AIR 14 · CSE 2025 · GS4 · 58 pages

Surabhi Yadav: GS4 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil service:10 marks
  2. Q1(b)What do you understand by environmental ethics? Highlight the various values it is based upon.10 marks
  3. Q2(a)Explaining the need of ethics in public life, mention various sources of ethical guidance for a civil servant.10 marks
  4. Q2(b)Explain the difference between end-oriented values and means-oriented values. In your opinion, which is more important for a public servant?10 marks
  5. Q3(a)Moral quality of an action should be judged by its consequences on human happiness. Discuss.10 marks
  6. Q3(b)The core of Gandhiji's philosophy lies in internal moral power. Discuss.10 marks
  7. Q4(a)With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following: (150 words) 10 (ii) Horizontal and Vertical Accountability (iii) Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct (iv) Persuasion and Manipulation10 marks
  8. Q4(b)Civil servants, who are themselves honest, but do nothing to save the institution from corruption, do greater damage to the system. Elucidate.10 marks
  9. Q5(a)Explain the relationship between personal and professional ethics of a civil servant.10 marks
  10. Q5(b)Explain, with examples, how law and liberty are related with each other.10 marks
  11. Q6(a)Ethics is the foundation upon which virtues are built. In this context, discuss how ethics act as an anti-corruption force.10 marks
  12. Q6(b)In context of the relationship between political executive and civil servants in India, highlight the significance of neutrality in the civil service.10 marks
  13. Q6(c)The teachings of Arya Samaj present key ethical lessons for present day India. Discuss.10 marks
  14. Q720 marks
  15. Q820 marks
  16. Q9In recent times, we have witnessed large scale displacement of people all over the world. The reasons for this are manifold but it has resulted in a severe challenge in the form of a refugee crisis of large proportions. The recent turmoil in Afghanistan adds another unfortunate chapter to it. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the ethical issues involved in the refugee crisis being witnessed in the recent decades. (b) Highlight both short-term and long-term measures to deal with it.20 marks
  17. Q10What are the ethical issues involved in the case? (b) What are the various options that you have? Which one of these will you adopt? Justify your stand with logical arguments.20 marks
  18. Q1120 marks
  19. Q12The proliferation of social media platforms have empowered the citizens and enabled them to freely share their views, including criticism of the government and its functionaries. However, it has also given rise to serious concerns such as spread of fake news, hate speech, revenge porn etc., which have grown manifold in recent years. Moreover, there are growing issues related to lack of transparency, accountability and rights of users of such social media platforms. In this context, what should be the underlying principles to regulate the social media platforms? Also, suggest a framework to address the associated issues and concerns and make such platforms a safe place for its diverse users.20 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 234 words written

Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil service:

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Body · points

(i) Public Trust Its important for civil servants to win public trust to ensure - a) public participation b) most of the Indian population is poor and illiterate, so its important that they trust public servants, to do justice to their rights for welfare scheme. c) smooth and transparent functioning d) accountability ensured.

(ii) Compassion Compassion implies that civil servants feel empathy with the general public, understand their needs and then take actions to fulfill them.

It is important - because it acts as an additional motivation and ensures schemes are implemented wholeheartedly and public grievances are resolved.

(iii) Objectivity - means that servants do not act arbitrarily based on personal beliefs and ideology. Rather, they should act based on the facts and observations infront of them. It is important to ensure neutrality in actions. Justice could reach effectively without harming interests of any section of society.

(iv) Integrity - Integrity refers to the highest degree of honesty and staying true to oneself even when no-one's watching. Laws and code of conduct cannot cover all aspects of governance. There are certain areas where civil servants acts on conscience - here integrity is important.

(v) Fortitude - means courage to act ethically and for welfare even when situations are difficult. It is important to ensure - civil servants do not act unjustly under political pressure or do not go for resigning when things turn difficult.

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