GS-IV UPSC PYQ 2021

A reputed food product company based in India developed a food product for the international market and started exporting the same after getting necessary approvals. The company announced this achievement and also indicated that soon the product will be made available for the domestic consumers with almost the same quality and health benefits. Accordingly, the company got its product approved by the domestic competent authority and launched the product in the Indian market. The company could increase its market share over a period of time and earn substantial profit both domestically and internationally. However, the random sample test conducted by the inspection team found the product being sold domestically in variance with the approval obtained from the competent authority. On further investigation, it was also discovered that the food company was not only selling products which were not meeting the health standard of the country but also selling the rejected export products in the domestic market. This episode adversely affected the reputation and profitability of the food company. (a)  What action do you visualize should be taken by the competent authority against the food company for violating the laid down domestic food standard and selling rejected export products in domestic market? (b)  What course of action is available with the food company to resolve the crisis and bring back its lost reputation? (c) Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.

Should being impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations. (150 words, 10 Marks)

Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with example. 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 An ethical dilemma is a situation in which a person must choose between competing values or duties, where every available option carries a moral cost and there is no obvious "right" answer. To resolve such dilemmas well, a public official needs, besides domain knowledge, the qualities of innovativeness and creativity . Why innovativeness and creativity are needed Ethical dilemmas often present only "bad" options: At first sight, the choices may all involve some harm; creativity finds a "third way" — a previously unseen option that minimises harm or even produces a win-win outcome. easemyprep.in Reconciling competing values: Dilemmas typically pit one legitimate value against another — development against the environment, transparency against confidentiality, efficiency against equity. Creativity helps find a course that honours both as far as possible. Working within constraints: Rules, resources and time are limited; an innovative official finds ethical solutions *within* these constraints rather than using them as an excuse for inaction. Reconciling stakeholders: Creative compromise can satisfy parties whose interests appear irreconcilable. easemyprep.in Avoiding rigid injustice: Mechanical, rule-bound thinking can itself produce injustice; creativity finds the solution that honours the *spirit* of the rule. Illustrations A District Collector torn between evicting slum dwellers (as the rules require) and respecting their right to shelter can creatively arrange rehabilitation and relocation first , satisfying both law and conscience. During the COVID-19 crisis, officials creatively used technology and community networks to deliver food and services while maintaining safety. An officer can reconcile a development project with environmental concern by redesigning it or strengthening mitigation, and can help a genuine beneficiary excluded by documentation rules by accepting reasonable alternative proof . easemyprep.in A necessary caveat Creativity must always operate within ethical and legal bounds . It must be used to find genuine, just solutions — never as a "creative" means of bending rules for wrong or self-serving ends. Conclusion easemyprep.in Domain knowledge tells an official what the rules and facts are; innovativeness and creativity, guided by sound values, are what transform a difficult ethical dilemma from a "lose-lose" situation into a just and humane resolution. 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.

An elevated corridor is being constructed to reduce traffic congestion in the capital of a particular State. You have been selected as project manager of this prestigious project on your professional competence and experience. The deadline is to complete the project in the next two years by 30 June 2021, since this project is to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the elections are announced in the second week of July 2021. While carrying out the surprise inspection by the inspection team, a minor crack was noticed in one of the piers of the elevated corridor possibly due to poor material used. You immediately informed the chief engineer and stopped further work. It was assessed by you that a minimum three piers of the elevated corridor have to be demolished and reconstructed. But this process will delay the project minimum by four to six months. But the chief engineer overruled the observation of the inspection team on the ground that it was a minor crack which will not in any way impact the strength and durability of the bridge. He ordered you to overlook the observation of the inspecting team and continue working with the same speed and tempo. He informed you that the minister does not want any delay as he wants the Chief Minister to inaugurate the elevated corridor before the elections are declared. Also informed you that the contractor is a distant relative of the minister and he wants him to finish the project. He also gave you a hint that your further promotion as additional chief engineer is under consideration with the ministry. However, you strongly felt that the minor crack in the pier of the elevated corridor will adversely affect the health and life of the bridge and therefore it will be very dangerous not to repair the elevated corridor. (a)  Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a project manager? (b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by the project manager? (c)  What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges? (d) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team?

In case of a crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine. (150 words, 10 Marks)

Should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered indispensable qualities for a successful civil servant? Discuss. 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 Impartiality and non-partisanship are core values of public service, enshrined in the civil-service conduct rules and strongly affirmed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission. They should indeed be considered indispensable qualities for a successful civil servant. What the two qualities mean Impartiality means treating all citizens and cases equally — deciding on the basis of merit and evidence, free of bias, favouritism or prejudice based on caste, religion, region, gender or personal connection. easemyprep.in Non-partisanship , or political neutrality, means serving the government of the day loyally and effectively without allegiance to any political party — the hallmark of a *permanent* civil service that serves successive elected governments. Why they are indispensable The rule of law and equality: They give effect to Article 14 — the equal treatment of all citizens. easemyprep.in Public trust and legitimacy: Citizens accept and cooperate with an administration they believe to be fair. Continuity and stability: A politically neutral permanent service ensures stable governance across changes of government. Fearless, frank advice: Neutrality enables officials to give honest, professional advice without fear or favour. easemyprep.in Justice and protection against capture: Decisions on merit prevent the administration from being captured by political or sectional interests — and underpin free and fair elections. A necessary qualification Non-partisanship must not be confused with value-neutrality . A civil servant is *not* neutral between justice and injustice; they must be firmly committed to constitutional values — equality, justice and the welfare of the weak. Likewise, impartiality must be combined with empathy : it means treating equals equally *and* responding appropriately to the genuine needs of the disadvantaged, which is why affirmative action for the marginalised is fully consistent with it. easemyprep.in Conclusion Rightly understood — as a commitment to constitutional values and to fair, evidence-based treatment of all — impartiality and non-partisanship are indeed indispensable . They are the very foundation of a civil servant's credibility, and of democratic, citizen-centric governance. Value addition (2024–26 update) Anchors (2024–26): Recurrent debates on civil-servant transfers and committed bureaucracy amid heightened polarisation underline why neutrality matters now. ECI and UPSC remain the institutional benchmarks of impartiality; SC T.S.R. Subramanian (2013) Civil Services Board direction is the protective mechanism; Nolan objectivity principle. easemyprep.in Diagram cue: balance scale — rule of law and public interest vs political/factional pressure. 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.

Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human beings. How to build a suitable need for a public servant? (150 words, 10 Marks)

An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate. (150 words, 10 Marks)

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has quickly spread to various countries. As on May 8th, 2020, in India 56342 positive cases of corona had been reported. India with a population of more than 1.35 billion had difficulty in controlling the transmission of coronavirus among its population. Multiple strategies became necessary to handle this outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India raised awareness about this outbreak and to take all necessary actions to control the spread of COVID-19. The Indian Government implemented a 55-day lockdown throughout the country to reduce the transmission of the virus. Schools and colleges had shifted to an alternative mode of teaching-learning-evaluation and certification. Online mode has become popular these days. India was not prepared for a sudden onslaught of such a crisis due to limited infrastructure in terms of human resource, money and other facilities needed for taking care of this situation. This disease did not spare anybody irrespective of caste, creed, religion on the one hand and ‘have and have not’ on the other. Deficiencies in hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, ambulances, hospital staff and crematorium were the most crucial aspects. You are a hospital administrator in a public hospital at the time when coronavirus had attacked a large number of people and patients were pouring into the hospital day in and day out. (a)  What are your criteria and justification for putting your clinical and non-clinical staff to attend to the patients knowing fully well that it is highly infectious disease and resources and infrastructure are limited? (b) If yours is a private hospital, whether your justification and decision would remain same as that of a public hospital?

Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (150 words, 10 Marks)

Pawan has been working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He joined a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being a difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family life. Initially, all seemed to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at times unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence of others. It became a pattern of boss’ style of functioning to show him in a bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating publicly. It became apparent that though there were no serious work-related problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realized that his relationship with his senior officer was becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt perpetually tense, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous, happy and content even at home. Rather without any reason he would lose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive to him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behavior. Due to harassment and humiliation suffered by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus, it damaged his physical and mental health. (a)  What are the options available with Pawan to cope with the situation? (b)  What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing peace, tranquility and congenial environment in the office and home? (c)  As an outsider, what are your suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental and emotional hygiene? (d) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for officers at various levels in the government offices?

