AIR 14 · CSE 2022 · GS4 · 58 pages

Kritika Goyal: GS4 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)The ideals of ‘Dhamma’ by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Although bribery is illegal and counterproductive, public officials still demand bribes, and executives in the private sector remain tempted to pay up. In this context, discuss ways in which corporations can build a framework to eliminate the practice of offering kickbacks.10 marks
  3. Q2(a)It is argued that the Indian bureaucracy suffers from indecision and risk aversion. Do you agree? Justify with logical arguments. (150 words) 10 (b) Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples.10 marks
  4. Q2(b)Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples.10 marks
  5. Q3(a)While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times.10 marks
  6. Q3(b)A legally enforceable code of ethics for civil servants, which not only prescribes the ethical values they must display in their public life but also provides sanctions for violations of these values, is the need of the hour. Discuss.10 marks
  7. Q4(a)Examine the issue of foreign aid in global politics from an ethical perspective.10 marks
  8. Q4(b)There is a need for an effective climate governance structure within the broad framework of corporate governance. Discuss.10 marks
  9. Q5(a)"A well-developed Emotional intelligence is not only an instrumental tool in accomplishing goals, but has a dark side as a weapon for manipulating others by robbing them of their capacity to reason." Analyse.10 marks
  10. Q5(b)The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate.10 marks
  11. Q6(a)What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "All persons ought to endeavour to follow what is right, and not what is established." — Aristotle10 marks
  12. Q6(b)"It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world."10 marks
  13. Q6(c)"I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong." - Mahatma Gandhi10 marks
  14. Q7You come across a news report of a state 'X', which has a considerable number of school going children suffering from malnourishment. To overcome this, the state recently rolled out a policy to introduce eggs in mid-day meals in schools. However, some parents, teachers and a few religious groups have protested against the move. The report states that the Minister of Education of state 'X' has assured the public of a reversal in the policy. You are aware that this may be because elections are approaching in the state and the party in power may not want to antagonise a particular religious group, which is its key supporter. In light of this, answer the following: (a) Highlight the stakeholders in the given case study. (b) Examine the options available in the given situation. (c) According to you, what is the best course of action and why?20 marks
  15. Q8Capital punishment, or “death penalty,” is an institutionalized practice designed to result in deliberately executing persons in response to actual or supposed misconduct and following an authorized, rule-governed process to conclude that the person is responsible for violating norms that warrant execution. Punitive executions have historically been imposed by diverse kinds of authorities, for an expansive range of conduct, political or religious beliefs and practices, for a status beyond one’s control, or without employing any significant due process procedures. Punitive executions also have been and continue to be carried out more informally, such as by terrorist groups, urban gangs, and mobs. For centuries in Europe and America, discussions have focused on capital punishment as an institutionalized, rule-governed practice of modern states and legal systems governing serious criminal conduct and procedures. In light of the above debate of capital punishment, answer the following questions: (a) What are the arguments in favour of and against having capital punishment in the criminal justice system? (b) Do you think capital punishment has a place in modern civilised society? Examine in the context of moral implications involved in awarding it.20 marks
  16. Q920 marks
  17. Q10You are the Chairperson of Staff Selection Commission of a state. Recently, an exam for recruitment to the position of sub-inspectors was conducted by the Commission. But a video of some students using hi-tech devices like spy-mics, and placing "solvers" to cheat in the exam by hiding bluetooth devices in wig, has been surfacing on the internet. Also, this is not an isolated incident; many instances of organized cheating scandals have shocked the state in recent years. Students are agitated and demanding cancellation of the exam and there is pressure on you to resign. However, your daughter had also appeared in this exam and is confident of clearing it. There are many other students who had waited for this exam for a long time and are hopeful of clearing it with honest efforts. Whatever decision the Commission takes is bound to affect the career of a large number of candidates who appeared in the exam, including your own daughter. (a) Highlight the ethical issues concerned in the case. (b) Why is cheating in examinations prevalent in many states across India? (c) What measures would you take to make sure that a similar situation does not arise in future?20 marks
  18. Q11Sunil has been posted as a DM in a hilly district which is vulnerable to several natural disasters. The district is known for a pilgrimage site and is frequently visited by tourists from all over India. The major occupation of locals therefore lies in the hospitality business. Unfortunately, after a few days of his joining, the district faced a major earthquake. It has led to high casualties and damages to the essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Both locals and tourists are trapped at different routes and locations. An international convoy of dignitaries from a neighboring country which has come to pay their obeisance at the pilgrimage site, is also trapped due to the disaster. Because of this, Sunil has to divert most of the available resources in the rescue operation of the foreign dignitaries. People are emotionally distressed due to the disaster, and delayed response from authorities to their needs has led to a law-and-order situation in the district. People from other states whose families are trapped and need immediate assistance are also getting restless and flooding the emergency helplines with complaints and requests. (a) Discuss the issues being faced by Sunil in the given scenario. (b) Mention a course of action that Sunil must take to maintain law-and-order as well as to expedite rescue operations of all concerned..20 marks
  19. Q12You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. One of your subordinates informs you that a girl has reached out to him and complained about a potential death threat to her and her boyfriend who belongs to another caste. Both the families are averse to their union. She has also informed that the local police station is neither filing any complaint nor giving her any assurance of protection. The girl belongs to the dominant caste of the region and her father is a prominent local leader of the party which is in power in the state. On further enquiry, you come to know that both the girl and her boyfriend are adults. They have moved out of the house and have started living together. This has further angered both the families and they are accusing each other of abduction. In the given scenario, answer the following questions: (a) Bring out the ethical dilemma faced by you. (b) What would be a suitable course of action to resolve the issue? (c) At times, such instances lead to violence and may end up in honour killings. Discuss the reasons behind their social acceptance in parts of India despite the legal sanction against them.20 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 148 words written

The ideals of ‘Dhamma’ by Ashoka present key learnings on public morality. Discuss. Also, state their relevance for public servants.

Opening

The Dhamma Policy of Ashoka was a result of Kalinga War where Ashoka decide to rule by Dhamma i.e by following righteousness and not Berighoshe i.e by war technique.

Body · points

→ PUBLIC MORALITY

(a) To be honest, upright and use rightful means to achieve ends

(b) To be compassionate and work to alleviate suffering of others.

e.g - Sudha Murthy's Infosys Foundation.

(c) Toleration of all religions, ideas, viewpoints.

[eg] Auroville society hosts people from 50 nations

→ RELEVANCE

(a) To uphold value of probity i.e uncomp-romising attitude towards values.

[e.g] E Sreedharan's political neutrality to complete Delhi Metro

(b) To empathize with vulnerable sections

[e.g] - IAS Divya Devarajan learned Gond language to solve tribals' grievances.

(c) Public spirited actions to be taken

Close

[e.g] IAS Sandeep Nanduri opened cafe Able for disabled people employment

Ashoka's dhamma aims to ensure good governance and lead to-:

'SABKA SATH, SABKA VIKAS'