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Initial Thoughts:

• For those aspirants who thoroughly examined the previous year’s UPSC question papers, there are no significant shocks this year. The ethics paper was on the expected lines, but the length of the paper tested the aspirants’ performance and smart approach to questions.
• The static syllabus and current events were properly balanced.
• A lengthy paper like this one is a test of patience, a sharp eye, speed, time management and good writing skills of candidate.
• Candidates were asked to respond to the questions using examples rather than simply theory.
• The aspirants’ analytical capabilities and decision-making abilities are tested in this paper.

Most of the topics were directly covered from the Samajho’s Corner: Static Topics Repository for GS4

SMAP Initiative and Important Topics for UPSC Mains-2022

• Section A had a moderate difficulty level. The paper was too lengthy. It was challenging to complete the paper in the allotted period.
• There was a proper balance between the static concepts and current events, which was reflected in questions such as ethical issues involved in the Russia and Ukraine war, online methodology, etc.
• The quote-based questions were straightforward and on expected lines.
• The integration of key concepts with current events was the most crucial takeaway from this paper.

Questions:

Q1. (a) Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is not rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus: Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance

Covered in Samajho’s Corner: Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening Ethical and Moral Values in Governance

Q1. (b) Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus: Aptitude & foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance & compassion towards the weaker sections

Covered in Samajho’s Corner: Aptitude and foundational values of Civil Service

Q2. (a) The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is differnce in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus:Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour

Covered in Samajho’s Corner: Attitude’s Influence & Relation with thought & behaviour

Q2. (b) It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/ system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life?How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning? (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in – Human Actions

Covered in Samajho’s Corner: The Essence of Ethics, Determinants, and consequences of Ethics in Human Interaction

Q3. What does each of the following quotations mean to you?

Q3. (a) “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.” – Potter Stewart (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus: Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.

Covered in Samajho’s Corner: Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India

Q3. (b) “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel that there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are father, mother and teacher.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus: Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.

Covered in Samajho’s Corner: Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India

Q3. (c) ‘Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” – Dalai Lama (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus: Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.

Covered in Samajho’s Corner: Contributions of Western Moral Thinkers & Philosophers

Q4. (a) What do you understand by the term ‘good governance’? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus: Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance: Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity

Covered in Samajho’s Corner: Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening Ethical and Moral Values in Governance and Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity

Q4. (b) Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the administration and for teaching and learning in education sector to the extent telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent authority. No doubt, it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and the system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to the vulnerable section of the society. (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus: Work Culture</strong>; Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance

Covered in Samajho’s Corner.

Q5. (a) Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? lllustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair. (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus: Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding

Covered in Samajho’s Corner: International morality, Ethical Issues in International Relations

Q5. (b) Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:

(i) Constitutional morality
(ii) Conflict of interest
(iii) Probity in public life
(iv) Challanges of digitalization
(v) Devotion to duty

Topic in the syllabus: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in – Human Actions; Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service.

Covered in Samajho’s Corner:  The Essence of Ethics, Determinants, and consequences of Ethics in Human Interaction<strong> ; Aptitude and foundational values of Civil Service

Q6. (a) Whistle-blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What Policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle-blower? (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus: Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to Information.

Covered in Samajho’s Corner: Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to Information.

Q6. (b) In contemporary world, corporate sector’s contribution in generating wealth and employment is increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do you find that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate world for which the CSR is mandated? Critically examine. (Answer in 150 words)

Topic in the syllabus: Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Corporate Governance.

Covered in Samajho’s Corner: CSR Spending and Corporate Governance

• The pattern in the case studies was nearly the same as the previous year.
• This year, there was no innovation in the case study themes. The broad themes were corruption, ethical quandaries, migration, mining, compensation and strikes, environmental ethics, and media or journalistic ethics. Case studies 9 and 10 briefly intertwined family or personal life with professional lives.
• Furthermore, because a single case study would include four to five questions, it was vital to keep the answers diverse. This section was dominated by ethical issues and options discussed.

Questions:

