State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance.

Points to Remember: Three basic universal values in civil services: Integrity, Impartiality, and Accountability. Importance of each value in ensuring effective and ethical governance. Consequences of lacking these values. Introduction: The civil services form the backbone of any effective and just government. Their actions directly impact the lives of citizens, making ethical conduct paramount. While … Read more

Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss.

Points to Remember: Discipline’s dual nature: Order and subordination vs. potential counter-productivity. Factors influencing discipline’s effectiveness: Leadership style, organizational culture, employee engagement. Negative consequences of excessive or inappropriate discipline: Reduced morale, stifled innovation, increased turnover. Balancing discipline with autonomy and empowerment: Finding the optimal level of control. Introduction: Discipline, in an organizational context, typically refers … Read more

Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate.

Points to Remember: Strength (national power): Military, economic, diplomatic capabilities. Peace: Absence of conflict, cooperation, diplomacy. Security: Protection from threats, both internal and external. Interdependence: States’ reliance on each other. International organizations: Role in maintaining peace and security. Introduction: International relations (IR) theory grapples with the complex interplay between states, aiming to understand cooperation and … Read more

Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), profitability, sustainability, analysis. Required Approach: Analytical. The question requires a balanced assessment of the relationship between CSR and profitability/sustainability, examining both supporting and opposing arguments. Points to Remember: Definition of CSR and its various dimensions. Evidence linking CSR to improved financial performance. Evidence suggesting a lack of correlation or even … Read more

One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example.

Points to Remember: Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. Compromise: To settle a dispute by mutual concession; to endanger the safety or well-being of. Refusal to be compromised: Unyielding adherence to principles even under pressure. Introduction: Integrity is a cornerstone of ethical conduct, representing unwavering adherence to moral principles … Read more

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

Points to Remember: The relevance of transparency, accountability, fairness and justice, courage of conviction, and spirit of service to the effectiveness and integrity of the civil service. The interconnectedness of these values and their contribution to public trust and good governance. Potential challenges in upholding these values and strategies for improvement. Introduction: A robust and … Read more

Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when(a) official duties,(b) public interest, and(c) personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can this conflict in administration be resolved? Describe with an example.

Points to Remember: Conflict of interest arises when an individual’s personal interests clash with their official duties and the public interest. Transparency, robust ethical codes, and effective enforcement mechanisms are crucial for resolving conflicts of interest. Independent oversight bodies and strong whistleblower protection are essential. Introduction: Conflict of interest in the public sector is a … Read more

Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission.

Points to Remember: Key features of the Public Services Code as envisioned by the 2nd ARC. Emphasis on ethics, accountability, and efficiency. Mechanisms for implementation and enforcement. Challenges in implementation and potential solutions. Introduction: The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2nd ARC), established in 2005, played a crucial role in recommending reforms for the Indian administrative … Read more

What do you understand by the terms ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and‘ethical governance’?

Points to Remember: Governance encompasses the processes and structures through which societies manage their affairs. Good governance is characterized by effectiveness, accountability, transparency, and participation. Ethical governance integrates moral principles and values into governance processes. Introduction: The terms “governance,” “good governance,” and “ethical governance” are closely related but distinct concepts crucial for the effective and … Read more

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.

Points to Remember: Impartiality: Treating all individuals and groups fairly and equitably, without bias or favoritism. Non-partisanship: Remaining neutral and objective, avoiding affiliation with any political party or ideology. Public service: The provision of services by government agencies to the public. Socio-political context: The current social and political climate, characterized by increasing polarization and distrust … Read more