What does each of the following quotations mean to you? “Every work has to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later. -Swami Vivekananda (150 words, 10 Marks)

Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 Marks)

Sunil is a young civil servant and has a reputation for his competence, integrity, dedication and relentless pursuit of difficult and onerous jobs. Considering his profile, he was picked up by his bosses to handle a very challenging and sensitive assignment. He was posted in a tribal dominated district notorious for illegal sand mining. Excavating sand from the river belt and transporting it through trucks and selling them in black market was rampant. This illegal sand mining mafia was operating with the support of local functionaries and tribal musclemen who in turn were bribing selected poor tribals and had kept the tribals under fear and intimidation. Sunil being a sharp and energetic officer immediately grasped the ground realities and the modus operandi followed by the mafia through their devious and dubious mechanism. On making inquiries, he gathered that some of their own office employees are hand in glove with them and have developed a close unholy nexus. Sunil initiated stringent action against them and started conducting raids on their illegal operations of movement of trucks filled with sand. The mafia got rattled as not many officers in the past had taken such strong steps against the mafia. Some of the office employees who were allegedly close to the mafia informed them that the officer is determined to clean up the mafia’s illegal sand mining operations in that district and may cause them irreparable damage. The mafia turned hostile and launched a counter-offensive. The tribal musclemen and mafia started threatening him with dire consequences. His family (wife and old mother) were stalked and were under virtual surveillance and thus causing mental torture, agony and stress to all of them. The matter assumed serious proportions when a muscle man came to his office and threatened him to stop raids, etc., otherwise, his fate will not be different from some of his predecessors (ten years back one officer was killed by the mafia). (a)  Identify the different options available to Sunil in attending to this situation. (b)  Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. (c) Which of the above, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Sunil to adopt and why?

Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, it is better for us all.” -Erik Erikson word (150 words, 10 Marks)

Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent unethical behavior in the public servants. (150 words, 10 Marks)

Identify ten essential values needed to be an effective public servant and describe ways to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the pubic servants.. 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 An effective public servant needs not only competence but a firm foundation of values — the inner principles that guide conduct and ensure that public power is used for public good. Ten essential values for an effective public servant Integrity — honesty and incorruptibility; impartiality and objectivity — non-partisanship and decisions on merit; accountability — answerability for one's actions; transparency — openness in dealings; selflessness — placing the public interest above private gain; empathy and compassion — sensitivity to citizens, especially the vulnerable; dedication to public service and devotion to duty; moral courage — the conviction to do right under pressure; commitment to the Constitution and democratic values; and tolerance and respect for diversity , ensuring justice and fairness for all. easemyprep.in Ways to prevent non-ethical behaviour in public servants Value education and ethical training: Continuous capacity building through Mission Karmayogi, with induction and in-service modules on ethics and behaviour. A clear Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct , internalised rather than merely obeyed. easemyprep.in Leadership by example: Ethical conduct by senior officers, since the tone is set at the top. Effective institutions: A strong Central Vigilance Commission, Lokpal and vigilance machinery to detect and act on wrongdoing. Transparency mechanisms: The Right to Information, e-governance and social audit, which make misconduct visible. easemyprep.in Accountability with consequences: Swift, certain punishment of the corrupt — and equally, the recognition and reward of integrity. Reducing discretion-based corruption: Clear rules, simplified procedures and automation that limit arbitrary discretion. Whistleblower protection and accessible grievance-redressal channels. easemyprep.in Decent pay and service conditions , which reduce the pull of temptation, and recruitment that tests values and aptitude , as the Ethics paper itself seeks to do. A conducive work environment , free of undue political and external pressure. Conclusion easemyprep.in Values are the inner compass of public service, and preventing unethical conduct requires both nurturing those values from within — through education, training and example — and reinforcing them from without — through transparency, accountability and effective institutions. Value addition (2024–26 update) Data and anchors (2024–26): CPI 2024 — India 38/100, rank 96/180 (down from 39/93). Nolan seven principles (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership) + the 2nd ARC proposed Code of Ethics remain the un-legislated benchmark; Mission Karmayogi / iGOT embeds values + competency modules (Karmayogi Saptah, Oct 2024). Diagram cue: integrity triangle — competence (knowledge) + character (integrity) + courage (of conviction). 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.

