AIR 17 · CSE 2020 · GS4 · 58 pages

Sarthak Agrawal: GS4 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption?10 marks
  3. Q2(a)Ethical business practices are key for long-term survival of a company. Comment.10 marks
  4. Q2(b)Law succeeds in encouraging ethical behaviour in a society only when it is backed by conscience of its individuals. Discuss.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) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr.10 marks
  6. Q3(b)In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. Immanuel Kant10 marks
  7. Q4(a)What do you understand by Social Intelligence? Discuss its relation with the Emotional intelligence of an individual.10 marks
  8. Q4(b)While code of conduct presents a structure to organized values, code of ethics gives a foundation to that structure. Examine.10 marks
  9. Q5(a)According to Buddhism, for a man to be perfect there are two qualities that he should develop equally: compassion (karuna) on one side, and wisdom (panna) on the other. Analyse.10 marks
  10. Q5(b)The life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presents a broad range of lessons and virtues to be learnt by public servants in India. Discuss.10 marks
  11. Q6Identify which essential information should be made available to the public via Citizen's Charter? Also, suggest some steps for successful implementation of the Citizen's Charter.10 marks
  12. Q7Respect for human rights and humanitarian principles is a responsibility for all members of the international community. Discuss in the context of roles and responsibilities of States for protection of refugees.10 marks
  13. Q8What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance?10 marks
  14. Q9Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest. Some vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. Other promising vaccines under development, following a rigorous methodology, may take months to enter the market. In this context: (a) What are the critical issues involved in the case? (b) Explain, with relevant reasons, the course of action that you would take.20 marks
  15. Q10Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond "floor level tasks". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values? (b) Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard.20 marks
  16. Q11Problems surrounding air pollution present an urgent challenge for many countries, including India. Among other reasons, this challenge has been exacerbated by the indifferent attitude of people towards it. Various studies have pointed out the harmful effects of air pollution. Despite the government bringing various regulations on activities like stubble burning and bursting fire crackers, people violate them. (a) Discuss the reasons behind such behaviour on part of society towards air pollution. (b) Suggest measures that are required to be undertaken to nudge people towards pro-environment behaviour.20 marks
  17. Q11(a)Why society is complacent towards air pollution
  18. Q12In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions: (a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters? (b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed? (c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?20 marks
  19. Q13Economic growth has been the primary goal of economic policies, and the principal measure of an economy's success. In the last few decades, economic growth benefitted mankind in multiple ways. But alongside these benefits, it has also generated significant issues and a series of converging challenges. In light of this, answer the following: (a) What was the rationale behind GDP growth being considered the pillar of economic policies the world over in the past few decades? (b) Explain the need to go beyond GDP growth and reassess our measures of development. Identify some of the components that need to be complemented with GDP growth going forward.20 marks
  20. Q14The Covid-19 pandemic is far from over but governments across the world appear to have either relaxed lockdown parameters or will do so soon. Containing Covid and restoring our economies requires not just good policy decisions and medical advice; it also needs continued compliance with the recommended behavioural changes. Daunting as they may seem, the drastic changes in behaviour being called for, can indeed be brought about. Answer the following in this regard: (a) Why is behavioural change seen to be desirable in a country like India, when it is faced with a pandemic of the kind of Covid-19? (b) What role have different stakeholders in India been playing in helping communities adhere to the desired behaviour? (c) Discuss the challenges in bringing about behavioural change, particularly in such an environment of anxiety and uncertainties.20 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 184 words written

Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples.

Opening · a definition

Discretion in administration is the flexible exercise of judgement allowed to a public official in the performance of some of her duties.

Merits of discretion

Body · points

  1. Hastens decision making in situations of crisis → e.g. dealing with an unprecedented crisis in public order - in Covid crisis many officers implemented social distancing even before official orders.
  2. Routine problems can be addressed efficiently → e.g. a scheme that helps poor people but its parameters are not clear although the eventual objective is.
  3. Can prevent loss of life & property → e.g. a UP police officer crossed the border during Delhi riots to protect a man from a mob.

Demeits of discretion

  1. Against rule of law
  2. Can place enormous power at the feet of unelected officials → e.g. deciding whom to award a benefit.
  3. Conduit for corruption → e.g. alloting spectrum licenses on vague & discretionary grounds → loss to exchequer.

Close · a summary

Discretion can be a blessing in several low-level decisions but it can also cause severe damage to governance when it becomes a habit or occurs when discretion is generally avoidable.