On the request of his Personal Assistant (PA), the District Magistrate (DM) stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who takes private tuition for his daughter diagnosed with learning disability. In this context, discuss the aspects of empathy versus compliance with rules.
UPSC Mains GS 4 PYQ: Aptitude & Foundational Values (2013–2026)
Every question on Aptitude & Foundational Values asked in UPSC Mains General Studies IV from 2013–2026, 20 in all, newest first.
"Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherance of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.
"For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework." Justify this statement with suitable examples.
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.
Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix.
Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in the public servants.
Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example.
Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered as indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.
"Integrity is a value that empowers the human being." Justify with suitable illustration.
What is meant by the term 'constitutional morality'? How does one uphold constitutional morality ?
State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance.
"In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities : integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they do not have the first, the other two will kill you." — Warren Buffett What do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario ? Explain.
Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: (a) Transparency (b) Accountability (c) Fairness and justice (d) Courage of conviction (e) Spirit of service
One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example.
Why should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered as foundational values in public services, especially in the present day socio-political context ? Illustrate your answer with examples.
How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public service? Explain with examples.
In the context of defence services, 'patriotism' demands readiness to even lay down one's life in protecting the nation. According to you, what does patriotism imply in everyday civil life? Explain with illustrations and justify your answer.
"Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful." What do you understand by this statement? Explain your stand with illustrations from the modern context.
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
Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.