AIR 6 · CSE 2019 · GS4 · 58 pages

Vishakha Yadav: GS4 answer copy

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

The questions

Q1(a)Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.10 marks
Q1(b)The mind of the superior man is conversant with righteousness; the mind of the mean man is conversant with gain. Confucius.10 marks
Q2(a)Impersonal management, a characteristic feature of a Weberian bureaucracy, develops over time into indifference, especially with regard to weaker sections of the society. Critically discuss.10 marks
Q2(b)In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.10 marks
Q3(a)It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.10 marks
Q3(b)"Law should be so succinct that it can be carried in the pocket of the coat and it should be so simple that it can be understood by a peasant." Discuss.10 marks
Q4(a)Ethics in international relations has the potential to cater to the diplomatic challenges of 21st century. Examine.10 marks
Q4(b)Nolan Committee provides for one of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office. Elaborate.10 marks
Q5(a)The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.10 marks
Q5(b)The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.10 marks
Q6The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.10 marks
Q7Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss.10 marks
Q8(a)Explain what you understand by the following values and discuss their importance for civil services:10 marks
Q8(b)8. (b) Nishkama Karma निष्काम कर्म
Q9There have been widespread agitations both in favour of and against extending reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to a certain section of the society. You have been appointed as the chairman of a high level committee, constituted by the government to examine the matter and make recommendations. So far, the committee has found no compelling reasons to extend reservation to this section. While the report of the committee is pending finalization, you get an impression through the media that the government is inclined to accept the demand for extending the reservation, regardless of the findings of your committee. Some members of the committee are also inclined to support the government stand. (a) Discuss the dilemma, if any, that you face in this situation. (b) What course of action would you take? Give reasons for the same. (c) Also discuss the ethical issues involved with the policy of affirmative action in India.20 marks
Q10You are an honest and responsible civil servant. You often observe the following: (a) If one wants to remain effective and powerful to create impact on the lives of people, one should remain loyal to those in power. (b) Following ethical means may not be practical and effective at all times. (c) Petty corruption expedites the service delivery. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.20 marks
Q11Recently, two national level sportspersons who are integral members of their team, made some comments in a talk show which were perceived as being grossly misogynistic and racist. This created a huge controversy and they were temporarily suspended from the team pending an enquiry. In light of these events, answer the following questions: (a) Do you think public figures have an additional responsibility in so far as expressing their views on matters of public importance is concerned? Give reasons. (b) According to you, what are the reasons that some prominent public figures make such misogynistic comments, and even get away without any consequences? (c) As the person in charge to enquire into the conduct, what factors would you consider to examine it and what punishment, if any, would you prescribe in this specific case?20 marks
Q12There are large number of leather industries in a major industrial town of India. They provide employment to large number of people and are also a prominent source of revenue for the state. Lately it has been observed that despite following the present emission control rules, the collective ecological footprint of these industries remains quite high affecting the surrounding areas in an adverse manner. The new technologies available for emission control are quite costly and thus acts as a disincentive for the owners of the industries for adopting them. In light of this information, the government is contemplating the following options: (a) Shutting down the industries in the region (b) Relocating the industries to a new region (c) Making the emission control rules stricter (d) Providing incentives to the industry owners for adoption of new technology. 20 Analyse the above options in terms of their merits and demerits. What course of action would you choose and why?20 marks
Q13Many coal mines in a district subject the workers to inhuman working conditions with little safety measures in place. As such, there have been several accidents and many workers have died in the past. In recognition of a recent accident where fifteen workers were trapped and died, the National Green Tribunal has ordered for closure of all such mines. Some of them have shut down, but many still continue to operate by getting an exception from the government, sometimes using the unholy nexus of politicians-miners-bureaucrats. In absence of alternative employment, the locals have no other choice but to work in mines. The mine owners are in-fact inciting the workers to protest to simultaneously put a pressure on the state to completely overturn the ban. As a District Magistrate of this district, you have been asked by the State government to prepare a report on this issue and give recommendations to resolve it. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the interests of State and analyse whether there may be a conflict amongst them? (b) Given that economic growth is often achieved with a large human cost, identify the principles and strategies which could be used in the given case to achieve desirable outcomes.20 marks
Q14Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.20 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 160 words written

Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.

Opening

The given statement implies a constructivist view of the truth which can have different meanings based on different perceptions and understandings. Similar study has been done by scholars such as Foucault and Derrida to find accomodative meanings behind the various discourses.

Body · continuous prose

Gandhiji was a spiritual person who advocated truth (Satyagraha - insistence on truth) to conduct his personal and political life. A person can be tolerant only if he/she has the persistent audacity to see the instances of truth, rationality and mutual respect for different viewpoints.

Indian constitution also recognise the value of toleration and pluralism as the Bulwark of Indian society.

Today, when we see rising instances of the mob lynching, intolerance in society and the religious fundamentalism, the values of mutual toleration and Satyagraha find even more importance.

Globally, to address the diverse non-conventional threats among differing nations to deal with climate change, non-state actors we need accomodation and mutual toleration as the global golden rule of conduct.