GS4 · Practice questions
Ethics, integrity and aptitude
236 questions match. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
All 36 themesFewer themes
"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant." Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Law and MoralityProbity in Governance
The mind of the superior man is conversant with righteousness; the mind of the mean man is conversant with gain. Confucius.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
World ThinkersHuman Values
You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district, which has a bustling market in the district headquarters with a high footfall. The area has traditionally been occupied by street vendors and hawkers. They form an intrinsic part of the market system in the area and derive their livelihood from it. Recently, you got reports that the policemen posted in the area harass the hawkers and also extort 'hafta' - a weekly bribe - from them despite complying with the laws. It has been brought to your notice that while those who comply with this arrangement are allowed to carry on with their daily operations, those who do not are being evicted from the market area. In the process of eviction, they are even physically assaulted and their saleable items are often confiscated and destroyed. As a result, some street vendors have been staging protests against the local administration in the market and have blocked the normal market passage. They have also threatened to intensify their protest over a period of time. The local police, however, has been in denial of any such wrong doings and argue that they are merely removing illegal encroachments, which were causing traffic jam in the area. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Mention the stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you adopt for diffusing the tensions in the area? Also, suggest some policy recommendations, which will help resolve the issues in the long-term.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
CorruptionEthical Dilemmas in Government
Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Civil Service ValuesImpartiality and Objectivity
Courage is the first of human qualities because it's the quality that guarantees the others.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government
It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Corporate GovernanceWork Culture
Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following:
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
Many coal mines in a district subject the workers to inhuman working conditions with little safety measures in place. As such, there have been several accidents and many workers have died in the past. In recognition of a recent accident where fifteen workers were trapped and died, the National Green Tribunal has ordered for closure of all such mines. Some of them have shut down, but many still continue to operate by getting an exception from the government, sometimes using the unholy nexus of politicians-miners-bureaucrats. In absence of alternative employment, the locals have no other choice but to work in mines. The mine owners are in-fact inciting the workers to protest to simultaneously put a pressure on the state to completely overturn the ban. As a District Magistrate of this district, you have been asked by the State government to prepare a report on this issue and give recommendations to resolve it. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the interests of State and analyse whether there may be a conflict amongst them? (b) Given that economic growth is often achieved with a large human cost, identify the principles and strategies which could be used in the given case to achieve desirable outcomes.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCrisis Decision Making
Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Various practices and policies are implemented to uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability within administrative systems, encompassing both advantageous and disadvantageous aspects for the stakeholders involved and the overall administrative framework. Explore the ethical considerations that arise from the design and implementation of these administrative practices aiming to foster effective governance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Accountability and Ethical GovernanceProbity in Governance
Civil servants who embody emotional intelligence exhibit a profound understanding of the human aspect of governance, enabling them to cultivate meaningful relationships, foster cooperation, and drive positive change. Examine ways in which Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated in civil servants.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Emotional IntelligenceCivil Service Values
"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values." - Ayn Rand.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Human ValuesWorld Thinkers
Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Law and MoralityDimensions of Ethics
"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will." - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Civil Service ValuesIndian Thinkers
The challenges posed by the corporate sector's impact on climate, environmental sustainability, and living conditions has highlighted the need for responsible and inclusive business practices. In this direction, the contemporary discourse on corporate governance is emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Evaluate the ESG framework in equipping the corporate world with the capabilities to fulfill its social roles and responsibilities.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Corporate GovernanceEnvironmental Ethics
There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Ethics in Private and Public LifeSocial Influence and Persuasion
The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Dimensions of EthicsAttitude
Maintaining traditional bonds and familial relationships in an increasingly globalized world requires personal relationships to be governed by ethical principles. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Ethics in Private and Public LifeFamily, Society and Education
Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
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
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