GS4 · Practice questions
Ethics, integrity and aptitude
2,285 questions, with how toppers answered each. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
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Your 16 year old cousin, Leena, loves to play basketball but her peers mock her short height, so much so that Leena has developed a negative attitude towards all sports. As a responsible elder cousin, how will you convince Leena to take up sports once again?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
Corporate Social Responsibility can help in changing the perception of 'business ethics' being an oxymoron. Critically analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
There have been widespread agitations both in favour of and against extending reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You have been appointed as the chairman of a high level committee, constituted by the government to examine the matter and make recommendations. So far, the committee has found no compelling reasons to extend reservation to this section. While the report of the committee is pending finalization, you get an impression through the media that the government is inclined to accept the demand for extending the reservation, regardless of the findings of your committee. Some members of the committee are also inclined to support the government stand. (a) Discuss the dilemma, if any, that you face in this situation. (b) What course of action would you take? Give reasons for the same. (c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentImpartiality and Objectivity
You are posted as a District Magistrate in a district, which is witnessing a high caseload of COVID-19 pandemic patients. The physical infrastructure and human resources in the district are stretched much beyond their capacity. At the peak of the pandemic, certain reports emerge that the District Medical Officer has been misusing his position to abuse female employees in his department and coercing them to have sexual relations with him. However, the concerned officer not only has an impeccable academic record but also a profound professional track record. You also need his presence and guidance to deal with the pandemic situation in the district. But, there is pressure from the media and civil society organisations to immediately report the matter to the State authorities for action against the concerned officer. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in the above case. (b) What are the options available to you? Discuss their pros and cons. (c) What will be your final course of action? Justify with reasons.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
The bailout package offered to large financial corporations in response to global financial crisis raised important ethical questions. Discuss the ethical issues involved in giving bailout packages to financial corporations using taxpayers' money.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
Corporate GovernanceUtilisation of Public Funds
You are recently posted as District Magistrate in a district, which is a major hub of industrial activities and attracts workers from different places and communities. The workers of these industries often utilize the open spaces on roads for performing their daily prayers, though only for a short period of time. The lack of a place of worship close to the work places, is cited as the reason for continuance of this practice. However, some residents of nearby areas have been objecting to this practice due to the inconvenience caused by congestion on the roads. There have also been complaints of alleged illegal encroachments over public land in garb of this practice. One day, you are informed that a group of locals disrupted the workers at the time of worship. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen in the district. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) What are the options available before you? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each one of them. (b) What course of action would you choose and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCrisis Decision Making
“The forces in a capitalist society, if left unchecked, tend to make the rich richer and the poor poorer.” — Jawaharlal Nehru
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Corporate GovernanceCivil Service Values
Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." Nelson Mandela
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Human ValuesDedication to Public Service
You are SP of a district where the use of drugs is prevalent, especially among the youth. The neighbouring districts are also suffering from the same problem. There is a huge hue and cry in the national media about the drug issue and the government and political parties are pressurising the police and district administration to act on the issue. A big deal of drugs is busted by the police in your area and all the culprits have been arrested. However, even before you reach your office, a minister from the ruling party of the state calls and asks you to release few of the culprits. You have long suspected the role of many senior leaders in this drug menace of the state. You have also been informed by your juniors that a few officers who dared to act against people involved in drug dealings were transferred or suspended on wrong charges earlier. 1. Identify the options available to you. 2. Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your options.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
You are posted as the District Magistrate in a tier-2 city. As part of routine administrative coordination, you recently conducted a performance review of key departments. The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) in your district was commended for resolving a large backlog of land dispute cases and digitizing over 6,000 property records in a high-conflict zone. Her work has improved grievance redressal and reduced local litigation. However, you soon receive an internal note from the General Administration Department, asking for your remarks on a "routine" proposal to transfer the RDO to a remote sub-division. No performance concerns are cited. Informally, you learn that the RDO's strict application of land laws has led to resistance from local political leaders. Some had interests in disputed religious landholdings and were reportedly unhappy with her refusal to accommodate "community sentiments." During a recent meeting, a senior MLA remarked that officers should be "more politically aware of local dynamics." The officer has not filed a formal complaint but appears demoralized. Your senior colleagues hint this may be a "signal" to adjust administrative behaviour. Your confidential note, due in 48 hours, will influence the transfer's fate. There is no legal bar, but tenure guidelines recommend a minimum 2-year posting, and the officer is only 10 months into the role. 1. What are the administrative and ethical issues involved in the case? 2. What would be your response in the official note, and why? 3. How can senior civil servants uphold neutrality and fairness in politically sensitive postings without inviting retaliation or appearing insubordinate?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Pressure and LoyaltyCivil Service Values
Given below is a quotation. Bring out what it means to you in present context. "The intellect has sharp eye for methods and tools, but is blind to ends and values." -Einstein.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
In a district, in which you are posted as a District Magistrate, a teacher molests a child in a government run school. As the news of this crime spreads, the parents, relatives and locals gather at the school. The culprit teacher has meanwhile fled. The police arrests the Principal of the school and assure the crowd that the culprit would be arrested soon. The crowd, however, has gone berserk and begins to damage the school building. It wants immediate arrest of the culprit and is not ready to budge until he is arrested. (a) Is it correct to take the Principal into custody when he has personally not committed the crime? Support your answer with appropriate reasons. (b) What options do you have in dealing with the crowd? Enumerate the merits and demerits of each and also suggest the best possible option. (c) In the capacity of District Magistrate what would be your long term plan to prevent molestations and rapes in the schools?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy was developed in the early 20th century, but it still influences administrative structures today. In what ways do you see Weberian bureaucracy as relevant in today's rapidly changing world?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Civil Service ValuesImpartiality and Objectivity
"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists." Critically analyse the statement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethical TheoriesDimensions of Ethics
"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
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 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Dimensions of EthicsWorld Thinkers
Where as some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Transparency and InformationProbity in Governance
Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
You are an IPS officer posted as the Inspector General of Police in a state. The recent death of a father-son duo in one of the districts in the state, due to custodial violence allegedly in the presence of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), has sparked anger across the state. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been allegations raised by human rights groups in the past regarding custodial deaths due to physical assault by the police. The High Court of the State, taking suo moto cognizance of the recent incident, has served a notice to the state government, seeking a detailed report on the rising instances of custodial deaths. The state government has constituted a Committee to probe the incident and submit a detailed report on the veracity of facts related to it. You have been asked to head the Committee. You know the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the district to be an honest, hardworking and upright officer. He has privately requested you to absolve him of any wrongdoing as he claims not to be present when the incident occurred. You know that any action against him will be detrimental to his reputation and career. On the other hand, the seniors in the department are pressuring you to put all the blame on the DSP and make him a sacrificial lamb in order to protect the overall image of the police in the state. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders and the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) What steps will you take to ensure that the enquiry is seen to be fair and impartial? (c) Given the challenges that the police forces in India operate under in their day-to-day functioning, suggest some initiatives to address them.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government
What are the ethical and business issues involved in the case?
Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Corporate GovernanceCorruption
What do you understand by the term 'probity in governance'? Explain how probity acts as the foundation of ethical public administration.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017
Probity in GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance
The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers