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Home/upsc: foundational values for civil service

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Rubi Gautam
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Rubi GautamBegginer
Asked: June 29, 2024In:
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“The water pot is filled, drop by drop. Similarly, the intelligent man fills himself with good by gradually gathering it.” (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: foundational values for civil service
  1. Nandani Naina
    Nandani Naina Begginer

    This quote highlights the power of gradual and consistent efforts in personal development and acquiring virtues. It compares the process to filling a water pot drop by drop, suggesting that just as the pot is filled with water gradually, a wise individual can cultivate goodness within himself by accRead more

    This quote highlights the power of gradual and consistent efforts in personal development and acquiring virtues. It compares the process to filling a water pot drop by drop, suggesting that just as the pot is filled with water gradually, a wise individual can cultivate goodness within himself by accumulating virtues over time.
    The quote implies that significant changes and personal growth occur through continuous small efforts, rather than expecting instant transformation. It encourages patience, perseverance, and a focus on steady progress rather than seeking immediate results. The relevance of this quote in present context can be understood with the following examples:

    • Personal growth: In today’s fast-paced world, where instant gratification is preferred, it is important to remember that patience and persistence is the key. For instance, someone learning a new skill can make daily progress by dedicating a small amount of time each day to practice.
    • Building healthy habits: Consider someone who wants to improve their physical fitness and overall well-being. Instead of attempting drastic changes in diet or intense workouts, by doing short daily exercises, gradually increasing the intensity or duration over time, and making healthier food choices, health can be improved over time.
    • Environmental conservation: The quote also applies to the urgent need for environmental sustainability. Small individual actions can make a collective impact on preserving our planet’s resources. For example, reducing water usage by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and turning off taps when not in use can collectively conserve significant amounts of water.
    • Societal change: The quote is also relevant for bringing a positive change within society. For example, small groups of women SHGs can promote engagement of poor rural women and gradually bring about significant societal transformations as done by SEWA.
    • Diplomacy and conflict resolution: The quote is relevant in the field of international relations, particularly in multilateral organizations. For example, consistent efforts in the past three decades have led to significant progress in terms of commitments made by various countries in fighting climate change.

    In the above examples, it can be observed that progress is made by focusing on small, incremental steps, and that over time, these efforts accumulate and lead to meaningful change.

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Krishana Lal
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Krishana LalBegginer
Asked: June 14, 2024In:
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What do you mean when you talk about obedience, compliance, and conformity? Talk about their significance in relation to India’s civil services. (150 words)

upsc: foundational values for civil service
  1. Bharti Singh
    Bharti Singh Begginer

    Answer: Humans are susceptible to outside social pressures, for social situations have the power to change our thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Conformity, compliance and obedience are the three such important social influence processes. If a person agrees to an act of commission or omission againRead more

    Answer: Humans are susceptible to outside social pressures, for social situations have the power to change our thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Conformity, compliance and obedience are the three such important social influence processes. If a person agrees to an act of commission or omission against his perception/value judgement, there may arise the following cases:

    • If he does it because most of the people belonging to his social group are doing so, the social influence is called Conformity. Thus, conformity is the change in a person’s behaviour to go along with the group, even if he or she does not agree with the group.
    • If someone asked the person to do something and he felt no harm in doing it, then social influence is called Compliance. Compliance is, therefore, going along with a request or demand, even if you do not agree with the request. Here, a probability of refusal exists.
    • When a person in authority asked the person to do something, the social influence is called Obedience. Obedience is therefore a change of an individual’s behaviour to comply with a demand by an authority figure. Here to carry the instruction or order is a duty.

