Mains Marathon 2024

Day 53: Full Length Test 5 (GS Paper 4)

Q1.(a). Ethics is about how we meet the challenge of doing the right thing when that will cost more than we want to pay. Comment. (150 words)

(b). Critically evaluate the belief that values are either evolving or eternal. How can societies successfully balance traditional values with evolving ones? (150 words)

Q2.(a). Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference, especially in public service where the impact on society is profound. Discuss. (150 words)

(b). Ethics and politics are inseparable; politics without ethics is a disaster waiting to happen. Elucidate.(150 words)

Q3.(a). Impartiality and non-partisanship are not merely ideals but essential practices that preserve the integrity and effectiveness of civil service. Illustrate. (150 words)

(b). How can families effectively address and prevent sexual violence through early education and communication with their children? (150 words)

Q4.(a). Evaluate the role of Emotional Intelligence(EI) in crisis management and emergency response within government agencies. How can EI contribute to more effective and empathetic handling of crises? (150 words)

(b). Explain how conscience functions as a source of ethical guidance in decision-making. Illustrate with examples how personal values influenced by conscience can impact professional conduct.(150 words)

Q5.What do each quotation convey to you in the present context :

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.- Dalai Lama (150 words)

The price of greatness is responsibility- Winston Churchill (150 words)

The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity-Dwight D. Eisenhower (150 words)

Q6.(a) Analyze the impact of corruption on the effective deployment of public funds. How can transparency and accountability be strengthened to combat corruption? (150 words)

(b) Assess the ethical issues related to refugee and asylum seeker policies. How should countries ethically address the responsibilities and rights of individuals fleeing conflict or persecution? (150 words)

Q7. An IAS Officer assumed the role of an Election Commission observer for the State Assembly elections, gained attention when he shared a photo of himself standing in front of an official government vehicle on Instagram.

However, the Election Commission expressed its strong concern regarding the officer's Instagram post and promptly removed him from his role as a General Observer. He had also been barred from any election-related responsibilities until further notice.

The officer received an immediate directive to depart from the constituency. Additionally, all government-provided facilities within the State, including the car featured in his social media posts, were withdrawn.

Nonetheless, the officer maintained that there was nothing inappropriate about the post and offered an explanation for the motivations behind it. He stated, "A public servant, using a vehicle funded by the public, while on official duty with other public officials, and sharing photos with the public was not meant for publicity or self-promotion."

In the given scenario :

A.Does the act of sharing personal achievements related to official duties on social media potentially breach the Code of Ethics for Civil Services?

B.What ethical issues might arise from such behavior ?

C.What measures can be taken to prevent the overlap of personal branding and professional responsibilities? (250 words)

Q8.A recent incident occurred at a Metro Rail station where a farmer was initially refused entry due to his attire being considered "inappropriate" by security personnel. Despite having a valid ticket, the farmer, who was wearing a white shirt and carrying clothes on his head, was stopped at the security checkpoint.

His access was granted only after a fellow passenger intervened, highlighting that the farmer did not pose a security threat and was not breaching any Metro Rail regulations. Following the incident, the security supervisor was dismissed, and Metro Rail management apologized for the inconvenience, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity in their services.

In the given scenario :

A. Identify the ethical issues involved in the incident.

B. How would you handle this incident to ensure fair treatment ?

C. What key elements would you include in a revised policy to promote inclusivity in public transportation? (250 words)

Q9. In a recent incident at Delhi's Thyagraj Stadium, athletes and coaches have faced notable interruptions in their training schedules due to claims of a conflict of interest involving civil service officers in Delhi. The athletes allege that these officials have been using the stadium for personal activities, notably walking their dogs, which has led to the athletes being forced to wrap up their training sessions prematurely.

Nevertheless, the officers asserted that they have never requested any athlete to vacate the stadium, which rightfully belongs to them. Whenever they make visits, they ensure it is after the scheduled closure time. They are careful not to leave their pet on the track and instead permit the pet to roam on the sidetrack, always mindful not to disrupt any athlete's practice session.

But, the parents of a trainee athlete described the situation as “unacceptable’’ and found it as a gross misuse of power. After these complaints, the government took swift action against the accused officers and transferred them outside of Delhi.

In the given scenario :

A. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

B. What actions could be taken to address conflicts of interest and ensure the fair use of public facilities like sports stadiums for their intended purposes? (250 words)

Q10. The CEO of NextTech, a leading technology company, has developed a revolutionary facial recognition system that promises to enhance security and efficiency in public spaces, airports, and government buildings. Several international clients, including law enforcement agencies, have shown interest in acquiring the technology.

However, there are concerns about potential misuse of the system for mass surveillance, privacy violations, and discrimination against certain communities.

In the given scenario :

A. What ethical issues should be considered before selling facial recognition technology abroad?

B. What safeguards are needed to ensure responsible use of the technology? (250 words)

Q11. In a recent local government scandal, a city councilor has been accused of accepting payments in exchange for voting in favor of certain development projects. The allegations involve the councilor receiving monetary bribes and gifts from private developers in return for supporting their projects during council meetings.

An internal ethics committee of the city council conducted an investigation into these allegations. The committee found the councilor guilty of "corruption and breach of public trust." The investigation revealed that the councilor had accepted substantial financial contributions from developers and had used their influence to secure favorable outcomes for these projects. The committee recommended disciplinary actions, including suspension from the council.

However, the councilor has contested the findings, arguing that the investigation was biased and that the committee lacked the authority to impose suspension. The councilor also claimed that they were not given a fair opportunity to present their side of the story during the inquiry.

In the given scenario :

A. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

B. What measures should prevent and address corruption among public officials?

C. What steps can restore public trust and ensure fair decision-making in local government? (250 words)

Q12. A young civil engineer joins a reputable construction company that is working on a large government infrastructure project. Initially, she is excited about her job, as it offers her valuable experience and a good salary, which helps her support her family. However, after a few months, she discovers that the company is cutting corners by using substandard materials to save costs. This compromise in quality poses a serious safety risk to the project, which includes bridges and buildings that will be used by the public.

Disturbed by her findings, she brings up her concerns with her senior colleagues, who advise her to remain silent. They tell her that speaking out could lead to her dismissal and jeopardize the completion of the project, which would affect everyone involved. She is conflicted, as she does not want to lose her job and cannot afford to be unemployed due to her family’s financial dependency on her.

Despite her colleagues’ advice, her conscience troubles her, as she fears the potential disaster that could occur if the project fails due to poor-quality construction.

In the given scenario :

A. Why is it ethically wrong for her to stay silent about the safety risks?

B. How can she handle the dilemma of risking her job versus ensuring public safety ?

C. What actions should she take to address the issue responsibly?