Model Answer

Introduction

The performance of civil servants is critical for the effective functioning of government institutions and the delivery of public services. A comprehensive evaluation of their performance should include ethical traits, which provide insights into their conduct and integrity.

Five Ethical Traits

1. Integrity

Definition: Integrity involves acting honestly, fairly, and transparently, even under pressure.
Justification: Civil servants with integrity are trustworthy, enabling them to make decisions that are in the best interest of the public.
Example: T. N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, implemented reforms to ensure free and fair elections, demonstrating integrity in his role.

2. Accountability

Definition: Accountability refers to the willingness to take responsibility for one’s actions and decisions.
Justification: Civil servants who are accountable foster trust and integrity, as they are willing to explain their decisions and face consequences.
Example: IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri Dasari took a firm stand against illegal mining in Karnataka in 2018, despite political pressure, showcasing her accountability.

3. Objectivity

Definition: Objectivity involves making decisions based on facts and evidence rather than personal biases.
Justification: Objective civil servants ensure that policies are fair and based on data, leading to better governance.
Example: Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, is renowned for his data-driven approach to policy-making.

4. Respect for Diversity

Definition: This trait entails recognizing and appreciating differences among individuals and groups.
Justification: Respect for diversity promotes inclusivity and ensures that all stakeholders are treated with dignity.
Example: R. Subrahmanyam, former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, worked to promote diversity and inclusion in governance.

5. Professionalism

Definition: Professionalism encompasses maintaining high standards of conduct and communication.
Justification: Professional civil servants uphold the values of the civil service, which is essential for public trust and effective service delivery.
Example: K. Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, has been pivotal in shaping science and technology policies through his professionalism.

Conclusion

Civil servants exhibiting these ethical traits are more likely to earn public respect and effectively serve the public interest. Evaluating their performance based on these traits can identify areas for improvement and guide targeted training and support.

Model Answer

Introduction

Public servants play a vital role in serving the community and ensuring good governance. To be effective, they must embody essential values that guide their actions and decisions. This response identifies ten critical values and discusses strategies to prevent unethical behavior among public servants.

Ten Essential Values

1. Integrity: Maintaining ethical standards.
   • Example: IAS officer Ashok Khemka, who resisted political pressure, exemplifies integrity in public service.
2. Honesty: Upholding truthfulness and transparency.
   • Example: IAS officer Tukaram Munde is known for his honest dealings in his duties.
3. Objectivity: Making decisions based on evidence, free from bias.
   • Example: The Election Commission of India ensures fair elections through objective decision-making.
4. Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions.
   • Example: The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai promotes accountability through mechanisms for citizen oversight.
5. Transparency: Providing information openly.
   • Example: The Central Information Commission safeguards citizens’ right to information, enhancing transparency.
6. Respect for Diversity: Valuing cultural differences.
   • Example: IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri Dasari organized cultural festivals to promote diversity.
7. Professionalism: Upholding high standards of conduct.
   • Example: Kiran Bedi, an IPS officer, is recognized for her professionalism and commitment.
8. Loyalty to the Constitution: Prioritizing national interests.
   • Example: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam exemplified loyalty to the nation through his dedicated service.
9. Dedication to Public Service: Serving the public sincerely.
   • Example: IAS officer K. Vijayendra Pandian improved public service delivery through tireless work.
10. Commitment to Ethical Principles: Adhering to ethical values.
    • Example: Pradeep Singh, a top UPSC ranker, credits his success to his commitment to ethics.

Preventing Non-Ethical Behavior

1. Training and Education: Programs like mandatory online ethics training for IAS officers enhance ethical awareness (Government of India).
2. Code of Conduct: The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, set ethical expectations for public servants.
3. Monitoring and Enforcement: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) monitors compliance with ethical standards in government.
4. Whistle-blower Protection: The Whistle-blower Protection Act, 2014, safeguards those who report misconduct.
5. Transparency and Accountability: The Right to Information Act, 2005, promotes access to government information, fostering accountability.

Conclusion

Promoting a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability is essential to prevent unethical behavior among public servants. Through effective leadership, robust mechanisms, ongoing training, and recognition of ethical conduct, public organizations can enhance their commitment to serving the public interest.

Model Answer

Introduction

The statement that refugees should not be turned back to countries where they face persecution underscores an ethical obligation that democratic nations have in safeguarding fundamental human rights. When states repatriate refugees to places of danger, they violate core ethical principles such as justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity.

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Violation of Non-refoulement Principle

One significant ethical breach is the violation of the non-refoulement principle, which mandates that refugees should not be returned to places where they face serious threats. For instance, Australia has been widely criticized for its Operation Sovereign Borders, initiated in 2013, which involved intercepting and returning boats carrying asylum seekers, including those fleeing persecution (Amnesty International, 2019). This policy starkly contradicts the ethical commitment to protect vulnerable populations.

Lack of Compassion and Solidarity

The lack of compassion is evident in Hungary’s response to the refugee crisis. In 2015, the country constructed fences along its borders to deter refugees, demonstrating a failure to show solidarity with those in need (Human Rights Watch, 2016). This act not only undermined human rights but also reflected a broader disregard for ethical considerations in the face of humanitarian crises.

