AIR 19 · CSE 2021 · GS4 · 60 pages

Diksha Joshi: GS4 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. Analyse.10 marks
  3. Q2(a)Enumerate the decisive factors behind moral attitude. Also, discuss any incident from your life wherein you brought about a change in someone's attitude around an important social issue.10 marks
  4. Q2(b)Highlighting the importance of whistle-blowing in an organisation, discuss the systemic factors that determine whether a person would become a whistle-blower.10 marks
  5. Q3(a)Transparent governance promises an accountable state but a balance has to be achieved between disclosure requirements and administrative privileges for efficient governance. Discuss.10 marks
  6. Q3(b)Citizen empowerment is a natural outcome of a Citizen’s Charter. Critically evaluate in the Indian context.10 marks
  7. Q4(a)Emotional Intelligence is an essential ingredient for successful implementation of pandemic induced emergency response. Comment in the light of COVID-19 pandemic.10 marks
  8. Q4(b)Discretionary power by itself is not pure evil but gives much room for misuse. Discuss in the context of administration in India.10 marks
  9. Q5(a)Explain the ethical issues involved in spending government funds for advertisement campaigns and publicity.10 marks
  10. Q5(b)Explaining the concept of political neutrality, discuss its significance in administration. Also, highlight how the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules seek to ensure political neutrality in the civil services.10 marks
  11. Q6(6) Raise social awareness against manual scavenging through use of media, NGOs etc.
  12. Q6(a)What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far." - Swami Vivekananda10 marks
  13. Q6(b)"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." - Albert Einstein10 marks
  14. Q6(c)"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act." - Aristotle10 marks
  15. Q7(a)
  16. Q7(b)What are the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What is the course of action you would take? Give reasons for your response in a situation like this?20 marks
  17. Q820 marks
  18. Q10According to some reports, gambling and betting together, while illegal, have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in India with one estimate pegging the market at $60 billion. Added to this is the wide reach of cricket as a sport and the periodic cases of betting in it making to news. It has been suggested by some that making gambling and betting legal would resolve many issues and also contribute to the exchequer. On the other hand, there remains a strong opinion against doing so. (a) What is your opinion on the matter? (b) Also, identify the merits of the arguments in opposition to the stand you have taken. 11. You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.20 marks
  19. Q12There was an incident at a company wherein a fire broke out and led to a number of casualties. During the preliminary inquiry, one of the employees and bystander witnesses, specified that the company had taken all the safety measures and the management was not at fault. During litigation, the same employee was identified as a witness and his deposition was to be taken. The issue is now in the court. You are a Senior Manager of the company and accompanying the said employee to the court for the deposition. On the way the employee tells you that he had lied during the inquiry; and that the truth was worse for the company than he had stated previously. (a) Identify the various ethical issues you would face in this situation. (b) What would you suggest the employee to do? Give reasons for your suggestions.20 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 118 words written

Open Government Data (OGD) can be seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in India. In this context, discuss the benefits of OGD and the challenges which lie therein.

Opening · a definition

Open government Data means all the government data related to its schemes, fund allocation, deals etc. should be available on public platform for people to access anytime, anywhere.

Body · points and prose

→ | OGD leads to Transparency & accountability |

(1) Disclosure are must for smooth functioning of government (2) Wrongdoing could be held accountable at earliest (3) Would prevent occurence of scams as deterrence is created

→ Benefits

Diagram
/ \ / \ / \ /Citizen \Government - Better service delivery - Better decision making - Better assertion of - Saves time rights due to - Decreases corruption greater awareness - Greater trust in government

→ Challenges :

(1) Lack of e-governance systems (2) Rigid Bureaucratic attitude to change (3) Information sharing seen as liability (4) Lack of leadership skills in the officers/bureaucrats (5) Too much secrey eg: Official Secrets Act, 1923.

Close · a way forward

To strengthen democracy & transform from representative to participatory democracy data sharing is a must.