GS-IV UPSC PYQ 2013

You are the Executive Director of an upcoming Infotech Company which is making a name for itself in the market. Mr. A, who is a star performer, is heading the marketing team. In a short period of one year, he has helped in doubling the revenues as well as creating a high brand equity for the Company so much so that you are thinking of promoting him. However you have been receiving information from many corners about his attitude towards the female colleagues; particularly his habit of making loose comments on women. In addition, he regularly sends indecent SMS to all the team members including his female colleagues. One day, late in the evening, Mrs. X, who is one of Mr. A's team members, comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains against the continued misconduct of Mr. A, who has been making undesirable advances towards her and has even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She tendered her resignation and left your office. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons.

“There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed.” Mahatma Gandhi. (10 marks| 150 words)

As a senior officer in the Finance Ministry, you have access to some confidential and crucial information about policy decisions that the Government is about to announce. These decisions are likely to have a far-reaching impact on the housing and construction industry. If the builders have access to this information beforehand, they can make huge profits. One of the builders has done a lot of quality work for the Government and is known to be close to your immediate superior, who asks you to disclose this information to the said builder. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.

Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification. (10 marks, 150 words)

What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same. (10 marks| 150 words)

“I count him braver who overcomes his desires than he who overcomes his enemies.”—Aristotle. (10 mark, 150 words)

What is ‘emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in making ethical decisions? (10 marks | 150 words)

A Public Information Officer has received an application under RTI Act. Having gathered the information, the PIO discovers that the information pertains to some of the decisions taken by him, which were found to be not altogether right. There were other employees also who were party to these decisions. Disclosure of the information is likely to lead to disciplinary action with possibility of punishment against him as well as some of his colleagues. Non-disclosure or part disclosure or camouflaged disclosure of information will result in lesser punishment or no punishment.The POI is otherwise an honest and conscientious person but this particular decision. On which the RTI application has been filed, turned out to be wrong. He comes to you for advice. The following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: (i) The POI could refer the matter to his superior officer and seek his advice and act strictly in accordance with the advice, even though he is not completely in agreement with the advice of the superior. (ii) The POI could proceed on leave and leave the matter to be dealt by his successor in office or request for transfer of the application to another PIO. (iii) The POI could weigh the consequences of disclosing the information truthfully, including the effect on his career, and reply in a manner that would not place him or his career in jeopardy, but at the same time a little compromise can be made on the contents of the information. (iv) The POI could consult his colleagues who are party to the decision and take action as per their advice. Also please indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) what you would like to advise, giving proper reasons.

It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations. (10 marks| 150 words)

You are heading a leading technical institute of the country. The institute is planning to convene an interview panel shortly under your chairmanship for selection of the post of professors. A few days before the interview, you get a call from the Personal Secretary (PS) of a senior government functionary seeking your intervention in favor of the selection of a close relative of the functionary for this post. The PS also informs you that he is aware of the long pending and urgent proposal of your institute for grant of funds for modernization, which are awaiting the functionary's approval. He assures you that he would get these proposals cleared. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons.

“The good of an individual is contained in the good of all.” What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life? (10 marks| 150 words)

What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? (10 marks | 150 words)

What do you understand about the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience? (10 marks| 150 words)

Given below are three quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context: “Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”—Abraham Lincoln. (10 marks| 150 words)

