Utkarsh Mishra: GS4 answer copy

The questions

1. Q1(a)'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.10 marks
2. Q1(b)Distinguish between empathy and compassion. Why are they considered as foundational values in public services?10 marks
3. Q2(a)The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?10 marks
4. Q2(b)What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?10 marks
5. Q3Given below are the three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a) "This life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive."-Swami Vivekanand10 marks
6. Q3(c)"Two ways of building character - cultivating strength to challenge oppression, and tolerate the resultant hardships that give rise to courage and awareness." -Sardar Patel10 marks
7. Q4(a)"With great power comes great responsibility." In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?10 marks
8. Q4(b)What do you understand by the term 'crisis of conscience'? Describe an incident from your life where you experienced such a crisis. How did you deal with it?10 marks
9. Q5(a)"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience." Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.10 marks
10. Q5(b)What are the key objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005? Examine the ethical concerns associated with certain provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in realizing the objectives of the RTI Act.10 marks
11. Q6Public spaces serve as arenas of democratic participation and civic expression. Yet in India, they remain deeply gendered, with many women largely confined to the private and domestic sphere. Examine the factors that restrict women's access to public spaces. How can ethical governance help address the issue of gendered spatial control and promote inclusivity in public spaces?10 marks
12. Q6(b)Write short notes on the following in 30 words each: ii) Conflict of interest10 marks
13. Q7A State Government in the northeastern part of the country has launched a series of anti-encroachment drives across forest areas, wetlands, and revenue lands. Under the directions of the Chief Minister, the administration has intensified efforts to reclaim public land, particularly in areas reserved for ecological protection and critical infrastructure development. Most of the time, these actions have been backed by court orders and have resulted in the recovery of thousands of hectares of land. However, in certain regions, the implementation of such drives is fraught with social and political complexities. In several districts, settlements have existed for decades and are inhabited by marginalized communities with limited access to legal rights or formal rehabilitation measures. These areas are often politically sensitive and influenced by local leaders and pressure groups. Simanta is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in one such district. Over the past year, the district administration has attempted to align eviction measures with welfare outreach, including the provision of temporary shelters, relocation assistance, and public consultations. Recently, a major operation was scheduled to clear encroachments from over 140 hectares of forest land within a Reserved Forest, primarily to curb rising instances of human-elephant conflict and to restore ecological balance. Anticipating eviction, some residents approached the High Court seeking a stay. However, the court refused to grant it and directed the administration to proceed with the eviction following due process. Notices were served, and a detailed roadmap was prepared to carry out the operation, which was expected to last 2–3 days due to the scale and remote location. On the first day, Simanta led a team comprising forest officials, municipal workers, and police personnel. Demolitions were conducted peacefully and without major resistance. However, on the second day, when the team returned to the site, a large group of agitated residents—primarily women and children—had gathered. They raised slogans and formed human chains to prevent further evictions. The atmosphere grew tense when some individuals began throwing stones, resulting in serious injury to a municipal worker. The crowd grew increasingly volatile and emotionally charged, demanding an immediate halt to the operation. The police contingent present on the ground was outnumbered by the crowd. Faced with this crisis, some team members pleaded with Simanta to call off the operation, fearing threats to their life and the possibility of a violent escalation. Simanta attempted to contact his superior officer (the Deputy Commissioner), but due to poor mobile connectivity in the forested area, communication could not be established. Meanwhile, several local journalists had arrived and begun reporting on the incident. Simanta is in a dilemma as to what to do. a. Evaluate the options available with Simanta to cope with the situation. b. Which of the above options would be the most appropriate for Simanta and why? c. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Simanta? d. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage such situations.20 marks
14. Q7(case study)और सार्वजनिक परामर्श शामिल है। हाल ही में, एक आरक्षित वन क्षेत्र में 140 हेक्टेयर से अधिक वन भूमि से अतिक्रमण हटाने के लिए एक बड़ा अभियान चलाया जाना था, जिसका मुख्य उद्देश्य मानव-हाथी संघर्ष की बढ़ती घटनाओं को रोकना और पारिस्थितिक संतुलन बहाल करना था। बेदखली की आशंका से, कुछ निवासियों ने इस पर रोक लगाने के लिए उच्च न्यायालय का दरवाजा खटखटाया। हालाँकि, अदालत ने इसे देने से इनकार कर दिया और प्रशासन को उचित प्रक्रिया का पालन करते हुए बेदखली की कार्रवाई आगे बढ़ाने का निर्देश दिया। नोटिस दिए गए और अभियान को अंजाम देने के लिए एक विस्तृत रोडमैप तैयार किया गया, जिसके पैमाने और दूरस्थ स्थान के कारण 2-3 दिनों तक चलने की उम्मीद थी। पहले दिन, सिमंता ने वन अधिकारियों, नगरपालिका कर्मचारियों और पुलिसकर्मियों की एक टीम का नेतृत्व किया। तोड़फोड़ की कार्रवाई शांतिपूर्ण और बिना किसी बड़े प्रतिरोध के पूरी की गई। हालाँकि, दूसरे दिन, जब टीम घटनास्थल पर लौटी, तो उत्तेजित निवासियों का एक बड़ा समूह-मुख्य रूप से महिलाएँ और बच्चे-इकट्ठा हो गए थे। उन्होंने नारे लगाए और आगे की बेदखली को रोकने के लिए मानव श्रृंखला बनाई। माहौल तब तनावपूर्ण हो गया जब कुछ लोगों ने पत्थरबाजी शुरू कर दी, जिससे एक नगरपालिका कर्मचारी गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गया। भीड़ लगातार उग्र और भावनात्मक रूप से उत्तेजित होती जा रही थी, और ऑपरेशन को तुरंत रोकने की मांग कर रही थी। मौके पर मौजूद पुलिस बल भीड़ से संख्या में कम था। इस संकट का सामना करते हुए, टीम के कुछ सदस्यों ने अपनी जान को खतरा और हिंसक वृद्धि की संभावना के डर से सिमंता से ऑपरेशन बंद करने का अनुरोध किया। सिमंता ने अपने वरिष्ठ अधिकारी (उपायुक्त) से संपर्क करने का प्रयास किया, लेकिन वन क्षेत्र में खराब मोबाइल कनेक्टिविटी के कारण संचार स्थापित नहीं हो सका। इस बीच, कई स्थानीय पत्रकार वहां पहुंच गए और घटना की रिपोर्टिंग शुरू कर दी। सिमंता में दुविधा में हैं कि क्या करें। a. स्थिति से निपटने के लिए सिमंता के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का मूल्यांकन करें। b. सिमंता के लिए सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों? c. सिमंता को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है? d. ऐसी परिस्थितियों के प्रबंधन करने के लिए एक लोक सेवक के गुणों का परीक्षण करें। (20 अंक, 250 शब्द)20 marks
15. Q8Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions. a. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational. b. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community? c. How is menstruation related to human rights?20 marks
16. Q8(a)मेघा द्वारा अपने गांव के समुदाय को असमानजनक या टकरावपूर्ण व्यवहार किए बिना संवेदनशील बनाने के लिए अपनाई जा सकने वाली कार्यवाही का सुझाव दीजिए।
17. Q8(b)समुदाय के साथ जुड़ते समय उसके कार्यों को किन नैतिक सिद्धांतों और तरीकों से निर्देशित किया जाना चाहिए?
18. Q8(c)मासिक धर्म मानव अधिकारों से किस प्रकार संबंधित है?20 marks
19. Q9Gopal is an 80-year-old man living in a remote and an underdeveloped village in a Central Indian state. He had been residing in a small mud house for years. When he came to know about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), he saw a glimmer of hope for a pucca house in the last phase of his life. However, the village sarpanch and panchayat secretary told him that to be eligible under the scheme, he must first demolish his existing house so that during a site inspection, no structure would be visible at the location. Subsequently, Gopal demolished his shelter and began living under a babool tree. For nearly six months, he has been staying in the open, braving harsh weather conditions. During this time, he has repeatedly visited the panchayat office but has been told that his application cannot be processed as he lacks the necessary documents. You are the officer-in-charge of implementing PMAY-G in the district. The case of Gopal reaches you through a prominent newspaper report. You personally visit him to understand the situation on the ground. After meeting him and listening to his account, you feel that he certainly needs support. Your enquiries confirm that he is truly destitute and living in a pitiable condition under the open sky. It is also established that he demolished his house based on a faulty interpretation of the scheme by panchayat officials. However, he has no documents to show that he fulfils the eligibility criteria under the scheme. Now you are in a dilemma. Including him under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly be a violation of rules. But denying him support would be cruel and inhuman. a. Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma? b. Give your reasons for it. c. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?20 marks
20. Q10You are working as an Assistant Section Officer in the District Development and Panchayat Office. One day, one of your close colleagues approaches you in deep distress. She tells that her father is suffering from a severe liver condition, and the doctors have clearly stated that he must undergo liver transplant immediately in order to survive. She shares that she has no health insurance, and the surgery would cost around Rs 15 lakh. You are aware that her husband passed away a few years ago, and that she also has a four-year-old son with special needs. Just a few weeks ago, she also lost all her savings in a digital arrest scam. As a widow from a lower middle-class family, her options are extremely limited. Although you feel deeply empathetic, you are unable to offer financial assistance, as you do not have the resources to help. A few weeks later, you enquire about her father's health. She informs you that the liver transplant surgery was successful and that her father is now recovering steadily. Relieved, you ask how she managed to arrange the funds. Hesitantly, she confides that the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) helped her. Moved by her situation, the DDPO facilitated the release of Rs 15 lakh from the fund allocated to a rural sanitation scheme. The implementation of this scheme had been put on hold for a year due to technical issues and pending site approvals. She explains that the amount was provided on the assurance of strict confidentiality and with a commitment to repay it at the earliest. She expresses deep gratitude for the DDPO's timely help, which was she believes saved her father's life. She has already begun repaying the money and will continue to do so until it is all returned. a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b. Examine the behavior of DPDO from an ethical point of view. c. How would you react to the situation?20 marks
21. Q11Nithin is the head of the Marketing Department at Pehnava Clothings Ltd., a reputed apparel manufacturing company with a strong global presence. Known for its professionalism and consistent performance, the company had earned a credible name in both domestic and international markets. However, the firm was going through difficult times. For three consecutive quarters, it had witnessed a steep decline in sales. This trend had raised serious concerns among the top management regarding the company's competitiveness, profitability, and long-term stability. To address the situation, the leadership decided to restructure the marketing division and bring in dynamic leadership. A senior marketing executive, Mr. A, was hired after a rigorous selection process. He had an impressive career record and was known for turning around sales performance in other firms and building strong brand identities. With high expectations placed upon him, Mr. A was seen as the key figure to steer the company out of crisis. Mr. A soon began delivering results. Within a year, the company's revenue had almost doubled, and its brand visibility had increased significantly. His bold marketing strategies, proactive outreach, and innovative campaigns received appreciation from various quarters within the company. His performance drew the attention of the top management. There were deliberations about assigning him a larger role within the company, with a focus on long-term business strategy. He was also being considered for an internal award for 'Excellence in Leadership and Innovation'. However, alongside professional success of Mr. A, Nithin began receiving troubling feedback about his conduct in the workplace. Informal reports indicated that he frequently made inappropriate comments about women. In addition, he regularly sent indecent messages via social media apps to all team members, including his female colleagues. Although no formal complaint was lodged initially, Nithin could sense tension within the team, and signs of discomfort were becoming increasingly apparent. Some employees even started avoiding direct interaction with Mr. A. Team morale and interpersonal trust were gradually eroding, but employees remained hesitant to speak openly. The matter escalated one evening when Mrs. X, one of Mr. A's team members approached Nithin. Visibly disturbed and emotionally shaken, she disclosed that Mr. A had repeatedly engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. She added that Mr. A had been making undesirable advances towards her and had even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She urged Nithin to take appropriate action in the matter, or else she would have no option but to resign from her position. a. Bring out the ethical issues involved in this case. b. What are the options available to Nithin? c. Critically examine each of the options identified by Nithin. d. Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Nithin to adopt and why?20 marks
22. Q12You are appointed as an officer heading the Air Quality Compliance Division of the Environment Pollution Control Board in Delhi-NCR. The region is witnessing alarming levels of air pollution, which typically worsen during the winter months due to various meteorological and anthropogenic factors. The situation has led to severe public health concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses. The Supreme Court has also raised serious concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR and has directed the administration to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution, especially during the winter months. Your jurisdiction has a large number of small and medium-scale industries that were granted environmental clearance over the years. These industries form the backbone of the local economy and provide employment to a significant number of migrant workers. However, recent inspections and air quality monitoring reports indicate that a significant number of these units are operating in violation of prescribed air emission norms. As part of targeted measures to curb air pollution, you issued notices to all identified polluting units, directing them to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificates from the competent authority. However, your decision triggered strong opposition from a section of industrial units, labour unions, and local politicians. Industrial owners argued that such action would lead to production shutdowns, financial losses, and shortages of their products in the market. Labour unions and workers also protested, fearing mass unemployment and livelihood insecurity. Local politicians and vested interests accused you of jeopardising the socio-economic stability of the region. You received representations from various quarters urging you to withdraw the notices and not initiate harsh measures, citing the interests of multiple stakeholders. Additionally, you began receiving anonymous threats, aimed at coercing you into reversing your decision. On the other hand, several of your colleagues supported your stance, encouraging you to act in the larger public interest. Several local NGOs and environmental groups rallied behind your actions, demanding the immediate closure of polluting units. a. Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you? b. Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. c. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?20 marks

The answers