Sure Shot Test Series FLT/2024

VAJIRAM & RAVI

[Institute for IAS Examination]

GENERAL STUDIES
ETHICS FULL LENGTH TEST
Test - 8 (GS 4)

Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 250

INSTRUCTIONS
Candidates should attempt all questions.

The number of marks carried by each question is indicated at the end

of the question.

Important: Attempt questions in the “Answer Booklet” in the same

serial order in which they are printed in the question paper. If you
skip a question, indicate it accordingly in your “Answer Booklet”.

Pages left blank in the answer book are to be clearly struck out in
ink. Any answers that follow pages left blank may not be given credit.

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 Section - A

1. a) Differentiate moral absolutism from ethical pluralism with suitable

examples. (10 marks, 150 words)
b) Analyse the ethical implications of using generative artificial
intelligence in creative industries. (10 marks, 150 words)

2. a) How can implementing citizen charters enhance transparency and

combat corruption in public institutions? Support your answer with
suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)
b) What are the key teachings of Thiruvalluvar, and how are they relevant
in today’s world? (10 marks, 150 words)

3. What does each of the following quotations mean to you in the present
context?
a)“In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart”-
Swami Vivekananda (10 marks, 150 words)
b) To see what is right and not do it is the want of courage- Confucius
(10 marks, 150 words)
c) Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help
them, at least don’t hurt them- Dalai Lama (10 marks, 150 words)

4. a) Attitude shapes our perceptions and intentions, but behaviour is

the tangible expression of these internal states in real-world actions.
Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)
b) How does emotional intelligence contribute to overcoming challenges
and achieving success in high-stress environments? Discuss its impact
on resilience and decision-making. (10 marks, 150 words)

5. a) What are the ethical concerns surrounding developed nations setting

climate targets for developing countries without providing adequate
financial support? (10 marks, 150 words)
 b) Misusing of benefits intended for the weaker sections of society
leads to various moral consequences. Discuss. How can such misuse be
prevented to ensure equitable distribution of resources?
(10 marks, 150 words)

6. a) Explore the role of conscience in upholding personal integrity and

fostering moral responsibility. (10 marks, 150 words)
b) How should individuals address ethical dilemmas where adherence to
organisational policies conflicts with personal moral principles? Illustrate
with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)

Section - B

7. DCP Aakash, a seasoned police officer, finds himself in a complex

situation when he marries Sub Inspector Shipra. Although Shipra
doesn’t directly report to Aakash, he is responsible for evaluating her
performance. Meanwhile, Dinesh, a colleague, raises concerns about
favouritism in Shipra’s performance ratings.
Dinesh repeatedly complains to DIG Samar about Aakash’s alleged bias
toward Shipra. Despite the inquiries, no evidence of preferential treatment
is found. Aakash officially reprimands Dinesh for unprofessional
behaviour, emphasising the importance of maintaining professional
dignity and decorum.
Frustrated, Dinesh writes an anonymous email to the local press,
exposing Shipra’s unresolved marital status with her first husband. The
email inaccurately characterises Shipra and Aakash’s relationship as
‘adulterous,’ despite there being no basis for such claims.
News channels and social media seizes the opportunity, publishing
sensational stories about Shipra’s past. Interviews with Shipra’s college
friends, neighbours, and relatives add fuel to the fire. The entire town
becomes embroiled in gossip and speculation.
 Aakash, determined to uncover the truth, turns to his IT expert friend who
traces the anonymous email back to Dinesh’s home computer, revealing
the source of the scandal.
a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
b) What action would DIG Samar to ensure internal discipline within the
police department? (20 marks, 250 words)

8. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court halted all mining activities in

the Aravalli Hills to prevent environmental degradation and preserve the
ecological balance. Despite this, illegal stone mining persisted in a border
district of the affected state, facilitated by local goons and politicians.
A young and dynamic Superintendent of Police (SP) takes charge in the
affected district, vowing to halt the stone mining racket.
During a surprise inspection, the SP’s team intercepts a loaded truck
with illegally mined stones attempting to escape the mining area. The
confrontation turns fatal when the truck driver runs over the SP, leaving
him dead at the scene. Despite filing an FIR, the police struggle to make
headway in the case for months.
Sahoo, an investigative journalist working for a prominent TV channel,
took it upon himself to delve into the case. Within a few weeks, through
interactions with locals, members of the mining mafia, and government
officials, he uncovered a complex web of corruption. His investigation
revealed that the stone mining operations were being conducted with the
tacit approval of corrupt police officers and influential politicians.
The local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), known to be very
close to the Chief Minister, was deeply involved in the illegal activities.
Sahoo compiled his findings into a comprehensive report and presented
it to the Chief Managing Director (CMD) of his TV channel. However,
the CMD, after reviewing the report, advised Sahoo against making the
story public. He disclosed that the implicated MLA was a relative of
the TV channel’s owner and held a substantive unofficial share in the
channel. The CMD further offered to take care of Sahoo’s promotion
 and salary hike, as well as adjust the soft loan of 40 lakhs taken for his
son’s chronic illness, if Sahoo handed over the investigative report and
refrained from publishing it.
a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Sahoo?
b) What are the options available with Sahoo to cope up with the
situation? Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by
Sahoo. (20 marks, 250 words)

9. You are a renowned financial influencer with a substantial online

following, celebrated for your astute investment advice. One day, Digital
PayTech, a leading company in the digital payments sector, reaches out
to you. They hope to leverage your influence to attract more investors
and strengthen their position as a market leader. Enthusiastic about the
promising growth potential in digital payments and eager to present what
seems like an excellent investment opportunity, you agree to endorse
Digitalpaytech stocks.
Digital PayTech, a publicly traded entity, has made a name for itself
by developing secure and user-friendly digital payment solutions.
Their innovative approach has garnered industry acclaim, and they are
recognized as pioneers in transforming the payment landscape.
Eager about the partnership, you create engaging content endorsing
Digital PayTech’s stocks, highlighting their cutting-edge technology
and the surging demand for digital payment solutions. Trusting your
expertise, your followers invest in Digital PayTech’s stocks.
However, unexpected challenges soon arise. New compliance
requirements bring in stringent rules on financial reporting and data
protection, creating operational hurdles. Changes in licensing and
authorization severely impact Digital PayTech’s market presence
and service offerings. Additionally, heightened security standards
necessitate significant investments in cybersecurity. Sudden alterations
in fee structures and pricing regulations adversely affect the company’s
revenue models and profitability. Amidst these challenges, financial
 mismanagement within Digital PayTech comes to light, casting doubt
on the accuracy of their reported financial statements. These cumulative
issues lead to a sharp decline in Digital PayTech’s stock value, resulting
in financial losses for your followers who had invested based on your
recommendation.
The financial influencer now faces the challenge of addressing
the repercussions of the failed endorsement. Followers express
disappointment and frustration, questioning the due diligence process
and decision-making behind the recommendation. Legal inquiries and
regulatory investigations intensify, adding to the complexity of the
situation.
a) List the moral values that will guide you.
b) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case?
c) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options
and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons.
(20 marks, 250 words)

10. The government has proposed a phased strategic disinvestment of the

State Public Sector Bank, allowing private companies to acquire stakes
and manage various banking operations. This decision has sparked
widespread outrage among the bank employees, leading to a strike. As
the head of the workers’ union, you attended a crucial meeting with state
officials, where they outlined issues such as inefficiency, corruption,
and deteriorating service quality. The officials presented data showing
that the bank has been operating at a significant loss for several years,
with mounting non-performing assets (NPAs), outdated technology, and
increasing customer complaints about poor service.
In response, you presented the workers’ perspective, emphasising their
long-standing grievances. The employees are concerned about job
security, fearing that privatisation will lead to mass layoffs, reduced
benefits, and a loss of the job stability traditionally associated with
public sector employment. There are also concerns about the potential
for increased fees and reduced access to banking services for lower-
 income customers.
Meanwhile, the state public sector bank is in a dire state. Branches are
frequently understaffed, leading to long queues and delays, and customers
are facing issues with accessing basic banking services, leading to a
massive public outcry. The media has picked up the story, with reports
highlighting the plight of the employees and the inconvenience to the
public. The situation is tense, with public protests growing louder and
the strike showing no signs of abating.
The deadlock between the two parties has intensified, with neither
side willing to compromise. Amidst this standoff, state officials have
approached you with an offer of a substantial bribe and other perks to
secure your compliance with the privatisation plan. They argue that this
phased approach is necessary to modernize the banking sector, attract
investment, and ensure sustainable operations.
a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case?
b) What are the options available to you? Evaluate each of these options
and choose the option you would adopt giving reasons.
c) Based on the given case study, mention steps taken to improve the
banking sector in India. (20 marks, 250 words)