    Many times, civil servants are found to conform to the social norms of their offices, despite considering them as undesirable, because they do not want to be perceived as ‘different’ or do not want the ‘displeasure’ of the group. They also conform to the norm because they believe that the majority in the civil services must be right and they would not be able to bring changes single- handedly. This social influence leads to the existence of elitist tendencies, red tapism in bureaucracy and corruption in public offices. Sometimes, civil servants have to comply i.e., respond favourably to an explicit or implicit request offered by others. For instance, in case of allotment of tenders, etc. When the political bosses help the civil servants in their promotion or transfer, it also creates an obligation on them to comply with the demands/requests of their bosses. The code of conduct rules therefore put several restrictions on civil servants such as limits on the value of gifts to be received by them from others.. Civil servants wield excessive powers. Therefore, they are made obedient through procedures established by laws. A chain of authority exists and it is imperative for the officers to follow orders of their seniors. Humans across the globe are found to be surprisingly obedient in the presence of perceived legitimate authority figures. However, greater respect is also being given to individual ethical judgment as a basis of moral decision-making.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 27, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Context: Briefly introduce the role of civil service in governance. Thesis Statement: Highlight the critical values of transparency, accountability, fairness and justice, courage of conviction, and spirit of service in enhancing the effectiveness of civil service. 2. Examine ...

upsc: foundational values for civil service
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction In the context of civil service, values such as transparency, accountability, fairness and justice, courage of conviction, and the spirit of service are essential for the effective functioning of the administrative machinery. These values uphold the principles of good goverRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    In the context of civil service, values such as transparency, accountability, fairness and justice, courage of conviction, and the spirit of service are essential for the effective functioning of the administrative machinery. These values uphold the principles of good governance, foster public trust, and enhance the quality of service delivery.

    Body

    Transparency

    Transparency is vital in civil service as it ensures that the actions and decisions of public officials are open to scrutiny. This openness helps prevent corruption and abuse of power. For example, India’s e-procurement portal allows citizens to monitor government procurement processes, promoting accountability.

    Accountability

    Accountability in civil service is crucial for maintaining integrity and public trust. Public officials must be responsible for their actions. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India plays a key role in auditing government accounts, ensuring financial accountability.

    Fairness and Justice

    Fairness and justice ensure that all citizens are treated equally and that decisions are made impartially. This principle is enshrined in the Indian Constitution through institutions like the National Human Rights Commission, which protects citizens’ rights.

    Courage of Conviction

    Courage of conviction enables civil servants to uphold ethical standards and resist unethical pressures. For instance, IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal opposed illegal sand mining despite political opposition, illustrating the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs.

    Spirit of Service

    The spirit of service emphasizes the commitment of civil servants to serve the public interest. Training programs for Indian Administrative Service (IAS) recruits focus on ethical standards and public service dedication, fostering a culture of service.

    Conclusion

    The relevance of these values in civil service cannot be overstated. They form the foundation of effective governance, ensuring that civil servants operate with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to the public good. By embodying these principles, civil servants can significantly contribute to a just and equitable society.

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Sammi Bhargav
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Sammi BhargavBegginer
Asked: July 1, 2024In:
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The essential elements required to characterize empathy are still up for discussion. However, affective understanding, emotional contagion, and cognitive perspective-taking are the three that psychologists most frequently include in their definitions. Provide appropriate examples to clarify. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: foundational values for civil service
  1. Rupali Sharma
    Rupali Sharma Begginer

    Empathy refers to the capacity to imagine oneself in someone else's position and understand how he/she is feeling, what he/she is thinking and emotionally engaging with him/her. It is a key element of emotional intelligence, the link between self and others, because it is how individuals understandRead more

    Empathy refers to the capacity to imagine oneself in someone else’s position and understand how he/she is feeling, what he/she is thinking and emotionally engaging with him/her. It is a key element of emotional intelligence, the link between self and others, because it is how individuals understand what others are experiencing, as if they were feeling it themselves. Studies show that empathic skill is highly correlated to improved relationships, more caregiving behaviour, less anxiety, greater cooperation, greater belonging and greater likeability.
    Given the diverse description of empathy, there are many approaches for understanding it. However, there are three fundamental elements that underlie the concept of empathy, which include:

    • Affective understanding: It describes the skill of knowing how others are feeling. Some researchers test for empathetic skill through the ‘Reading the Mind in the Eyes’ task, in which a subject looks at pictures of people’s eyes and tries to guess what they are feeling.
      • For instance, in a two-person interaction, someone has to effectively communicate how he/she feeling, and the other person has to correctly interpret these signals. To correctly interpret these signals, an understanding of non-verbal signals, like facial expressions, gestures, tone, and posture are often more reliable signals than the words a person uses.
    • Emotional contagion: It describes the phenomenon where one starts to feel what people around him/her are feeling it is what makes one cry at sad movies, feel happier when surrounded by happy people, or wince when one sees other people get hurt.
      • For example, one displays emotional contagion by sharing the joy and celebrating a friend’s success in clearing the civils services examination.
    • Cognitive perspective-taking: It is akin to stepping into the other person’s shoes and understanding his/her perspective of the situation or circumstances.
      • For example, a manager in a corporate organization practices cognitive perspective-taking by assigning tasks and responsibilities to members based on their workload and challenges faced by them.

    Due to the advent of the digital age, it is the component of empathy that has seen one of the sharpest declines. The need of the hour is to motivate parents, schools, and communities to support programmes that help people of all ages enhance and maintain their ability to empathize with others. Researchers believe that people can choose to cultivate and prioritize empathy. People who spend more time with individuals different from themselves tend to adopt a more empathic outlook towards others. Also, studies find that reading novels and meditation can help foster the ability to understand others better.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 28, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction State the importance of ethical sensibility in public service. Highlight that merely complying with the law is insufficient for effective duty discharge. 2. Argument Supporting the Need for Ethical Sensibility Explain the distinction between law (rules and regulations) and ...

upsc: foundational values for civil service
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction A mere compliance with the law is insufficient for public servants tasked with effectively discharging their duties. They must cultivate a keen sensibility to ethical issues, as ethics involves principles of right and wrong behavior, while the law encompasses rules and reguRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    A mere compliance with the law is insufficient for public servants tasked with effectively discharging their duties. They must cultivate a keen sensibility to ethical issues, as ethics involves principles of right and wrong behavior, while the law encompasses rules and regulations. Solely adhering to legal standards may not always align with the public’s best interests.

    Body

    Example 1: Ethically Right but Not Legal – Whistleblowing

    Whistleblowing involves exposing illegal or unethical practices within an organization. While this act is ethically commendable, it may not always be legal. For instance, a whistleblower who discloses information about fraudulent activities might face legal repercussions for breaching confidentiality agreements or violating trade secrets (Brown, 2018). Despite the legal risks, whistleblowers play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability, thereby fostering public trust in institutions.

    Example 2: Legally Right but Not Ethically – Discrimination

    Conversely, discrimination can be legally permissible under certain circumstances, such as affirmative action policies. While these policies aim to rectify historical injustices, they can lead to ethically questionable outcomes when they unfairly disadvantage individuals based solely on their race or gender (Smith, 2020). Such discrimination undermines the principles of equality and fairness, creating societal divisions and perpetuating cycles of inequality.

    Conclusion

    Public servants must develop a strong sensibility to ethical issues to effectively fulfill their responsibilities. Legal compliance is essential, but it does not encompass the broader moral landscape in which public servants operate. The examples of whistleblowing and discrimination illustrate the necessity of balancing legal adherence with ethical considerations, ensuring actions align with the best interests of the public.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 28, 2024In:
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In what ways may it be regulated and managed?

upsc: foundational values for civil service
  1. Riya Shah
    Riya Shah Begginer

    Managing and Controlling Anger 1. Practice Emotional Regulation Techniques Mindfulness and Meditation: Engaging in mindfulness and meditation helps individuals become more aware of their emotions and develop better control over their reactions. For example, companies like Google and Intel have impleRead more

    Managing and Controlling Anger

    1. Practice Emotional Regulation Techniques

    Mindfulness and Meditation: Engaging in mindfulness and meditation helps individuals become more aware of their emotions and develop better control over their reactions. For example, companies like Google and Intel have implemented mindfulness programs to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation among employees.

    2. Develop Coping Strategies

    Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques: Using cognitive-behavioral strategies to reframe negative thoughts and manage triggers can effectively control anger. Techniques like identifying irrational beliefs and challenging them can prevent escalation. Recent studies have shown that CBT-based anger management programs lead to significant reductions in anger-related issues.