Q7. Prabhat was working as Vice President (Marketing) at Sterling Electric Ltd., a reputed multinational company. But presently the company was passing through the difficult times as the sales were continuously showing downward trend in the last two quarters. His division, which hitherto had been a major revenue contributor to the company’s financial health, was now desperately trying to procure some big government order for them. But their best efforts did not yield any positive success or breakthrough.
His was a professional company and his local bosses were under pressure from their London-based HO to show some positive results. In the last performance review meeting taken by the Executive Director (India Head), he was reprimanded for his poor performance. He assured them that his division is working on a special contract from the Ministry of Defence for a secret installation near Gwalior and tender is being submitted shortly.
He was under extreme pressure and he was deeply perturbed. What aggravated the situation further was a warning from the top that if the deal is not clinched in favour of the company, his division might have to be closed and he may have to quit his lucrative job.
There was another dimension which was causing him deep mental torture a and agony. This pertained to his personal precarious financial health. He was a single earner in the family with two school-college going children and his old ailing mother. The heavy expenditure on education and medical was causing a big strain to his monthly pay packet. Regular EMI for housing loan taken from bank was unavoidable and any default would render him liable for severe legal action.
In the above backdrop, he was hoping for some miracle to happen. There was sudden turn of events. His secretary informed that a gentleman-SubhashVerma wanted to see him as he was interested in the position of Manager which was to be filled in by him in the company. He further brought to his notice that his CV has been received through the office of the Minister of Defence.
During interview of the candidate-Subhash Verma, he found him technically sound, resourceful and experienced marketeer. He seemed to be well-conversant with tendering procedures and having knack of follow-up and liaising in this regard. Prabhat felt that he was better choice than the rest of the candidates who were recently interviewed by him in the last few days.
Subhash Verma also indicated that he was in possession of the copies of the bid documents that the Unique Electronics Ltd. would be submitting the next day to the Defence Ministry for their tender. He offered to hand over those documents subject to his employment in the company on suitable terms and conditions. He made it clear that in the process, the Sterling Electric Ltd. could outbid their rival company and get the bid and hefty Defence Ministry order. He indicated that it will be win-win situation for both-him and the company.
Prabhat was absolutely stunned. It was a mixed feeling of shock and thrill. He was uncomfortable and perspiring. If accepted, all his problems would vanish instantly and he may be rewarded for securing the much awaited tender and thereby boosting company’s sales and financial health. He was in a fix as to the future course of action. He was wonder-struck at the guts of Subhash Verma in having surreptitiously removing his own company papers and offering to the rival company for a job. Being an experienced person, he was examining the pros and cons of the proposal/situation and he asked him to come the next day. (Answer in 250 words)

Q7. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
Q7. (b) Critically examine the options available to Prabhat in the above situation.
Q7. (c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for Prabhat and why?

Topic in the syllabus: Applications based on all the topics of the Ethics syllabus.

Covered these types of questions (UPSC PYQ) extensively by Rohit sir on the Samajho’s app and fresh ones in SMAP

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Q8. Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after rendering 20 years of service. Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent children have also got admission in one of the best public schools of the town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department of the State, Ramesh got confidential report through intelligence sources that illegal migrants
are infiltrating in the State from the neighbouring country. He decided to personally carry out surprise check of the border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts. On further inquiry and investigation, it was found that after the migrants from neighbouring country infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card are also forged and they are made to settle down in a particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive report and submitted to the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he has summoned by the Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the report submitted by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He further cautioned him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential report, he will not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State capital but his further promotion which is due in near future will also get in jeopardy. (Answer in 250 words)

Q8. (a) What are the Department options available to Ramesh as the Director of the Home Department of the bordering State?
Q8. (b) What option should Ramesh adopt and why?
Q8. (c) Critically evaluate each of the options.
Q8. (d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?
Q8. (e) What policy measures would you suggest to combat the menace of infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighbouring country?

Topic in the syllabus: Applications based on all the topics of the Ethics syllabus.

Covered these types of questions (UPSC PYQ) extensively by Rohit sir on the Samajho’s app and fresh ones in SMAP

SMAP Free 2022 | Day 43 | Mains Practice question on Case Studies

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Q9. The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop degradation of the forest cover and to maintain ecological balance. However, the stone mining was still prevalent in the border district of the affected State with connivance of certain corrupt forest officials and politicians. Young and dynamic SP who was recently posted in the affected district promised to himself to stop this menace. In one of his surprise checks with his team, he found loaded truck with stone trying to escape the mining area. He tried to stop the truck but the truck driver overrun the police officer, killing him on the spot and thereafter managed to flee. Police filed FIR but no breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost three months. Ashok who was the Investigative Journalist working with leading TV channel, suo moto started investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok got breakthrough by interacting with local people, stone mining mafia and government officials. He prepared his investigative story and presented to the CMD of the TV channel. He exposed in his investigative report the complete nexus of stone mafia working with blessing of corrupt police and civil officials and politicians. The politician who was involved in the mafia was no one else but local MLA who was considered to be very close to the Chief Minister. After going through the investigative report, the CMD advised Ashok to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. He informed that the local MLA was not only the relative of the owner of the TV channel but also had unofficially 20 percent share in the channel. The CMD further informed Ashok that his further promotion and hike in pay will be taken care of in addition the soft loan of `10 lakhs which he has taken from the TV channel for his son’s chronic disease will be suitably adjusted if he hands over the investigative report to him. (Answer in 250 words)

Q9. (a) What are the options available with Ashok to cope up with the situation?
Q9. (b) Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by Ashok.
Q9. (c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok?
Q9. (d) Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?
Q9. (e) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for police officers posted to such districts where stone mining illegal activities are rampant?

Topic in the syllabus: Applications based on all the topics of the Ethics syllabus.

