AIR 6 · CSE 2024 · GS4 · 60 pages

Komal Punia: GS4 answer copy

20 answers by Komal Punia, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)'An ideal educational institution should balance between values and contents.' In your opinion, what measures can move education beyond mere content learning.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Attitude is a crucial factor in building the social capital of an individual. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.10 marks
  3. Q2(a)Emotional intelligence is primary in managing workplace conflicts. Discuss with suitable examples.10 marks
  4. Q2(b)Most of the time, the bilateral conflicts become difficult to resolve due to mutual suspicion. How does the 'Panch Sheel' help in promoting ethical relations between countries?10 marks
  5. Q3(a)Huge sums of public funds are used in populist measures for electoral gains. What are the ethical issues associated with the freebie culture?10 marks
  6. Q3(b)Probity in governance is a vital requirement for socio-economic development, without which no real progress is possible in a nation. Discuss. Support your answer with suitable examples.10 marks
  7. Q4(a)"Wisdom is attained when a person is always ready to accept the truth and to renounce untruth."10 marks
  8. Q4(b)Increasing complexity in public administration creates multiple ethical dilemmas. Explain the application of Gandhi's Talisman in decision making for public servants.10 marks
  9. Q5(a)What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? a) "The highest result of education is tolerance" - Helen Keller.10 marks
  10. Q5(b)"Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.". Mahatma Gandhi10 marks
  11. Q5(c)"Faith is of no evil in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work" - Vallabhbhai Patel10 marks
  12. Q6(a)'The scope for corruption increases when the accountability of public administration is fragile and division of power is ambiguous.' Analyse.10 marks
  13. Q6(b)Write short notes on the following in 30 words each :10 marks
  14. Q7Dr. Aanand, a professor of chemistry at ABC College, Pune, had been teaching there for over 20 years. He is known for his passion for teaching and commitment to student welfare, and is respected by both colleagues and students. His son is also a final year student in the very same college. Over the past few months, Dr. Aanand observed a significant change in the behaviour of some of his students. There was a noticeable decline in academic performance, increased absenteeism, and instances of erratic behaviour. Through confidential conversations with a few students and careful observation, he discovered that several students were using contraband drugs. Upon inspecting the student's hostel rooms he found evidence of usage of illegal drugs such as weed, marijuana etc. Determined to address the issue, Dr. Aanand conducted a discreet investigation. He found that the source of the drugs was linked to a well-organized network operating within the college. Shockingly, he discovered that Aditya, the son of the institution's representative at UGC/for college management committee, was lynchpin in this drug network. He exploited his privileged position as he was backed by his father, making it difficult for students and authorities to complain and take action against him. Bothered by this incident, Dr. Aanand quickly reported the incident to the management and Aditya's father, who advised him to leave the matter as any action taken would harm the reputation of the college. Dr. Aanand was also threatened with dire consequences for both him and his son, who is yet to start his career. a) Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in the case. b) What are the options available to Dr. Aanand? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option he would adopt giving reasons. c) Based on the given case study mention few laws, rules and regulations related to prevention of drug abuse in India.20 marks
  15. Q8You are the CEO of the Smart Cities Mission in XYZ City. As the CEO, you are tasked with transforming your city into a model of sustainability, efficiency, and liveability. The mission aims to enhance quality of urban living through advanced infrastructure, improved public services, and environmental sustainability. However, recent reports indicate significant environmental deterioration due to ineffective waste management practices. The city has witnessed a rise in pollution levels, overflowing garbage bins, and uncollected waste in several neighbourhood's, leading to downgrading of its cleanliness ranking. An investigation into the waste management system revealed that the contracting company responsible for waste disposal is performing poorly. The company is failing to adhere to the terms of the contract, resulting in irregular waste collection, improper disposal methods, and inadequate recycling processes. Soon, you call the head of the waste management contracting company, who happens to be your college friend. During the meeting, he discloses how he was able to get this lucrative contract using bribes and kickbacks given to local politicians and your predecessor. As a result, he is financially and managerially constrained from improving the waste management process in the area. Furthermore, your friend is dealing with severe financial difficulties due to his mother's serious illness. Additionally, he offers you a share of the contract if you agree to overlook the issue. Therefore, he is appealing to you as a friend to ignore the issue and approve his bills to ensure timely payments for the waste management contract. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What are the options available to you in this situation? Evaluate each of these options and choose the option the CEO would adopt giving reasons.20 marks
  16. Q9Rekha, one of the few female graduates in her village, got elected as the new Sarpanch of her village Bhavanipuram. The village of Bhavanipuram is located in a remote part of a backward district and is plagued by female infanticide, child marriage, and high maternal mortality. After her election, she decided to tackle these issues in every possible way and is determined to address the village's deep-rooted socio-cultural issues. However, she faces stiff resistance from the village elders, who hold significant influence in the village. They view her initiatives, such as banning child marriages, as a threat to their traditional way of life, normalised over generations. As Rekha pushes forward with her reforms, she also faces social ostracization. The community shunned her and her family, making it difficult for them to participate in social and cultural activities. Moreover, some of her family members, influenced by societal norms, did not support her initiatives, creating a challenging environment at home. Religious leaders in the village are also opposing her initiatives, viewing them as contrary to religious doctrines, complicating the situation even more. The situation is compounded by low literacy rates and high levels of poverty, especially among women. This lack of education perpetuates ignorance and superstition, making it difficult for Rekha to communicate the importance of her reforms. Many villagers prioritise immediate economic survival over long-term social reforms and view her initiatives as secondary to the pressing need for food, shelter, and employment. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What are the options available with Rekha to cope up with the situation? c) What course of action would Rekha adopt to diffuse the above situation? d) Mention few of the government steps and laws made to prevent female infanticide, child marriage, and high maternal mortality in remote areas of the country.20 marks