Quotation:“Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln. What does it mean to you? How to approach this question Write a brief introduction setting context ( 1–2 lines ) Cover both sides if question says "critically discuss / examine / analyse" Use data, schemes, examples specific to PART A Conclude with a forward-looking statement ( 1 line ) Practice all GS4 Mains questions Model answers + key points for every question Open App Model Answer Framework (English) Show Hide Abraham Lincoln's observation — "Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power" — holds that true character is revealed not in hardship, which compels restraint, but in power, which removes restraint. What it means to me: Adversity versus power: Adversity limits choices and naturally curbs misconduct — there is little scope to harm others. Power expands choices and removes external checks; it tests whether one's morality is intrinsic or merely circumstantial. easemyprep.in Power reveals, it does not create: Power does not manufacture a person's flaws; it removes the constraints that hid them. The honest become more honest; the corrupt are exposed. The test of restraint: Real character is shown in how one treats those who cannot retaliate — subordinates, the poor, the powerless. As Lord Acton warned, "power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely". Humility and accountability: A person of character treats power as a trust — exercising it with humility, restraint and fairness, and remaining answerable for it. easemyprep.in Illustrations: A newly empowered officer who becomes arrogant and uses position for personal gain fails the test; one who uses authority to serve the weakest passes it. Historical contrast: leaders who respected constitutional limits and relinquished power gracefully versus those who clung to and abused it. easemyprep.in Relevance to civil service: Civil servants wield enormous discretionary power over citizens' lives — licences, welfare, law enforcement. The test is a daily one: resisting bribes, not favouring the influential, protecting the powerless, accepting criticism. easemyprep.in Institutional safeguards — RTI, CAG, judicial review, codes of conduct — exist precisely because character alone cannot always be relied upon. Application in my life: Treating any authority entrusted to me as a means of service, not a privilege. easemyprep.in Practising restraint in small things so that integrity becomes habitual before larger power arrives. Lincoln's insight reminds us that ethics is tested most when accountability is least. The true measure of a public servant is the use of power for those who can give nothing in return. Source: easemyprep.in Structured Mains Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. All themes + all PYQs covered 2-Month or 4-Month track Starting ₹4,999 View GS4 Ethics Mastery · Now Live Ethics Mastery — 2 Questions Daily All GS4 PYQs · Part A + Part B Ethical lens built through daily practice Concept clarity + case study method Starting ₹1,999 View इस प्रश्न को हिंदी में पढ़ें हिंदी में पढ़ें → Structured Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. All themes + all PYQs covered 2-Month or 4-Month track Starting ₹4,999 View GS4 Ethics Mastery · Now Live Ethics Mastery — 2 Questions Daily All GS4 PYQs · Part A + Part B Ethical lens built through daily practice Concept clarity + case study method Starting ₹1,999 View Practice All Mains GS4 — Ethics & Integrity Questions Download App More GS4 Questions Ease My Prep Focused UPSC preparation. Daily current affairs, PYQ practice, trend analysis, and mentorship for serious CSE aspirants across India. Based in Gurugram, Haryana · Founded 2022 Product Features Pricing AI Copy Checking Courses Daily News Mentorship Books Blog Company About Us Community Contact Legal Privacy Policy Terms of Service Refund Policy 📱 Android App 🍎 iOS App 🌐 Web App © 2022 – 2026 Ease My Prep . All rights reserved. Made with dedication for UPSC aspirants across India.

You are working as an Executive Engineer in the construction cell of a Municipal Corporation and are presently in-charge of the construction of a flyover. There are two Junior Engineers under you who have the responsibility of day-to-day inspection of the site and are reporting to you, while you are finally reporting to the Chief Engineer who heads the cell. While the construction is heading towards completion, the Junior Engineers have been regularly reporting that all construction is taking place as per design specifications. However, in one of your surprise inspections, you have noticed some serious deviations and lacunae which, in your opinion, are likely to affect the safety of the flyover. Rectification of these lacunae at this stage would require a substantial amount of demolition and rework which will cause a tangible loss to the contractor and will also delay completion. There is a lot of public pressure on the Corporation to get this construction completed because of heavy traffic congestion in the area. When you brought this matter to the notice of the Chief Engineer, he advised you that in his opinion it is not a very serious lapse and may be ignored. He advised for further expediting the project for completion in time. However, you are convinced that this was a serious matter which might affect public safety and should not be left unaddressed. What will you do in such a situation? Some of the options are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and finally suggest what course of action you would like to take, giving reasons. (i) Follow the advice of the Chief Engineer and go ahead. (ii) Make an exhaustive report of the situation bringing out all facts and analysis along with your own viewpoints stated clearly and seek for written orders from the Chief Engineer. (iii) Call for explanation from the Junior Engineers and issue orders to the contractor for necessary correction within targeted time. (iv) Highlight the issue so that it reaches superiors above the Chief Engineer. (v) Considering the rigid attitude of the Chief Engineer, seek transfer from the project or report sickness.

