Ethics, integrity and aptitude

Highlight the important teachings of Kautilya that are relevant to public services in 21st century India.

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

Indian ThinkersCivil Service Values

You have recently been posted as the District Magistrate of a poor district in India where there is a high prevalence of manual scavenging. It has been brought to your notice that manual scavenging has claimed many lives in your district. Upon further enquiry, you found that most of the manual scavengers belong to a particular caste, and majority of them can find employment only by way of scavenging. Even some government departments in your district are employing these people for physical cleaning of sewers/septic tanks without basic safety gear and measures. Despite the rehabilitation programmes for manual scavengers, the administration has been found inefficient in identifying such people in the first place and the efforts to reskill them for employment elsewhere have not yielded desired results. Based on the given information, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues associated with manual scavenging. (b) List the options available to you in the given case. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each. (c) Discuss some feasible steps that you can take to address this serious problem.

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

Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government

Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also come to the forefront. (a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing. (b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2023

Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics

Dealing with an ethical dilemma not only requires following rules and regulations, but also requires adherence to moral prudence and altruism. Explain in the context of civil services in India, with examples.

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

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values

In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025

Emotional IntelligenceFamily, Society and Education

Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024

Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics

The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of "cross-dressing" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024

Empathy and CompassionDimensions of Ethics

Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Mahatma Gandhi

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024

Indian ThinkersHuman Values

"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand."- Sardar Patel

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025

Indian ThinkersHuman Values

You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?

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

Environmental EthicsCrisis Decision Making

Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

Despite differences in terms of organizational values guiding the public and private sectors, there remain certain values that are equally important to both. Discuss.

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

Civil Service ValuesCorporate Governance

A right combination of spirit and structure is integral to ethical corporate governance. Discuss.

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

Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics

Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024

Family, Society and EducationHuman Values

We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom". - Thomas Jefferson

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

Human ValuesIntegrity

What do you understand by social capital? Explain its relationship with good governance.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024

Accountability and Ethical GovernanceProbity in Governance

Ethical qualities of a civil servant come handy in times of a crisis. Elucidate using the example of a natural disaster.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018

Crisis Decision MakingAptitude for Civil Service

Social influence is an ambivalent concept. It can be a source for good, bad and even for evil. Discuss with the help of relevant examples.

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

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

Crises, humanitarian or economic, often create the perfect storm for corruption to thrive. Discuss with examples. What measures can be taken to mitigate corruption during a crisis?

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

CorruptionCrisis Decision Making

You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in International Relations

How does persuasion help achieve a desired change in attitude? What are the elements of an effective persuasive approach?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025

Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude

What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far." - Swami Vivekananda

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

Indian ThinkersHuman Values

You are a District Magistrate of an area which has seen a huge surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave of pandemic in India. The health infrastructure is already overburdened. Hospitals are overwhelmed, crematoriums and burial sites are regularly running out of space, and covid testing is struggling to meet the demand. Also, the vaccination drive is at the risk of going off-track due to the demand-supply mismatch. During this difficult time, you come to know that there are some people who are engaging in black marketing, hoarding and profiteering by using every trick in the book to cheat, ransom and swindle Covid-19 patients and their kin in the name of scarcity of drugs, oxygen and hospital beds. Black marketing, hoarding and profiteering are a classic case of market failure, which highlights the significance of state intervention in a crisis situation. How can state effectively play the role of a regulator as well as service provider in such cases of market failure?

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

Crisis Decision MakingCorruption