11. Anil Gupta, founder of ABC industries, decided to appoint his son Rohan
Gupta as the new CEO of the company despite his distaste for family
business. This decision side-lined several experienced and talented
executives who had been with the company for decades.
With Rohan Gupta at the helm, many senior executives found their roles
diminished. Mr. Suresh Mehta, the former head of operations with over
25 years of experience, was moved to a less influential position. Similarly,
Ms. Anjali Desai, a renowned marketing strategist, saw her projects
shelved in favour of initiatives proposed by Rohan’s close associates.
This resulted in a significant portion of the company’s top talent sitting
idle, leading to frustration and a decline in morale.
Rohan’s tenure was marked by a series of poor strategic decisions.
His decision to delve into unrelated sectors such as real estate and
 retail without adequate research or planning, just based on his friend’s
suggestion. These ventures drained the company’s resources and failed
to generate expected returns.
The side-lining of experienced executives and the influx of Rohan’s
inexperienced associates led to significant internal conflicts.
Disagreements on strategic directions and management practices became
common, creating a toxic work environment. The board of directors was
often split, with one faction supporting Rohan and the other backing the
side-lined senior executives. This infighting made it difficult to implement
cohesive strategies, weakening the company’s market position.
Soon, ABC Industries had lost a significant portion of its market share
to competitors. The company’s financial health deteriorated, and it was
forced to lay off a substantial part of its workforce.
a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
b) What action should Anil Gupta take for the resurgence of the company?
c) What steps have been taken by the government to improve corporate
governance in India? (20 marks, 250 words)

12. Ms. Radhika, a dedicated civil servant tasked with overseeing the Right
to Education (RTE) implementation in her state, is jolted by the tragic
death of Rani, a Dalit student, who succumbed to injuries inflicted by
a teacher’s violent assault. The incident rapidly gains media attention,
sparking intense demands for accountability and justice from the
opposition.
Reflecting on her past visits to schools, Ms. Radhika remembers Rani
as a promising and eager learner, whose enthusiasm was marred by the
harsh reality of social exclusion. Rani’s caste marked her for isolation,
both from peers and teachers. She recalls the evident disparity in her
treatment—fewer opportunities, less attention, and unfair bias directly
linked to her caste identity.
Upon deeper scrutiny, Ms. Radhika uncovers systemic flaws within
the urban education framework. Complaints about caste discrimination
during school admissions surfaced, revealing a failure to uphold RTE’s
core tenets. Admission policies and classroom environments perpetuated
caste biases, with students from marginalised backgrounds facing
segregation and unfair treatment. Educational materials often reinforced
caste prejudices, while parents from lower-caste communities struggled
to engage in their children’s schooling due to systemic barriers.
The situation deteriorates further when local politicians, motivated by
caste biases, attempt to suppress the incident, thus obstructing justice
for Rani. Political pressure influences the administration to downplay
the issue, risking the concealment of the deeper, systemic inequalities
in urban education. Ms. Radhika faces a daunting challenge: addressing
these injustices while navigating potential backlash from influential
communities and safeguarding her own career amidst the turmoil.
a) What are the ethical issues involved in the given case for Ms. Radhika?
b) List the moral values that will guide her.
c) How can Ms. Radhika ethically navigate the entrenched nature of
caste-based discrimination within the urban education system?
(20 marks, 250 words)