Impact of digital technology as a reliable source for rational decision-making is debatable. Critically evaluate with example. 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 Digital technology — data analytics, artificial intelligence, management information systems and real-time dashboards — is increasingly used to inform decision-making in governance. Whether it is a genuinely reliable source for rational decision-making is, however, a debatable question. The case for digital technology as reliable Evidence-based decisions: It enables decisions grounded in large datasets and real-time information rather than guesswork. easemyprep.in Speed and efficiency: It allows the rapid processing and analysis of complex information. Reduced bias and arbitrariness: By applying uniform criteria, it can curb individual prejudice and favouritism. Better monitoring: Tools such as the PRAGATI platform and GIS-based dashboards enable real-time tracking of projects and outcomes. easemyprep.in For example, real-time dashboards were central to managing the COVID-19 response; Direct Benefit Transfer has plugged leakages; and satellite-based forecasting improves disaster and crop management. Why its reliability is debatable "Garbage in, garbage out": The output is only as good as the input — biased, incomplete or outdated data leads to flawed decisions. easemyprep.in Algorithmic bias: Technology can perpetuate and amplify existing discrimination under a false appearance of neutrality. The unquantifiable is excluded: Data cannot capture human dignity, emotions, context or ethical considerations — yet these are central to governance decisions. The digital divide: The marginalised are often under-represented in data, so decisions based on it may overlook them. easemyprep.in Over-reliance: An uncritical dependence on technology can amount to an abdication of human reasoning and judgment. Opacity, privacy and security risks , and the possibility of data being deliberately manipulated. A critical evaluation easemyprep.in Rational decision-making in governance is not a purely technical exercise — it involves values, ethics, empathy and contextual judgment. Digital technology is therefore a powerful aid to rational decision-making, but not a complete or infallible source. It should support, not replace, human judgment — kept "human-in-the-loop", with constant attention to data quality, ethics and the needs of those the data does not capture. Conclusion Digital technology can greatly strengthen rational decision-making, provided it is used as an informed tool by a discerning human mind — never as an unquestioned substitute for human reasoning and ethical responsibility. 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.

You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle-class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as principal. In the meantime, during the annual examination the flying squad which came from the university caught two students red-handed involved in unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these students in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was the son of a local politician who was responsible for getting the college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was the son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running the college. You immediately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with the flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incidents will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politicians and businessmen are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given a hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with the flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimidated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action against defaulters. (a)  Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. (b) Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why?

Refugees should not be turned back to persecution. Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimensions violated by a democratic nation. 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 The statement that "refugees should not be turned back to persecution" expresses the core principle of non-refoulement — a cornerstone of international refugee law, enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention. When a democratic nation turns refugees back to face persecution, it violates several profound ethical dimensions. Ethical dimensions violated The sanctity of, and right to, life: To send refugees back may be to send them to torture, persecution or death. This violates the most basic of all ethical principles — and Indian constitutional jurisprudence has read the protection against such return into the right to life under Article 21. easemyprep.in Human dignity: Refugees are human beings of inherent and equal worth; turning them away to danger treats them as disposable and unwanted. Non-maleficence — the duty to do no harm: Refoulement directly and foreseeably causes grave harm to the vulnerable. Beneficence and compassion: There is a positive moral duty to help those in desperate need, fleeing for their lives. easemyprep.in Common humanity: The bond of shared humanity demands solidarity with the persecuted, irrespective of nationality. Justice: Refugees flee through no fault of their own; to penalise the victim of persecution is a clear injustice. The tradition of hospitality: Many cultural and ethical traditions, including India's own — *Atithi Devo Bhava* — value the sheltering of those in distress; India has historically given refuge to many persecuted communities. easemyprep.in Fidelity to a democracy's own values: A democracy professes equality, liberty, human rights and the rule of law. To turn refugees back to persecution contradicts the very values on which the democracy stands — an act of hypocrisy and a betrayal of integrity. A necessary balance States do have legitimate concerns — national security, limited resources, demographic balance and the prevention of illegal immigration. Ethics requires that these be addressed — but not by returning people to persecution. The balance must be struck through fair screening, international burden-sharing, temporary protection and dignified treatment. easemyprep.in Conclusion A democratic nation that turns refugees back to persecution betrays the ethical foundations — human dignity, compassion and justice — on which democracy itself rests. To protect the persecuted is not charity; it is the fulfilment of a democracy's deepest moral commitments. 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.

“Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.” Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society. (150 words, 10 Marks)

Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 Marks)

“Integrity is a value that empowers the human being.” Justify with suitable illustration. (150 words, 10 Marks)

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.” – Dalai Lama (150 words, 10 Marks)