Other Relevant Examples

The Rohingya crisis of 2017 illustrates another ethical failure. Over 700,000 Rohingyas fled violence in Myanmar to Bangladesh, which, despite its limited resources, struggled to accommodate them. Many were turned back, facing further persecution (UNHCR, 2018). Similarly, during the Syrian refugee crisis, millions fled conflict, but numerous nations, citing national security, refused to accept them, violating ethical obligations to assist those in dire need (European Council on Refugees and Exiles, 2020).

In the context of the US-Mexico border, policies have been implemented to turn back Central American migrants to Mexico, exposing them to violence and human rights abuses (American Civil Liberties Union, 2021). Each of these examples illustrates a profound ethical failure to protect refugees.

Conclusion

It is crucial for nations to uphold their ethical obligations to protect refugees’ rights, ensuring they receive support and assistance necessary for a life of dignity and security. Upholding these principles is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of democratic societies.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Information Technology Agreement (ITA) aims to reduce or eliminate tariffs on information technology products, promoting free trade and economic growth among the signatories. While the agreement has had a positive impact on global trade, it has raised concerns about its impact on India’s interests.

Body

The impact of ITAs on India’s interests can be summarized as follows:

1. Benefit to IT Industry: India is one of the largest exporters of IT services in the world, with a significant presence in the global IT industry. By eliminating tariffs on IT products, ITAs can benefit Indian companies by reducing the cost of importing hardware, software, and other IT-related products, thereby making them more competitive in the global market. For example, the elimination of tariffs on IT products under the WTO ITA 1 agreement helped Indian IT companies to import hardware and software products at a lower cost, making them more affordable to Indian customers .
2. Increase in Imports: ITAs could lead to an increase in the imports of IT products into India, which may negatively impact domestic manufacturers of IT products. This is particularly relevant for hardware products such as computers and smartphones, which are largely imported into India. The reduction or elimination of tariffs on such products could result in increased competition for Indian manufacturers, affecting their profitability and growth. For instance, the removal of tariffs on mobile phones under the WTO ITA agreement in 2015 led to an increase in imports of mobile phones into India, impacting the domestic mobile phone industry .
3. Revenue Loss: ITAs may result in revenue loss for the Indian government, which currently earns revenue from import tariffs on IT products. The reduction or elimination of tariffs on IT products could result in reduced revenue for the government, impacting its ability to fund public services and development projects. The removal of tariffs on IT products under the WTO ITA 2 agreement could result in an estimated revenue loss of around $1.3 billion for the Indian government .
4. Access to New Technologies: ITAs could benefit Indian consumers and businesses by increasing access to new technologies, which may not be available domestically. The elimination of tariffs on such products could lead to the availability of a wider range of products at a lower cost, promoting innovation and technological advancement. For example, the elimination of tariffs on digital cameras under the WTO ITA agreement enabled Indian consumers to access a wider range of digital cameras at lower prices, promoting the growth of the digital camera market in India .

Conclusion

While the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) has the potential to stimulate global trade and economic growth, it may have negative implications for India’s interests. To address these concerns, India needs to engage in constructive dialogue with the signatories to ensure that its interests are adequately protected. It is only through effective negotiation and cooperation that India can ensure a fair and balanced outcome that benefits all parties involved.

Model Answer

Introduction

The World Trade Organization (WTO) holds a crucial position as an international institution, impacting countries profoundly through the decisions it takes. Established in 1995, the WTO serves as a platform for member nations to negotiate and regulate global trade rules, resolve trade disputes, and promote economic cooperation.

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Role and Implications of WTO Decisions
Decisions made within the WTO framework have far-reaching implications for economies worldwide. The organization’s agreements cover various sectors, including goods, services, intellectual property rights, and trade-related aspects of investment. These agreements shape trade policies and regulations, impacting market access, tariffs, subsidies, and other trade-related measures.

Benefits of WTO Participation
WTO provides a forum to voice concerns and protect national interests, ensures fair and predictable trade practices, facilitates market access for goods and services, and fosters economic growth through global trade. The WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism serves as a critical tool for resolving conflicts between member nations, maintaining stability, and upholding the rule-based international trading system.

Challenges Faced by the WTO
The WTO faces numerous challenges, including trade imbalances, protectionism, and non-tariff barriers. Developing countries seek fairer trade rules and greater participation, while developed nations aim to protect their industries and address intellectual property rights.

India’s Stand on Food Security Talks
India’s stance on the latest round of talks on food security has been a subject of critical analysis. The country has consistently advocated for safeguarding its food security concerns, particularly regarding public stockholding and minimum support prices. Critics argue that India’s insistence on protecting these measures can hinder global trade liberalization efforts, distorting agricultural markets and creating trade barriers.

India’s Perspective on Food Security
India asserts that its policies are essential to address domestic poverty, rural development, and food self-sufficiency goals. The country emphasizes the importance of protecting the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers who depend on agriculture for their income and sustenance. From India’s perspective, any agreement on food security must consider the specific challenges faced by developing countries and provide flexibility to accommodate their needs.

Conclusion

The WTO is an essential international institution that plays a crucial role in regulating global trade. The decisions taken by the organization are binding on member countries, but the extent of their implementation depends on political will and specific circumstances. India’s stand on food security at the latest round of WTO talks highlights the challenges faced by developing countries in advocating for their interests and securing their food security.