Ethics, integrity and aptitude

It is not only public servants, but also the common citizens who play a key role in institutionalising high standards of ethical conduct and good governance. Elaborate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023

Probity in GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

An ethical work culture is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of an organization. Discuss and suggest some measures to build an ethical work culture in an organization.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Work CultureCorporate Governance

There is an ongoing ethnic civil war in a neighbouring country. The conflict has caused massive displacement of people from the country. Ironically, the developed countries have closed off their borders to the refugees on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, resource competition, domestic politics etc. With countries sealing off their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation and many are taking illegal routes to enter your country. As a Senior Official of your country's Ministry of External Affairs, you have been involved in discussions with officials of other nations and are entrusted with the mandate to design a national policy to safely accommodate India bound refugees. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the moral issues related to the rights of international refugees, especially those from conflict-torn regions. (b) What recommendations would you suggest given the large influx of refugees in India.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023

Ethics in International RelationsEmpathy and Compassion

You are working as the Head of the Human Resources Department in a consultancy firm ABC Corp. A female employee of the firm comes to you complaining about sexual harassment in the company premise at the hands of the CEO of one of your clients, XYZ Corp., when the latter visited your firm for a client interaction. XYZ Corp. happens to be a major source of revenue for your company. Also, the CEO of XYZ Corp. is considered as a very reputed professional and is highly regarded by the senior management of your firm. In the past, you have witnessed members of your senior management praise the professional and no-nonsense attitude of the CEO of XYZ Corp. However, the female employee, who has approached you, is also sure that the CEO knowingly misbehaved with her. In light of the situation: (a) Discuss the issues involved in this case. (b) What are the options available to you and what course of action would you take? Give logical arguments to support your answer.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorporate Governance

B. "I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew." Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics

Citizen's Charters are tools that help conventional organizations develop socially sensitive and ethically oriented professional conduct. Elaborate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Citizens ChartersAccountability and Ethical Governance

Though laws and rules can be considered as the principal guide on morality for public administrators, they are not sufficient in themselves. Substantiate with examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Sources of Ethical GuidanceCivil Service Values

Social interactions where a person is addressed by their correct name and pronouns, consistent with their gender identity, are widely recognized as a basic and yet critical aspect of gender affirmation. A national university invited speakers for a discussion on rights of sexual minorities in India. The panel included speakers representing a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on the issue. The debates, though largely peaceful, witnessed a controversy. A college association representing sexual minorities took offence against a panellist who cautioned against self-identification by sexual minorities and the liberal use of pronouns. The association reached out to the media and the localised controversy soon turned into a national issue across news networks and social media. The association demanded that the panellist apologise for his views and issue a public statement in this context. The panellist, on the other hand, seemed unmoved by the issue. In the meantime, the University has come under huge pressure to resolve the issue. The Vice Chancellor set up a Committee to look into the matter and its peaceful resolution. You have been appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Discuss the various moral issues involved in the case. (b) Keeping the right to freedom of speech and expression in mind, highlight the steps you would take to resolve the issue and list arguments in support.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality

Records show that there have been numerous cases of custodial deaths in the last 20 years in India. Very few policeman have been convicted so far in such cases. Recently, you come across the case of custodial death of a youth in one of the backward districts of the country. It has been reported that the youth was detained on frivolous grounds of kidnapping a girl from another community. As a young graduate student, preparing for the civil services examination conducted by the UPSC, answer the following: (a) Why is there a frequent violation of the code of conduct and abuse of authority by law enforcement officers at various levels in India? (b) Is the use of violence and show of 'quick justice' by the policemen increasingly becoming acceptable by the society? Justify your stand with relevant arguments. (c) What can be done to comprehensively deal with the issue of torture and custodial deaths in India?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Civil Service ValuesProbity in Governance

Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023

Ethical TheoriesDimensions of Ethics

A prominent stand-up comedian from your country has recently delivered a performance at an event in another country. Owing to the fame and hype associated with this event, the performance has been broadcast across the globe to millions of viewers. In the performance, the comedian brings up the dichotomy and paradoxes associated with the society and culture of your country. He brings up issues like status of women, violence against women, caste, politics etc. in his monologue. The performance touches upon such sensitive issues that it has polarised the audience. A vast section of people are affected by this and have organized huge demonstrations and have appealed the government to direct the broadcasting platform to remove this content from their platform. They are also pushing the government to take action against the comedian. An FIR too has been filed against him. On the other hand, there is also a significant outpour of support for the comedian. (a) What are the core ethical issues arising from this case? (b) The recent spate of FIRs against show creators, artists etc. highlight the need of regulation of content that is circulated online. Should such a step be taken by the government? Substantiate with reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality

Students should be taught the importance of "doing what's right" at a young age. Discuss how the New Education Policy seeks to impart value based education to students of all age groups.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Family, Society and EducationHuman Values

You have been newly appointed as the District Magistrate of a district, which is known for its rich mineral deposits. Following the news being circulated in the media about the illegal mining in your district, you have initiated an enquiry into it. When the State's Minister of Mines and Minerals gets to know of the enquiry initiated by you, he directs you to name some junior government employees as being involved in the wrongdoing and make them scapegoats. He also points out that elections to the State Assembly are around the corner and the present government wishes to stay clear of any political corruption. This Minister is a very influential figure in the present regime and there are high chances of the present ruling party being voted back to power. In due course of the enquiry, it has come to your notice that the said Minister has also been involved in illegal mining through his cronies. The findings of the enquiry can affect the outcome of the elections as well as completely derail your career, if the incumbent party wins the elections, which looks very likely as per the polls. Answer the following with reference to this case: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) Critically evaluate the options in the given scenario and state your course of action, giving reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023

CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government

The Code of Conduct for the civil services in India has merely remained a code; it has not helped promote ethical and moral values in governance. In this context, discuss the need for a National Commission on Integrity and Transparency in Governance.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Codes of Ethics and ConductTransparency and Information

While emotional intelligence is an essential tool for a public servant, it can also be misused to manipulate people to act against their own interests. Discuss with examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023

Emotional IntelligenceSocial Influence and Persuasion

'Just-in-time' release of funds heralds a significant reform for the Indian government's payment architecture. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Utilisation of Public FundsAccountability and Ethical Governance

'Knowledge gives us power, love gives us fullness.' - Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Indian ThinkersHuman Values

Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023

Human ValuesDedication to Public Service

You are the Dean of Academics of a University. It has been brought to your notice that some students have raised a complaint against Mr X, a specially-abled Professor at the University, for not performing his academic duties diligently. The Head of the Department (HoD) tried to have a conversation with him regarding these complaints; however, Mr X feels that he is a victim of internal politics and is being discriminated against on account of him being specially-abled. He also conveyed to the HoD that he will file a complaint of discrimination against the University under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. As the Dean of Academics, it is your responsibility to uphold the academic standards of the University and take any administrative decision in this regard. In this case, answer the following questions: (a) State the stakeholders and the ethical issues in the given case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and state the option which you would choose, citing reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values

Explain the meaning of self-efficacy, along with its key determinants. Also, discuss the significance of high self-efficacy for a civil servant.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Aptitude for Civil ServiceEmotional Intelligence

The role of emotional intelligence is crucial for public servants in overcoming adversity. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022

Emotional IntelligenceCivil Service Values

Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Technology and EthicsAccountability and Ethical Governance

Bring out the difference between accountability and responsibility. Also, discuss the significance of accountability in ensuring ethical governance in the context of India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Accountability and Ethical GovernanceCivil Service Values

You are posted as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district where people of different religious communities are living together peacefully. The district is also famous for its architectural heritage and is regularly visited by tourists from all around the world. However, there has been an incident in the nearby state where people of two different communities have started fighting over religious issues. This incident has a spillover effect over the whole country. In your own area of jurisdiction, you have come to know from various sources about circulation of some hate speech videos, which have the potential to destabilise the law and order situation. You are also aware that some outsiders with dubious intentions have started pouring in your district. In one locality, a shopkeeper who had earlier filed a complaint regarding threats he received for posting something on the internet, is found murdered in cold blood. This incident has stunned the nation. You are being informed that hundreds of people of the community to which the shopkeeper belonged are planning to stage a massive protest in your district. (a) In the given situation, what are the options available to you to ensure that the law and order situation in the district remains stable. Provide a detailed account of your course of action. (b) Do you think the present legal and institutional mechanisms are sufficient to tackle the menace of hate speech in the society?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government