AIR 14 · CSE 2020 · GS4 · 58 pages

Karishma Nair: GS4 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.10 marks
  3. Q2(a)In a plural society like India, education should help the individual to celebrate the plurality and visualize the inherent unity of cultures and values. Analyze the statement in the present context with examples.10 marks
  4. Q2(b)Elucidate Swami Vivekananda's ideas on nationalism.10 marks
  5. Q3(a)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 Gandhi10 marks
  6. Q3(b)So long as you do not achieve social liberty, whatever freedom is provided by the law is of no avail to you. B.R. Ambedkar10 marks
  7. Q4(a)Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.10 marks
  8. Q4(b)Analyse the importance of both influence and persuasion for effective leadership.10 marks
  9. Q5(a)Analyze the significance of adopting a code of ethics for creating a healthy work culture in an organization.10 marks
  10. Q5(b)Ethos, ethics, equity and efficiency are key criteria on the basis of which the competency of civil servants should be judged. Analyse.10 marks
  11. Q6The mandatory nature of Corporate Social Responsibility goes against the notion of philanthropy. Discuss.10 marks
  12. Q7There 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
  13. Q8It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.10 marks
  14. Q9You have been recently appointed as the head of tourism department of a state in India that has many places of great historical importance. In the past few years, the state has witnessed a decrease in tourist inflow. Upon enquiry, you come to know that this decrease is largely attributed to the influence of touts and harassment of tourists, including unwanted advances and grossly overcharging them for various services. You also did a quick search about your state on leading travel advisory websites and found that it has earned a dubious reputation for being particularly unsafe for women tourists. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Do you think that such a state of affairs can be attributed to insensitivity prevailing in the society? How can the community be made more sensitive towards tourists? (b) Suggest some measures to make a quick turnaround in terms of reputation, employment generation and rebuild the reputation of the state as a safe haven for tourists.20 marks
  15. Q10A private company has proposed a large-scale hydel power project to tap the potential of a fast-flowing river in a state predominantly occupied by indigenous tribal groups. The state is backward and badly needs funds for socio-economic development. The state government is deliberating on the issue and is yet to take a final decision on the matter. While the project is expected to generate substantial revenue and employment, it will submerge the surrounding areas eventually displacing the tribals. Another issue of concern is that the tribal community regards this land and the river as sacred and integral to their cultural heritage. Thus, the tribals are not in favour of going ahead with the project and are already protesting against it. Their leader has threatened to initiate a hunger strike if the government goes ahead with the project. This has caught the attention of the mainstream media and social activists. Based on the information given above, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders involved in the case and their respective interests. (b) Keeping in mind the issues involved, how can differing interests be reconciled for ensuring sustainable development in the area?20 marks
  16. Q11You 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
  17. Q12A mid level manager in a food and beverages firm has been assigned the responsibility to deal with tensions arising in a rural area between the firm and the local farmers. These farmers supply the company with bananas, which are used exclusively by the company in its niche products. The banana plantations are growing a variety developed by the firm. The core issue revolves around the perceived violation of company's IPR as many of the farmers in the neighbouring areas have also started growing the same variety of banana. It is suspected that the farmers with whom the company had a contract have shared the breed with others in the region. The legal department of the firm is of the opinion that a legal complaint against the farmers is the only way to protect the IPR of the company. It would also set a precedent for the future. However, many in the firm also believe that such a step would escalate the matter. In such a scenario, identify the key issues to be addressed. What measures would you suggest to deal with these issues?20 marks
  18. Q13You 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
  19. Q14Various 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

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 197 words written

What do you understand by cultural sensitivity? Identify the ways in which individuals and organisations can benefit from cultural sensitivity in India.

Opening · a definition

Cultural sensitivity entails taking cognisance of diversities in cultures and being aware in order to prevent hurting of cultural sentiments through one's thoughts, actions, etc.

Cultural Sensitivity

Body · points and prose

-> Religious practices respected -> Non-imposition of cultures eg. food habits, language. -> Providing space to express culture eg. cultural day. -> Analysing content, views to check whether they are demeaning, stereotypical to particular culture.

India has been a culturally sensitive society due to the existence of multiple cultures within the nation & a belief in harmonious living.

Benefits for individuals

  • freedom to express culture. eg. mother tongue etc.
  • Safeguards against impositions from the Constitution itself (Art. 29 & 30)
  • Ensures peace & harmony in the society.
  • Prevents discrimination and upholds right to freedom of movement, settlement while maintaining culture.

Benefits for organisations

  • Enhances cultural diversity in organisations -> Human resource
  • Attracts best talent from across the country without rigid cultural barriers.
  • Enhances work culture & espirit de corps in organisations.
  • Organisations may conduct cultural programmes which are safeguarded.

Close · a way forward

With the rise in son of soil sentiments & sub-national protectionism, the spirit of cultural sensitivity needs to be further invigorated.