    3. Improve Communication Skills

    Conflict Resolution Training: Training in effective communication and conflict resolution can help individuals handle disagreements more constructively. For instance, the “Crucial Conversations” training offered by organizations teaches techniques for discussing sensitive topics without resorting to anger.

    4. Engage in Regular Physical Activity

    Exercise and Physical Outlets: Regular physical activity helps reduce stress and manage anger. Activities such as jogging, yoga, or team sports can release built-up tension. Recent evidence supports that exercise contributes to better emotional regulation and lower anger levels.

    By implementing these strategies, individuals can effectively manage and control their anger, leading to improved personal and professional interactions.

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Reena Bhatt
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Reena BhattBegginer
Asked: August 23, 2024In:
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‘संसाधन के अभाव से ग्रस्त’ राष्ट्रों की मदद के लिए ‘अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहायता’ एक स्वीकृत व्यवस्था है । समसामयिक अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहायता में नैतिकता’ पर टिप्पणी कीजिए। अपने उत्तर को उचित उदाहरणों द्वारा पुष्ट कीजिए । (150 words)[UPSC 2023]

upsc: foundational values for civil service
  1. Rachna Chopra
    Rachna Chopra Begginer

    समसामयिक अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहायता में नैतिकता पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही: अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहायता का नैतिक पहलू यह सुनिश्चित करता है कि सहायता सही तरीके से और बिना किसी दुरुपयोग के प्राप्तकर्ताओं तक पहुंचे। हैती में 2010 के भूकंप के बाद, सहायता के प्रबंधन और समन्वय की कमी के कारण आलोचना हुई, जिससे राहत प्रयासोRead more

    समसामयिक अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहायता में नैतिकता

    पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही: अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहायता का नैतिक पहलू यह सुनिश्चित करता है कि सहायता सही तरीके से और बिना किसी दुरुपयोग के प्राप्तकर्ताओं तक पहुंचे। हैती में 2010 के भूकंप के बाद, सहायता के प्रबंधन और समन्वय की कमी के कारण आलोचना हुई, जिससे राहत प्रयासों में देरी और अक्षमता उत्पन्न हुई।

    शर्तें और संप्रभुता: दानदाताओं द्वारा लगाए गए शर्तें कभी-कभी प्राप्त देशों की संप्रभुता को कमजोर कर सकती हैं। अफगानिस्तान में, सहायता की शर्तें स्थानीय जरूरतों की तुलना में दानदाताओं के हितों को प्राथमिकता देने की आलोचना की गई है।

    स्थानीय अर्थव्यवस्थाओं पर प्रभाव: अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहायता को स्थानीय अर्थव्यवस्थाओं को बाधित नहीं करना चाहिए। अफ्रीका में खाद्य सहायता का उदाहरण है, जहां बड़े पैमाने पर आयात ने स्थानीय कृषि को नुकसान पहुंचाया और स्थानीय बाजार के मूल्य प्रभावित किए।

    इस प्रकार, नैतिक अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहायता पारदर्शिता, संप्रभुता का सम्मान, और सतत प्रभाव सुनिश्चित करने पर जोर देती है।

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Vihaan Malhotra
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Vihaan MalhotraBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
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Give the definition of “Ethical Competency.” What crucial components are required to have this Ethical Competency?

upsc: foundational values for civil service
  1. Firoj dud
    Firoj dud Begginer

    Ethical competency refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and effectively navigate ethical dilemmas and make well-reasoned moral judgments. It involves a set of skills, knowledge, and dispositions that enable individuals to make ethical decisions and act in a manner that is consistent withRead more

    Ethical competency refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and effectively navigate ethical dilemmas and make well-reasoned moral judgments. It involves a set of skills, knowledge, and dispositions that enable individuals to make ethical decisions and act in a manner that is consistent with moral principles and values.

