AIR 4 · CSE 2021 · GS4 · 58 pages

Aishwarya Verma: GS4 answer copy

19 answers by Aishwarya Verma, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)"Never do anything against the conscience even if the state demands it." In this context, discuss the role of conscience in taking ethical decisions in administration.10 marks
  3. Q2(a)"While corruption is never good, not all forms of corruption are equally bad for the economy, nor do they cause the same kind of harm." Critically analyse the statement in the context of India.10 marks
  4. Q2(b)Explain different aspects of the 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness and content.10 marks
  5. Q3(a)Analyze the significance of appointing ethics officers in the light of strengthening corporate governance in India.10 marks
  6. Q3(b)What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups?10 marks
  7. Q4(a)Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss.10 marks
  8. Q4(b)What do you understand by Integrity Pacts? In light of recent events, analyse their utility in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public procurement in India.10 marks
  9. Q5(a)For a public servant to fulfill his ethical obligations, it is important that there be no dichotomy between his personal ethics and public ethics. Analyze.10 marks
  10. Q5(b)The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings.10 marks
  11. Q6(a)What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him". - J Krishnamurti10 marks
  12. Q6(b)"Facts are many, but the truth is one." - Rabindranath Tagore10 marks
  13. Q6(c)"It may be expedient but it is not just that some should have less in order that others may prosper." — John Rawls10 marks
  14. Q7You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school. You are thoroughly appalled with this approach of the school authorities, yet you are mired down in your own financial circumstances. On the basis of the above situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the most relevant stakeholders in the case. (b) What are the dilemmas in the case? (c) Discuss how stigmatisation of mental health issues can be addressed in schools.20 marks
  15. Q8You 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
  16. Q9Though discrimination on racial grounds is generally associated with Western countries, arguably similar notions of colour and racial discrimination are prevalent in India too. Many Indians are found to be obsessed for "White" skin tone as visible in matrimonial ads and popularity of whitening creams. They are also found to be more hospitable towards the white-skinned Europeans than the dark-skinned Africans. Even within the country, people can be found to be discriminating fellow countrymen on the basis of their skin tone. People from North-East India face frequent racial abuse and are referred to by various derogatory names. All these point towards racism being practised and accepted in India. Moreover, it is not considered a very serious issue as the anti-discrimination laws in India are not stringent enough to deal with hate crimes associated with racism. (a) In this context, discuss the ethical issues associated with the practice and acceptance of racial discrimination in India. (b) If you have been tasked to formulate a plan to combat hate crimes associated with racism in India and bring about an attitudinal change, what would be your suggestions?20 marks
  17. Q10You are the Superintendent of Police of a city where a large slum has developed in recent decades on the property of Indian Railways. The Indian Railways has prepared a plan for expansion of the city railway station for which they want to get the slums demolished. They have requested the assistance of local police for the same, however, the people residing in those slums have responded angrily to this step and have occupied the railway tracks, resisting any action by the officials. Slum dwellers are asking for a suitable rehabilitation, citing that the city is under the grip of a cold wave as the month of December is in progress. This has not only halted the railway traffic on the route causing immense hardships to railway passengers but also posing risk of violence between slum-dwellers and the police. (a) Identify various issues involved in the case along with different stakeholders. (b) What course of action would you follow to end this situation of confrontation and resume normal functioning of the Railways?20 marks
  18. Q11With its highly coveted line of consumer electronics, a multinational company 'A' has a cult following among loyal consumers and makes profits of crores of rupees. Recently, a report by an international non-governmental organisation has highlighted that in some overseas production centres of the company, the working conditions are hazardous for the labour, which include children also. In some centres, the international environmental standards are also flouted. The company's global head has defended their position by saying that they have little control over monitoring and regulating the entire supply chain due to internationalization of the production process. Based on the above information, answer the following: (a) Do you think company 'A' should be held responsible for ethical lapses made by individuals further down its supply chain? (b) Should customers be expected to take into account the ethical track record of companies while making purchases? Give reasons.20 marks
  19. Q1220 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 121 words written

Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment.

Opening · a definition

Morals are the enduring beliefs of individuals that determine whether an action is good or bad.

Morality of a person is neither universal nor divine:-

Body · points

① It differs from person to person depending upon the type of upbringing and experiences.

[eg] A poor child and a rich child may have different aspects of morality for the former stealing may be justified to feed himself.

② It highlights beliefs of a person. This can also vary depending upon environment.

Close · a way forward

[eg] One brought up in orthodox religion while other in rational educated environment may have different beliefs.

By a proper value system with virtues like tolerance, mercy, the conflicts that the world is facing today like communalism, regionalism, mob violence, can be avoided.