  17. Q9(d)Government steps & laws to prevent female infanticide, child marriage & high maternal mortality -
  18. Q10You are an IAS officer with 10 years of service. This is your 1st posting as a District Magistrate (DM) in a big city. Prior to this you have always held not so important junior designations in the remote parts of the state. You are happy that you got a lucrative posting and now your children can have good schooling in the city. As a DM, you are appointed as the Returning Officer (RO) for the 18th Lok Sabha elections in your district's parliamentary constituency. In the above capacity, you are responsible for overseeing the electoral process, ensuring conducting a free, fair and transparent election in the constituency as well as upholding the democratic ethos of the constitution and public at large. A powerful politician serving as a minister from the ruling party is contesting election from the constituency. You are well versed with the fact that the minister adopts malpractices during the election. The minister approached and promised you with key positions, career advancements and further promotions in future on the condition that you overlook his corrupt practices during this election. He also warns you of the consequences if his demands are not met. Since, for the past many years, you have been assigned to less significant posts in the state, you cannot simply let go of such postings in near future. 1. As a civil servant what are the ethical dilemmas involved in the above situation? 2. List the options available to you and justify which one you would choose.20 marks
  19. Q11In the early hours of the morning on 25th August, 2023, a passenger train derailed near a small town in Odisha, approximately 80 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. The accident was caused by a broken railway track, which had been weakened by continuous heavy rains over the past week. The derailment led to significant loss of life and injury to many passengers, along with extensive damage to the train and surrounding infrastructure. You are a commandant officer, NDRF and were immediately informed of the incident. You rush to the site for immediate support and inform others to reach the site as soon as possible. Upon reaching the accident site, you are faced with a chaotic and distressing scene. Several train coaches are overturned, and many passengers are trapped inside. The rescue operations are underway, but the heavy rains and muddy terrain are making the process difficult. The rains and lightning have also disturbed communication lines making it difficult to mobilise help immediately. Moreover, due to excessive rain and difficult terrain it was getting difficult to mobilise enough support staff to the site. This was further aggravated by limited resources available for rescue operations. Equipment such as metal cutters, canine squads and other heavy-lift equipment were difficult to reach to the site. As a result rescue workers were unable to rescue people properly, creating more chaos and panic, leading to protest by passengers and victims. Medical teams and first aid kits were still on the way, adding more to the crisis. a) As a commandant officer, NDRF, how would you handle the crisis? b) Mention various steps that can be taken to avoid rail accidents, post this incident?20 marks
  20. Q12You are the Exam Controller at an exam centre conducting a government recruitment examination. The exam is being conducted online by a reputed software company known for its advanced security measures. This examination is crucial for lakhs of aspirants seeking stable and prestigious government positions. During the examination, an invigilator notices suspicious behaviour from a candidate who appears to be frequently looking off-screen. Upon closer scrutiny and examination of the candidate's activity logs, it is confirmed that the candidate is using unauthorised electronic devices and software to receive answers in real-time. The candidate is immediately detained for questioning. The candidate's confession reveals that they are part of a larger network involving managers from the software company responsible for conducting the online exam. These managers are found to be colluding with organized crime syndicates to facilitate cheating in exchange for substantial sums of money. These syndicates orchestrate the cheating operations, recruit candidates, and handle financial transactions. The mafia, aware of your discovery, approaches you with an offer. They promise a significant cut of the profits not only for you but for every person working at the centre if they turn a blind eye to the cheating and allow the network to operate. Many employees are in favour of agreeing to it, while a few oppose it. They also threaten you with severe consequences if you refuse. At the same time, you are facing financial pressure to secure funds for your daughter's admission into a prestigious management college. a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case? b) What would you do in such a scenario? c) Based on the above case study, discuss the pros and cons of online examination. And provide ways to improve it.20 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 106 words written

'An ideal educational institution should balance between values and contents.' In your opinion, what measures can move education beyond mere content learning.

Opening · a quotation

"Education is kindling of flame, not filling of a vessel." - Socrates

In an ideal educational institution, there is a need to balance values and content as if one is missing, it may lead to disastrous consequences. Value education without content is also not realistic - So a balance of both is ideal -

(eg) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Azad - Missile man of India with highest level of integrity.

In order to ensure this balance -

Body · points and prose

s, weapons and wars.

  • (4) Maladministration and misuse of law
    • eg corruption - 2G scam

Value education without content is also not realistic -

diagram

  • Value education without content
    • (1) lower the pace of development
    • (2) Undernutrisat of human potential
    • (3) lead to backwardness in societies

So a balance of both is ideal -

(eg) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Azad - Missile man of India with highest level of integrity.

In order to ensure this balance -

  1. Right parenting and value inculcation
  2. Important role of schools - teachers with integrity and aptitude.

Close

Education should be such that Einstein brain should be complemented by Buddha's heart.