AIR 2 · CSE 2018 · GS4 · 58 pages

Akshat Jain: GS4 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.10 marks
  3. Q2(a)While the corrupt and dishonest should be punished swiftly, honest public servants need to be protected against malicious and motivated complaints to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. Discuss. How can the two objectives be reconciled?10 marks
  4. Q2(b)The effective implementation of the Right to Information Act will create an environment of vigilance which will help in functioning of a more participatory democracy. Elaborate.10 marks
  5. Q3(a)The bureaucracy technically has been an efficient form of organisation but is seen to have exceeded its administrative powers due to its tendency towards self aggrandisement, permanence in employment, and nearness to the political executive. Discuss.10 marks
  6. Q3(b)Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.10 marks
  7. Q4(a)"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation". Comment.10 marks
  8. Q4(b)It is at the interface of public action and private interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct. In this context, highlight the need for drafting a code of ethics as well as a code of conduct.10 marks
  9. Q5(a)Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.10 marks
  10. Q5(b)It does not take long for conflict to turn violent when deep seeded prejudices and discriminatory attitudes are not addressed. Discuss in the context of communal and caste-based violence in India. What role should the state play in this context?10 marks
  11. Q6Explain with examples how emotional intelligence increases the effectiveness of leadership skills in a civil servant.10 marks
  12. Q7A Citizens' Charter sees public services through the eyes of those who use them. In this context, analyze the importance of citizen charter in making public services citizen centric.10 marks
  13. Q8Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.10 marks
  14. Q9As the District Magistrate you are posted in a district that had been infamous for girl-child marriages. The government introduced a contributory scheme two decades ago, where the government contributed the same amount as the parents, into an account, for their girl child of age 0 to 7 years. The total sum could be withdrawn only when the girl turns eighteen and is unmarried. Due to this scheme, a new pattern has emerged. All girls are married as soon as they turn eighteen and incidents of dowry have increased substantially - because the community customs require paying the sum commensurate to the age of the girl. Further, parents now tend to save money for the scheme instead of investing in girl's education. As the local administration tries to tackle the current situation it looks up to you for ideas and leadership: (a) Identify the factors which have led to such outcomes. (b) Devise a strategy, keeping in mind the multiple aspects of the situation.20 marks
  15. Q10While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?20 marks
  16. Q11As a concerned citizen you have been engaged with the issue of persons employed in manual scavenging. You notice that despite laws and strictures from the highest court of the land the practice of employing human labour to clean sewers continues. While the administration has to ensure the cleanliness of the urban localities, those who are employed also have to earn to sustain themselves and their families. The death of few workers recently due to asphyxiation while cleaning a septic tank has caused much consternation in your locality. You would like to engage with the situation by writing to the administration, for which you need to find an answer to the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved and state their conflicting interests. (b) What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? (c) Enumerate the steps to deal with the problem.20 marks
  17. Q12You are a teacher in the Science department of a reputed college. Your HoD (Head of Department) has been a good mentor to you and has guided your career progress. You get to know from one of your students that the HoD gives private tuitions at his residence, which is disliked by many others in the department. There are also rumours that he might be giving extra marks to the students taking his tuitions. When enquired, his reply is that he is not alone and a few other teachers are giving private tuitions as well. He assures you that it is beneficial for the students as some of them need extra attention. He advises you not to make a fuss about it and indirectly reminds you about the assessment rating, which is due this week. You are aware that a good rating will definitely get you the due promotion. The HoD is due to retire in 4 months. (a) What are the dilemmas that you face in this situation? (b) Highlight the course of action that you would adopt and give reasons for the same.20 marks
  18. Q13While stampedes and mishaps due to overcrowding have led to loss of lives on multiple occasions, it remains an issue discussed only when there is a tragedy. Recently you were assigned the responsibility of conducting a mela around a revered religious place, which attracts millions of devotees. Every year the numbers have been increasing and this year due to certain celestial alignments the crowd is expected to be unprecedented. In the previous year the officer in charge was criticised and transferred over allegations of hurting religious sensitivities by restricting access to the religious place. You have three months to prepare for the mela. (a) Identify the key areas you would focus on? (b) What are the challenges that you foresee? (c) How do you propose to overcome them?20 marks
  19. Q14You are a senior official at a government agency that is responsible for collection, storage and protection of biometric data of citizens. Due to the expanse of operations, the agency employs third parties for collection of data. There have been reports of security breach and leakage of data by third parties in exchange of money. A journalist from a prominent newspaper carries a sting operation and releases some data in the public to show the ongoing corruption and highlighting the inability of the agency in protecting public data. You are asked by the chairperson of the agency to file an FIR against the journalist and pursue criminal proceedings against him considering it an act of unauthorized access. (a) Do you agree with the action sought by the chairperson against the journalist? Give appropriate reasons for your answer. (b) If you disagree, what would be the course of action? (c) Do you think the action of the journalist is justified?20 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 175 words written

Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.

Opening · a definition

Self-doubt is an inherent part of our humanity, and refers to the situation when a person begins to question his own actions, beliefs and abilities.

Body · points

Help leadership

  1. Ponder upon one's mistakes and gaps in leadership, and thus address them. e.g. A manager can understand that his team-management skills need to be enhanced.
  2. Help accept other perspectives and suggestions.
  3. Increase our willingness to approach seniors/friends for advice, or learn from their experiences.

Hinder leadership

  1. Lead to delayed decision-making
  2. Compromise on your own principles and work ethics e.g. Once E. Sreedharan stood upto a politician and prevented him compromising a metro project. If he would have self-doubts, he would never show the moral courage to stand for the right thing.
  3. Lower the confidence of your peers and juniors
  4. A self-doubtful person will always fear innovation, and proceed with time-tested and copied ideas e.g. If Steve Jobs would have self-doubts over himself, he would never have thought of a personal computer.

Close · a summary

Thus it is important to balance the above.