General Studies IV

Ethics, integrity and aptitude, with case studies. Filter by topic or year.

4 questions

2023 · Question 2 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) "Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society." In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) In the context of work environment, differentiate between 'coercion' and 'undue influence' with suitable examples.
  10 marks · 150 words
- Public trust
- Integrity under political pressure
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2023, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2023 · Question 5 · Section A · 20 marks
1. (a) Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss.
  10 marks · 150 words
2. (b) 'Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.' Discuss.
  10 marks · 150 words
- Integrity under political pressure
- Public trust
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2023, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2023 · Question 7 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words
You are working as an executive in a nationalised bank for several years. One day one of your close colleagues tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease and needs surgery immediately to survive. She also tells you that she has no insurance and the operation will cost about ₹ 10 lakh. You are also aware of the fact that her husband is no more and that she is from a lower middle class family. You are empathetic about her situation. However, apart from expressing your sympathy, you do not have the resources to fund her. A few weeks later, you ask her about the well-being of her father and she informs you about his successful surgery and that he is recovering. She then confides in you that the bank manager was kind enough to facilitate the release of ₹ 10 lakh from a dormant account of someone to pay for the operation with a promise that it should be confidential and be repaid at the earliest. She has already started paying it back and will continue to do so until it is all returned.
1. (a) What are the ethical issues involved?
  undefined marks
2. (b) Evaluate the behaviour of the bank manager from an ethical point of view.
  undefined marks
3. (c) How would you react to the situation?
  undefined marks
- Integrity under political pressure
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2023, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)
2023 · Question 10 · Section B · Case study · 20 marks · 250 words
Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and uprightness. The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the high-handedness of the Chairman in financial matters. A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman appears to be demanding bribe for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres. Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres. Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The member informs him that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn recognition and public support if he himself exposes the Chairman. Further, he tells Vinod that once his party comes to power, Vinod's professional growth would be assured. Vinod is aware that he may be penalized if he exposes the Chairman and may further be transferred to a distant place. He knows that the Opposition Party stands a better chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections. However, he also realizes that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own political gains.
1. (a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod.
  undefined marks
2. (b) In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy.
  undefined marks
- Integrity under political pressure
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) 2023, General Studies IV (opens in a new tab)

(a) "Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society." In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?

(b) In the context of work environment, differentiate between 'coercion' and 'undue influence' with suitable examples.

(a) Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss.

(b) 'Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.' Discuss.

(a) What are the ethical issues involved?

(b) Evaluate the behaviour of the bank manager from an ethical point of view.

(c) How would you react to the situation?

(a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod.

(b) In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy.