AIR 97 · CSE 2023 · GS4 · 55 pages

Prashant Raj: GS4 answer copy

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

The questions

Q1(a)Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.10 marks
Q1(b)Though it may seem that accountability and efficiency are antithetical to each other, accountability is a sine qua non for good governance. Discuss.10 marks
Q2(a)Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.10 marks
Q2(b)While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, it raises key ethical issues. Comment.10 marks
Q3(a)Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein10 marks
Q3(b)Having knowledge of an unethical act and allowing it to continue can spread a contagion that can affect multiple beings in society. Bertrand Russell10 marks
Q4(a)10 marks
Q4(b)While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.10 marks
Q5(a)A state that does not have the political will and the discipline to enforce probity in governance, can not get rid of the menace of prolonged corruption. Discuss.10 marks
Q5(b)India cannot march successfully in to the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in context of the bureaucratic work culture in India.10 marks
Q6Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?10 marks
Q7Increasing participation of people in governance and easy access to information is what transforms governance to good governance. Elaborate.10 marks
Q8It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.10 marks
Q9You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case? (b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.20 marks
Q1020 marks
Q11You are posted as Superintendent of Police in a district. A case has come up in which more than 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually exploited at the city shelter home run by an NGO. The scandal came to light when media flagged complaints of sexual abuse of inmates of the city shelter home. A nexus of police, politicians, administration and criminals have been allegedly responsible for the racket going on for the last few years. In light of this, a lot of protests have erupted across the city. While, on one hand, media glare has meant that people are demanding swift action, you have been asked to go slow in investigating the case by top officers in your department. Elections in the state are due in a few months, so it has become a politically sensitive issue. You are also under immense political pressure from the ruling party to not take strict action and make compromises to cover up the case. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the issues involved in the case. (b) What are the options available to you? Which of these options will you choose? Justify your stand with logical arguments.20 marks
Q1220 marks
Q1320 marks
Q14Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also come to the forefront. (a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing. (b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.20 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 209 words written

Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.

Opening · a definition

Modern Scholars regards man as a "social animal". Man not only possess pre-conceived values & notions but also affects & get affected by environment conditions.

Body · points

MAN IS CAPABLE OF MODIFYING ENVIRONMENT AS

(1) Imposition / Subordination of values - When a person is in authority, he changes environment or culture according to his belief.

For Ex A punctual civil servant will ensure timely completion of projects.

(2) Individual in peer group - can promote positive values that may affect others' behaviour.

Eg. Developing positive outlook towards Govt. services by explaining hurdles.

(3) Taking Responsibility for change - and promoting the interests of the citizens.

For Ex: TN Seshan reinterpreted the powers of Election commission & changed the role of the ECI.

(4) Social change - A literate & high educated person from lower caste can empower his caste & thus changes environment eg Dr. BR Ambedkar's role in upliftment of Dalits.

However, in making positive changes various Hurdles are faced:

(1) Status quo & vested interests (2) Domination of few (3) Resistance to change due to social orthodoxies etc

Close · a way forward

But one must be driven by mahatma Gandhi's idea of 'Be the change you want to see in the world' and the things will fall in place to change environment.