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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What do you understand by good governance in public administration and corporations? How do they differ? Identify and explain three principles that can act as a foundation for good governance in a corporate setting.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance
As a Forest Officer, you are receiving increasing complaints of certain animals ruining the farms and causing damage to crops. This is creating an undue financial burden for the farmers who are in deep distress because of the uncontrolled damage. Consequently, the farmers are demanding you to put forward a request for culling of animals. You are an animal lover and against culling of animals. You had made efforts to control the menace but the population of animals has increased beyond the managing capacity. 1. What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons. 2. Also suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2016–2019
Environmental EthicsRules versus Compassion
The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Dimensions of EthicsFamily, Society and Education
Is there a conflict between morality and freedom? Discuss with reference to Kant's views on categorical imperative.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
World ThinkersEthical Theories
A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups. Simanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2–3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do. a. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation. b. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why? c. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta? d. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2025
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2025
Transparency and InformationLaw and Morality
Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
Income inequality, resource mismanagement and health hazards are some of the negative consequences of globalization. In this context, what are some of the ethical dilemmas that civil servants face today? How has the approach to handling these undergone a change?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCivil Service Values
Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) If people scrutinize their own faults as they do the faults of others, mankind will be freed of all evil.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Ethics in International Relations
The lives of great leaders inspire us in many ways. Which leader has had a lasting impact on you and in what way? Mention one outstanding value that you have imbibed from him/her and its importance to being a civil servant.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
You have recently been posted as a probationary officer in the District Magistrate's office in a tribal district. During one of the fieldtrips, while interacting with the tribals, you come to know about a private company, established a few years back, which has transformed their lives. The company, using the traditional knowledge of tribals, had launched a series of products and provided numerous livelihood opportunities to the tribals. Upon further enquiry, you come to know that while the lives of tribals had indeed improved, the distribution of profits however, has been quite disproportionate. The company has seen a huge growth in its operations and its owners have amassed huge wealth. It is also planning to file for IPR, which may further hinder the interests of the tribals. You feel that tribals have been left short changed and there has not been an equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of their resources. When you tried to approach the Gram Sabha and voice your concerns, the tribals requested you not to intervene as they do not have any alternatives. They also argue that governments in the past have failed to protect their interests. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders and their interests involved in this case. (b) Present a case to convince the District Magistrate for the need of government intervention in the situation.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
"In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place." - Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life
In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics
The Citizens' Charters initiative was a response to the quest for solving the problems, which a citizen encountered, day in and day out, while dealing with the organisations providing public services. But the introduction and implementation of Citizens' Charters in the government of India has been difficult due to the old bureaucratic set up and the rigid attitudes of the work force. Discuss the major obstacles that have been encountered in implementing the Citizens' Charter initiative.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023
Citizens ChartersWork Culture
There have been arguments that rich countries owe an obligation to people living in poor countries. In this context, discuss the issues associated with foreign aid.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Ethics in International RelationsAccountability and Ethical Governance
In India, there exists a huge gap between demand for organ transplants and available donors, both living and cadaver. Besides a lack of awareness on organ donation, the rise of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes have led to increased instances of organ failure, in turn putting even more pressure on the demand for vital organs. According to reports, an estimated four lakh people die in India every year waiting for an organ transplant. Other than the legal and administrative issues, there are various ethical issues related to organ donation and transplantation in India. Provide an account of these ethical issues in detail. Also, discuss how the gap between demand and supply of organs in India can be closed.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2021
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Write short notes on the following in 30 words each: ii) Conflict of interest
10 marks · 30 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2025
Conflict of InterestDimensions of Ethics
Discuss the influence that parents have on values of their children and the role they can play in transmitting good values and resisting negative influences. Why is it that, at times, the values of children differ from that of their parents?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect, Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self-esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that she is contemplating tendering her resignation. a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? b) What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization? c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentWork Culture
“May you live your life as if the maxim of your actions were to become universal law.”
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
World ThinkersEthical Theories