Covered these types of questions (UPSC PYQ) extensively by Rohit sir on the Samajho app and fresh ones in SMAP

SMAP Free 2022 | Day 43 | Mains Practice question on Case Studies

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Q10. You have done MBA from a reputed institution three years back but could not get campus placement due to COVID-19 generated recession. However, after a lot of persuasion and series of competitive tests including written and interview, you managed to get a job in a leading shoe company. You have aged parents who are dependent and staying with you. You also recently got married after getting this decent job. You were allotted the Inspection Section which is responsible for clearing the final product. In first one year, you learnt your job well and was appreciated for your performance by the management. The company is doing good business for last five years in domestic market and this year it is decided even to export to Europe and Gulf countries. However, one large consignment to Europe was rejected by their Inspecting Team due to certain poor quality and was sent back. The top management ordered that ibid consignment to be cleared for the domestic market. As a part of Inspecting Team, you observed the glaring poor quality and brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander. However, the top management advised all the members of the team to overlook these defects as the management cannot bear such a huge loss. Rest of the team members except you promptly signed and cleared the consignment for domestic market, overlooking glaring defects. You again brought to the knowledge of the Team Commander that such consignment, if cleared even for domestic market, will tarnish the image and reputation of the company and will be counter-productive in the long run. However, you were further advised by the top management that if you do not clear the consignment, the company will not hesitate to terminate your services citing certain innocuous reasons. (Answer in 250 words)

Q10. (a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a member of the Inspecting Team?
Q10. (b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you.
Q10. (c) What option would you adopt and why?
Q10. (d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you?
Q10. (e) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observations raised by the inspecting Team?

Topic in the syllabus: Applications based on all the topics of the Ethics syllabus.

Covered these types of questions (UPSC PYQ) extensively by Rohit sir on the Samajho app and fresh ones in SMAP

SMAP Free 2022 | Day 43 | Mains Practice question on Case Studies

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Q11. Rakesh was working as Joint Commissioner in Transport Department of a city. As a Part of his Job profile, among others, he was entrusted with the task of overseeing the control and functioning of City Transport Department. A case of strike by the drivers’ union of City Transport Department over the issue of Compensation to a driver who died on duty while driving the bus came up before him for decision in the matter.
He gathered that the driver (deceased) was plying Bus No. 528 which Passed through busy and congested roads of the city. It so happened that near an intersection on the way, there was an accident involving the bus and a car driver by a middle-aged man. It was found that there was altercation between the driver and the car driver. Heated arguments between them led to fight and the driver gave him a blow. Lot of passerbys had gathered and tried to intervene but without success. Eventually, both of them were badly injured and profusely bleeding and were taken to the nearby hospital. The driver succumbed to the injuries and could not be saved. The middle-aged driver’s condition was also critical but after a day, he recovered and was discharged. Police had immediately come at the spot of accident and FIR was registered. Police investigation revealed that the quarrel in question was started by the bus driver and he had resorted to physical violence.
There was exchange of blows between them.
The City Transport Department management is considering of not giving any extra compensation to the driver’s (deceased) family. The family is very aggrieved, depressed and agitated against the discriminatory and non-sympathetic approach of the City Transport Department management. The bus driver (deceased) was 52 years of age, was survived by his wife and two school-college going daughters. He was the sole earner of the family. The City Transport Department workers’ union took up this case and when found no favorable response from the management, decided to go on strike. The union’s demand was two-fold. First was full extra compensation as given to other drivers who died on duty and secondly employment to one family member. The strike has continued for 10 days and the deadlock remains. (Answer in 250 words)

Q11. (a) What are the options available to Rakesh to meet the above situation?
Q11. (b) Critically examine each of the options identified by Rakesh.
Q11. (c) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rakesh?
Q11. (d) What course of action would Rakesh adopt to diffuse the above situation

Topic in the syllabus: Applications based on all the topics of the Ethics syllabus.

Covered these types of questions (UPSC PYQ) extensively by Rohit sir on the Samajho app and fresh ones in SMAP

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Q12. You are appointed as an officer heading the section in Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its follow-up. In that region, there were large number of small and medium industries which had been granted clearance you learnt that these industries provide employment to many migrant workers Most of the industrial units have got environmental clearance certificate in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper environment and living species in the region. But in practice most of these units remain to be polluting units in several ways like air, water and soil pollution. As such, local people encountered persistent health problems.
It was confirmed that majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent authority. However, your action met with hostile response from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local politicians. The workers also became very hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure these of industrial units, and the resultant unemployment will lead to insecurity and uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the industries approached you with the plea
that you should not initiate harsh action as it would compel them their units, and cause huge Financial loss, shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the labourers and the consumer alike. The labour union also sent you representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown corners. You however received supports from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and they demanded the closure of the polluting units immediately. (Answer in 250 words)

Q12. (a) What are the options available to you under the given situation?
Q12. (b) Critically examine the options listed by you.
Q12. (c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance?
Q12. (d) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in exercising your option?

Topic in the syllabus: Applications based on all the topics of the Ethics syllabus.

Covered these types of questions (UPSC PYQ) extensively by Rohit sir on the Samajho app and fresh ones in SMAP

SMAP Free 2022 | Day 43 | Mains Practice question on Case Studies

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