AIR 3 · CSE 2019 · GS4 · 58 pages

Pratibha Verma: GS4 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of "living wills". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)In order to improve the bureaucratic work culture and productivity, there is a need to downsize government and privatize some of the services. Critically discuss with examples.10 marks
  3. Q2(a)Examine the contemporary relevance of Gandhiji's talisman as a means of resolving ethical dilemmas in day to day life.10 marks
  4. Q2(b)"Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education." Assess whether such an objective can be achieved within the existing system of education in India.10 marks
  5. Q3(a)"A blanket prohibition of criticism of the policies of the Government is invalid and void, and it makes no difference if the person criticizing happens to be a government servant." Critically discuss in the context of Civil Service Conduct Rules, 1964.10 marks
  6. Q3(b)"Man by nature is a political animal". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in the life of the society.10 marks
  7. Q4(a)What are the factors that have influenced the contemporary attitude of the state and the society towards homosexuality in India? Also, comment on the changing attitude and the factors driving this change.10 marks
  8. Q4(b)With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.10 marks
  9. Q5(a)The policy of Dhamma advocated by Ashoka through his edicts remains relevant in the context of issues in public life even today. Elucidate with examples.10 marks
  10. Q5(b)Arguably, poverty is not only a matter of statistics. It is a reflection on the kind of society we live in. In this context, discuss the ethical implications for a society that witnesses high incidence of poverty.10 marks
  11. Q6Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary. Comment. Also, explain how educators and public figures can help in eradicating superstition and instilling scientific temper among people.10 marks
  12. Q7Many argue that there are times, when war is morally permissible, and even obligatory. Critically discuss.10 marks
  13. Q8It has been argued that traditional approaches to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are inadequate. Discuss. Also, examine the role of Social License to Operate (SLO) in this regard. 10 (Social License to Operate: SLO)10 marks
  14. Q9A renowned and critically acclaimed producer-director has come up with a new movie based on retelling of the freedom movement. The trailer of this project depicts prominent freedom fighters and various aspects of their personalities. It is a project that involves substantial sums of money and has taken collaborative efforts of 3 years. However, certain political and social activists have objected to what they perceived as negative portrayal of some freedom fighters. As such, they have opposed the release of this movie and issued threats with serious consequences. This has come in the context of increase in the number of instances involving many groups issuing threats against one or the other movie. In such a context you have been designated as the head of a special committee with the broad responsibility of reviewing the film certification process in general as well as the checking the historical accuracy of the events depicted in this particular movie. (a) Who are the key stakeholders you would involve as part of the consultation process? (b) What are the principles that you would consider while giving your recommendations to the government? Also, provide an outline of a solution that you deem appropriate in the prevailing context.20 marks
  15. Q10What are the socio-psychological factors that motivate people to join the mob and kill fellow human beings? (b) Identify the implications of increasing crime of lynching on society. (c) Examine the role of social media in recent instances of mob lynching. As a law enforcement officer, how will you prevent such incidents from happening in your district?20 marks
  16. Q11Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.20 marks
  17. Q12You are the head of a policy think-tank. There is a proposal to cut down more than 10,000 trees to build a residential colony in the capital of the country. The city has one of the highest homeless population in the country and the settlement will be used for them. This news has generated a lot of public debate. While on the one hand is the need to expand urban infrastructure in order to meet the demands of the growing population, on the other, is the environmental concern. In last ten years, the city has lost more than half of its green cover and has seen increased frequency of extreme climatic events. You are asked to deliver a lecture for the policymakers and concerned citizens, in which you have to specifically deal with the following questions: 20 (a) Why do you think such situations arise in the first place where developmental activities and environmental concerns often come out as antithetical to each other? (b) What should be the short-term and long-term solutions for tackling such situations? (c) What are the potential benefits of inculcating environmental concerns in the policy making and planning process?20 marks
  18. Q13You are a young athlete representing India at an international-level competition. During the competition, you witness a few senior athletes injecting something using a syringe, in private. When you approach them, they explain that it is a performance enhancing drug, which is very common in such competitions and you should take the same as well. You are in fear and decide to approach the coach to discuss the event you witnessed. However, you get to know that the athletes are taking the drug at the advice of the coach himself. (a) What would you do in this scenario? Discuss the options available to you and chart your course of action. (b) Why do you think use of unfair means to enhance performance is common in competitive sporting event? How can this practice be minimized?20 marks
  19. Q14You have been appointed by Election Commission as a booth level officer to oversee the conduct of elections in a remote and under-developed area. For the preparations of elections, you have been instructed to ensure maximum voter turnout. For this, you conduct a series of meetings with the people in villages encouraging them to vote in large numbers. However, they confront you with the fact that despite so many previous elections, the promises made by representatives remain unfulfilled and even the basic necessities of livelihood are not available. As such, they are ignorant of your appeals and are subsequently not forthcoming even to listen to you, let alone giving assurances to vote. Based on this information, answer the following questions: 20 (a) Identify the stakeholders in the situation along with their interests. (b) What are the factors that you will take into account to convince the people and ensure maximum voter turnout?20 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 136 words written

Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of "living wills". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.

Opening · a definition

Living will is an advance directive describing course of treatment, executor of will, care-taker etc. in case of terminal & mental illness. Supreme court has given credence to it, thus it has become legal document.

Ethical issues at individual level-

Body · points

(1) Will of concerned person (2) Right to die with dignity (3) Right to decide on level of medical intervention (4) Self determination (5) Ethical dilemma faced by doctor & family

At social level -

(1) Preventing misuse. (2) Could lead to situation where families impose upon old people to make such wills. (3) Neglect of elderly. (4) Moral corruption of people. (5) Could increase stress on family members as when family wants to save their loved ones however patients want to die.

Close · a way forward

Therefore careful deliberation should be put into formulation with appropriate checks & balances.