Quotation: “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies.”-Aristotle. What does it mean to you? How to approach this question Write a brief introduction setting context ( 1–2 lines ) Cover both sides if question says "critically discuss / examine / analyse" Use data, schemes, examples specific to PART A Conclude with a forward-looking statement ( 1 line ) Practice all GS4 Mains questions Model answers + key points for every question Open App Model Answer Framework (English) Show Hide Aristotle's statement — "I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies" — redefines courage: the hardest and noblest victory is over one's own self, not over an external foe. What it means to me: Two kinds of conquest: Overcoming enemies is external, visible and celebrated; overcoming desires is internal, invisible and unglamorous — yet far harder, for the adversary is one's own self. easemyprep.in Self-mastery as the highest courage: Desires — greed, lust, anger, ego, the craving for comfort — are relentless and ever-present. To master them requires sustained will, not a single act of bravery. Link to Aristotle's ethics: This reflects his idea of virtue as a habit, achieved through the golden mean and practical wisdom (phronesis); temperance (sophrosyne) is itself a cardinal virtue. Echoes in Indian thought: The Gita's ideal of the "jitendriya" — one who has conquered the senses; the Buddha's teaching that craving (tanha) is the root of suffering. easemyprep.in Significance: A person who cannot govern their own desires cannot be trusted to govern others or public resources. Most ethical failures — corruption, abuse of power, dishonesty — are failures of self-control, not of knowledge. easemyprep.in Self-mastery is the foundation of integrity, objectivity and impartiality. Relevance to civil service: A civil servant faces constant temptation — bribes, favours, misuse of position, ego clashes. easemyprep.in Overcoming the "enemy" (a corrupt offer) is easy once one has first overcome the desire that makes the offer attractive. Emotional intelligence — self-awareness and self-regulation — is the modern expression of this inner conquest. Application in my life: easemyprep.in Cultivating temperance through small daily disciplines — delaying gratification, controlling anger, simple living. Reflecting on motives so that desire does not masquerade as reason. Aristotle locates true bravery within. For a public servant the decisive battles are fought not against external opponents but against one's own greed, ego and fear — and winning them is the precondition of all ethical conduct. easemyprep.in Source: easemyprep.in Structured Mains Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. All themes + all PYQs covered 2-Month or 4-Month track Starting ₹4,999 View GS4 Ethics Mastery · Now Live Ethics Mastery — 2 Questions Daily All GS4 PYQs · Part A + Part B Ethical lens built through daily practice Concept clarity + case study method Starting ₹1,999 View इस प्रश्न को हिंदी में पढ़ें हिंदी में पढ़ें → Structured Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. All themes + all PYQs covered 2-Month or 4-Month track Starting ₹4,999 View GS4 Ethics Mastery · Now Live Ethics Mastery — 2 Questions Daily All GS4 PYQs · Part A + Part B Ethical lens built through daily practice Concept clarity + case study method Starting ₹1,999 View Practice All Mains GS4 — Ethics & Integrity Questions Download App More GS4 Questions Ease My Prep Focused UPSC preparation. Daily current affairs, PYQ practice, trend analysis, and mentorship for serious CSE aspirants across India. Based in Gurugram, Haryana · Founded 2022 Product Features Pricing AI Copy Checking Courses Daily News Mentorship Books Blog Company About Us Community Contact Legal Privacy Policy Terms of Service Refund Policy 📱 Android App 🍎 iOS App 🌐 Web App © 2022 – 2026 Ease My Prep . All rights reserved. Made with dedication for UPSC aspirants across India.

What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? a. Integrity b. Perseverance c. Spirit of service d. Commitment e. Courage of conviction (5 terms x 3 marks each=15 marks |250 words)

Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is known for its manufacturing clusters on firecrackers and matches. The local economy is largely dependent on the firecrackers industry. It has led to tangible economic development and improved standard of living in the area. So far as child labour norms for hazardous industries like firecrackers industry are concerned, International Labour Organization (ILO) has set the minimum age as 18 years. In India however this age is 14 years. The units in industrial clusters of firecrackers can be classified into registered and non-registered entities. One typical unit is household-based work. Though the law is clear on the use of child labour employment norms in registered/non-registered units, it does not include household-based works. Household-based work means children working under the supervision of their parents/relatives. To evade child labour norms, several units project themselves as household-based works but employ children from outside. Needless to say that employing children saves the costs for these units leading to higher profits to the owners. On your visit to one of the units at Sivakasi the owner takes you around the unit which has about 10-15 children below 14 years of age. The owner tells you that in his household-based unit, the children are all his relatives. You notice that several children smirk, when the owner tells you this. On deeper enquiry, you figure out that neither the owner nor the children are able to satisfactorily establish their relationship with each other. (a) Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. (b) What would be your reaction after your above visit?