable to do so themselves, either because of age, illness, or disability. Sita was uncomfortable with this aspect of her job and found it demeaning and degrading. She knew that manual scavenging was illegal and that it violated the rights of the individuals she was asked to serve. She also knew that it carried serious health risks, as she had to work without protective gear or equipment. However, Sita was afraid to speak out or to refuse the tasks that were assigned to her. She needed the job to support her family and was afraid of losing it if she complained or refused to do the work. She also feared social ostracism and discrimination if she went against the traditional roles and expectations of her community. a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case b) What role do the municipality and the community play in addressing the issue of manual scavenging in this case? c) What can be done at the societal level to address the root causes of manual scavenging and to promote the rights and dignity of those affected by it?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethics in Private and Public LifeEmpathy and Compassion
Analyze the following options for the course of action that you would take and evaluate their merits and demerits.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
Distinguish between Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, Accountability and Responsibility.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Codes of Ethics and ConductAccountability and Ethical Governance
Ethical governance is not solely the responsibility of the state, but also of private entities engaged in public functions. Discuss the ethical challenges posed by public-private partnerships (PPPs), and suggest ways to ensure transparency and accountability in such arrangements.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical 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
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
Prachinmath is a pilgrim town nestled in the laps of Himalayas. The town is part of one of the border states of the country. It serves as the base for a highly revered and well-known pilgrimage undertaken by millions of people every year. The people of Prachinmath, who are largely from a close-knit community of Pahadi tribe, have lived in the area for several generations. The Pahadi people, since many generations, have developed a lifestyle which is integral to the ecosystem of Prachinmath. The traditional knowledge of the tribe passed from one generation to other have helped the people in living with the environment in a sustainable manner. The people of Prachinmath worshipped the local deity, and believed it to be their destiny to live in the region in a peaceful and harmonious way. However, the increasing pace of unplanned development, uncontrolled religious tourism, creation of strategic infrastructure etc., in the contemporary times have fundamentally altered the minimalistic nature of relationship that the people of Prachinmath had with the local/fragile environment. Prachinmath Bachao Committee (PBC), a civil society organization of Pahadi tribals, has consistently opposed the unbridled and brazen exploitation of the resources of Prachinmath. They have through petitions, jan sabhas, nukkad nataks etc., highlighted the grave consequences of the unsustainable development model that the state and Union governments were adopting for Prachinmath. However, their petitions had fallen on deaf ears. Moreover, the government justified the infrastructure creation in Prachinmath in order to cater to its strategic and religious significance. The problems came to a head when the government decided to construct a tunnel in Prachinmath, in order to generate hydroelectricity. The PBC as well as prominent geologists of the country vehemently opposed the idea citing its negative impact upon the region. The scientific community was of the opinion that as Prachinmath sits on geological fault lines and is built on a debris of a landslide, any large-scale construction may cause irreparable damage to the environment. Nevertheless, the government went ahead with the project, constructing the tunnel in a record time, citing its necessity for the energy security of the country. Even many economists were of the opinion that increased energy capacity will help India curtail its import bill. Such steps were hailed by the government as the stepping stone of the country towards strategic autonomy. The worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when the houses in Prachinmath started showing large cracks. The reason for the crack, as found out after a detailed study, was attributed to the subsidence of land in Prachinmath. The sinking of the land, development of large cracks, collapsing of the buildings etc., caught the attention of social, electronic, and print media alike. Overnight, Prachinmath became the talk of the country. Even the international media highlighted the episode, and the existential threat that it posed to the local communities as well as the environment. The state and Union governments swung into action and formed an expert committee, comprising of scientists, bureaucrats, NDRF/SDRF personnel etc., to look into the matter. The committee advised the government to evacuate Prachinmath completely, as the sinking of the land was continuing. Working on the recommendations of the committee, government prepared a detailed resettlement and rehabilitation plan for the people of Prachinmath. The Pahadi people, who squarely blamed the government for the crisis, felt cheated by the actions of the government and refused to evacuate from Prachinmath, the place of their ancestors. a) What are the various conflicting interests in the above case study. b) As a DM of the district in which Prachinmath falls, how will you convince the people to evacuate from the area? c) What can we do to avoid such situations in the future.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion." - Aristotle
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Social Influence and PersuasionHuman Values
Differentiate between the following: ii) Guilt Vs. Remorse
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
The primary function of attitude is to mediate between a person's internal needs and external environment. What are the functions of attitude? Elaborate it.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Attitude