    The key elements necessary for possessing ethical competency include:

    1. Ethical Awareness:
      • The ability to identify ethical issues, recognize moral implications, and be attuned to the potential consequences of one’s actions on others.
      • This involves being sensitive to contextual factors, stakeholder perspectives, and the potential for harm or benefit.
    2. Ethical Knowledge:
      • A solid understanding of ethical theories, frameworks, and principles, such as utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and human rights.
      • Knowledge of ethical codes, professional standards, and relevant laws and regulations.
    3. Ethical Reasoning Skills:
      • The capacity to analyze ethical dilemmas, weigh competing values and principles, and engage in critical thinking to arrive at well-justified ethical decisions.
      • This includes the ability to gather relevant information, consider multiple perspectives, anticipate consequences, and apply ethical reasoning to complex situations.
    4. Ethical Decision-Making:
      • The ability to make sound, ethically-grounded decisions and take appropriate actions in response to ethical challenges.
      • This involves the willingness to take responsibility for one’s decisions, consider the interests of all stakeholders, and be accountable for the outcomes.
    5. Ethical Sensitivity and Empathy:
      • The capacity to recognize and consider the perspectives, feelings, and needs of others who may be affected by one’s decisions and actions.
      • This emotional and interpersonal component helps foster compassion, respect, and a commitment to ethical values.
    6. Ethical Courage and Integrity:
      • The willingness to uphold ethical principles and act in accordance with one’s moral convictions, even in the face of personal or professional pressure to act otherwise.
      • This includes the courage to speak up, challenge unethical practices, and maintain moral consistency in the face of adversity.
    7. Ethical Commitment and Reflexivity:
      • A genuine commitment to ethical behavior and a willingness to continuously reflect on one’s own actions, biases, and moral development.
      • This includes the ability to learn from mistakes, seek feedback, and engage in ongoing ethical self-assessment and improvement.
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Gita Sharma
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Gita SharmaBegginer
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
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Relationships above results is the new paradigm in governance, and this means that emotional intelligence is becoming more important for bureaucrats on the ground. Determine the appropriate emotional competencies that an administrator can utilize to establish dependable connections with the ...

upsc: foundational values for civil service
Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 27, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Purpose: Introduce the three basic values in civil services. Thesis Statement: Highlight the universal nature and importance of integrity, objectivity, and professionalism in civil service. Body 1. Define the Three Basic Values Integrity: Adherence to ethical principles, honesty, and accountability. Objectivity: Decision-making ...

upsc: foundational values for civil service
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction In the context of civil services, three basic values are universally recognized: integrity, objectivity, and professionalism. These values are essential for maintaining the ethical standards expected of public servants and ensuring effective governance. Body 1. Integrity InRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    In the context of civil services, three basic values are universally recognized: integrity, objectivity, and professionalism. These values are essential for maintaining the ethical standards expected of public servants and ensuring effective governance.

    Body

    1. Integrity

    Integrity involves adherence to moral and ethical principles, encompassing honesty, transparency, and accountability in decision-making. Civil servants must act impartially and be accountable for their actions. For instance, IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal, while serving in Gautam Buddha Nagar, confronted the sand mafia and faced suspension for her bold actions. Despite this, she received public support and was reinstated, demonstrating that integrity is crucial for standing against corruption.

    2. Objectivity

    Objectivity entails making decisions based on factual evidence rather than personal biases. This value is vital for fairness in public service. A notable example is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) launched in 2015, which aimed at financial inclusion for all citizens. The scheme’s implementation, characterized by its unbiased approach, led to the opening of over 42 crore bank accounts, showcasing the successful application of objectivity in civil services.

    3. Professionalism

    Professionalism refers to the competence and efficiency that civil servants bring to their roles. It involves high standards of work and responsiveness to citizen needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IAS officer Dr. K. Senthil Raj exemplified professionalism by effectively managing the crisis in Krishnagiri district through quarantine measures and testing protocols. His exemplary service earned him the Prime Minister’s Excellence Award, highlighting the importance of professionalism in civil service.

    Conclusion

    Upholding integrity, objectivity, and professionalism promotes good governance, social justice, and economic growth. It is essential for civil servants to embody these values in their work, ensuring they serve the public effectively and ethically.

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