UPSC Mains 2013 GS4 Previous Year Questions

Question list

Open any question to see the examiner demand, demand-wise word budget, answer plan, common mark leaks and value addition in the same answer-sheet format.

1. Q1 · What do you understand by 'values' and 'ethics'? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?
2. Q2(a) · What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (i) Integrity (ii) Perseverance (iii) Spirit of service (iv) Commitment (v) Courage of conviction.
3. Q2(b) · Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.
4. Q3 · 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.
5. Q4 · What is 'emotional intelligence' and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?
6. Q5(a) · What do you understand by the term 'voice of conscience'? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience?
7. Q5(b) · 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.
8. Q6(a) · There is enough on this earth for every one's need but for no one's greed. — Mahatma Gandhi.
9. Q6(b) · Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. — Abraham Lincoln.
10. Q6(c) · I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies. — Aristotle.
11. Q7 · 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?
12. Q8 · It is often said that 'politics' and 'ethics' do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations.
13. Q9 · A Public Information Officer has received an application under the RTI Act. Having gathered the information, the PIO discovers that the information pertains to some decisions taken by him which were found to be not altogether right, and other employees were also party to these decisions. Disclosure is likely to lead to disciplinary action and possible punishment against him and colleagues; non-disclosure, partial disclosure or camouflaged disclosure could reduce that risk. The PIO is otherwise honest and conscientious and seeks your advice. Evaluate the merits and demerits of referring the matter to a superior and following that advice; proceeding on leave or transferring the application; tailoring disclosure to protect his career; consulting colleagues who were party to the decision; and indicate what you would advise, with reasons.
14. Q10 · You are an Executive Engineer in a Municipal Corporation construction cell in charge of a flyover. Junior Engineers report that work conforms to specifications, but a surprise inspection reveals serious deviations likely to affect safety. Rectification would require demolition, rework, contractor loss and delay, while public pressure is high to complete the flyover. The Chief Engineer says the lapse is not serious and advises expediting completion. You believe public safety is at risk. Evaluate the options of following the Chief Engineer; making an exhaustive written report and seeking written orders; calling for explanations and directing correction; escalating above the Chief Engineer; or seeking transfer/reporting sick, and state your preferred course with reasons.
15. Q11 · Child labour norms for hazardous industries such as firecrackers set a higher minimum age internationally, while Indian law at the time distinguished registered/non-registered units and household-based work. At a Sivakasi unit, the owner claims 10–15 children below 14 are relatives working in a household-based unit, but neither he nor the children can satisfactorily establish the relationship and some children smirk at the claim. (a) Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved. (b) What would be your reaction after the visit?
16. Q12 · You head a leading technical institute that will shortly select professors under your chairmanship. The Personal Secretary of a senior government functionary seeks your intervention in favour of a close relative of that functionary. He also points to your institute's long-pending proposal for modernization funds awaiting the functionary's approval and assures you he can get it cleared. (a) What options are available to you? (b) Evaluate them and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.
17. Q13 · As a senior Finance Ministry officer, you have confidential information about policy decisions likely to have far-reaching effects on housing and construction. A builder could make huge profits if informed beforehand. Your immediate superior, who is close to a builder known for quality government work, asks you to disclose the information. (a) What options are available to you? (b) Evaluate them and choose the course you would adopt, giving reasons.
18. Q14 · You are Executive Director of an upcoming infotech company. A star marketing performer has doubled revenues and built brand equity, but you hear repeated concerns about his attitude toward women, indecent messages and inappropriate conduct. A female team member complains of continued undesirable advances and inappropriate touching, tenders her resignation and leaves. (a) What options are available to you? (b) Evaluate them and choose the course you would adopt, giving reasons.