MAINS TEST SERIES

2023
GS MAINS
REVISION TEST - 04
(10 QUESTION)

ETHICS
Complete Syllabus
 TEST - 29

GS Q&A (Answer Writing) 2023

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Time Allowed: 3 Hrs. Max. Marks: 250

Section - A
1. Critically examine the role of religion in shaping human values?

E
2. Critically examine Machiavelli's suggestion that if an injury has to be done to a man it should
be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared. Discuss the practical and ethical aspects
of the statement in the context of police and military actions.
OR
3. What is the importance of being vocal and argumentative in asking for justice and delivering
justice? Cite some circumstances in which silence is a source of great strength and one of the
hardest arguments to refute.
4. What are the major factors which affect ‘Ethics in International Relations’. Do you think that
United Nations Organization has played its role well in promoting ‘Ethics in International
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Relations’.
5. Explain and critically examine the following statement in this regard: “Don’t let the noise of
others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to
follow your heart and intuition”.
6. Is innocence a positive or negative attribute? Can you say that the death of innocence is one of
the main reasons of decline in faith in goodness? Would you agree that the more intelligent and
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practical we become, there is more chance of death of innocence?

7. Examine the following statements:
(a) ‘Pleasure is the necessary and immediate consequences of virtuous activity, but not the end
of life’ — ‘Aristotle’
(b) ‘Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear
and obstacles vanish into air’ — ‘John Adams’
8. ‘Citizen Charters are a proactive approach to good governance’. Critically examine. Suppose you
become the head of district transport office. How you will display your proactive approach in
this respect?
9. Inspite of several legislations the existing laws have been unable to change the attitude of
many rich people to look down their poorer counterparts. As a civil servant apart from legal
course of action, what else you propose to do to change their behavioural pattern?
10. One of your officers who was suspended by you on charges of negligence of duty, comes to you
and quotes several excuses for his ‘mistake’ and later pleads for mercy and vows not to repeat
the mistake again. You are the SP of the district and are conducting an inquiry against him. You
are just about to submit your report, what will be your action?
11. A girl has lot of interest in biology and medical sciences and she wants to seek admission in
medical stream in a private college because she missed the cut off for government run medical
colleges. Her father has sufficient wherewithal and he has no objections and he is ready to help
in admission. However, her grandfather as well as mother say that what is the use of spending
Ethics Revision Test [1]
 so much money on daughter as eventually she would go to somebody else’s family? Better to
keep money for her marriage or for their son’s requirement who will look after the family.
Assess the attitudinal differences between father on one side and grandfather and mother on
the other side and its repercussions on society.
12. “The current expansion of social media has led to increased levels of anxiety around appearance
among youth”. How unrealistic beauty standards affect the attitude and behaviour of individuals
with their body and mind?
13. “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need but not any man’s greed”. In the context of
this statement, discuss the value difference between deep green and shallow green ethics.
14. A group of voters were dissatisfied with a candidate because of various acts of omission and
commission. Unfortunately the candidate was from the same community as that of the group.
Other communities voters were also dissatisfied with the candidate and hence the group wanted
to go with them in order to please them. However on the date of polling, caste factor played
the decisive role hence the group could not go against the candidate, because of his social
background. How would you explain that attitude determines behaviour?
15. What is importance of tolerance in a highly selfish and competitive society? Do you agree with
the statement of Voltaire that we are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally
each other’s folly - that is the first law of nature?

E
Section - B
OR
16. You are a senior district level administrative officer. Unfortunately in your district 22 children
have died on account of consuming mid-day meal. The children belong to very poor families,
mostly from S.C. and OBC Communities. You are holding a meeting/enquiry with head mistress
and other teachers who appear to be responsible for mid-day meal. Suddenly the parents and
relatives (200 in numbers) surround the school (where meeting is in progress) and start angry
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protests, shouting slogans, etc. You are having a small team of police with you. Protesters are
demanding that guilty teachers should be handed over to them so that they could take revenge.
Parents are also carrying the dead bodies of children and have burnt two official vehicles which
were parked inside the school.
(a) What are the various steps you would like to take to normalize the situation? Discuss the
merits and demerits of these steps?
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(b) Suppose the district authorities and state govt. ask from you to suggest precautions (which
should be taken in future), what will be your recommendations, and why?
17. In a particular district, there is a Communal tension between two communities. Superintendent
of police has taken prompt action by ordering immediate arrest of trouble makers. Though the
situation has improved temporarily, yet there is a constant fear in the mind of both communities.
There is large scale migration of people. You are head of the district administration (DM).
(a) What are the options available to you?
(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving
reasons.
18. In a particular state, flood is a regular phenomenon. Every year some innocent lives are lost
apart from damage of properties worth million of rupees. There is a river embankment which
protects approximately 75 villages. It has not been repaired since last three years. Unfortunately
it has breached causing flood in most of villages when 300 people have lost their lives besides
other damages. After flood recedes, various diseases have broken out and the district
administration was caught unaware.
Ponder over the situation and answer the following questions.
(a) As head of the district administration what steps you would take to reduce the sufferings
of people. What could be your limitations?
(b) What steps you would take to fix up responsibilities of officials for negligence and
dereliction of duties?
[2] Ethics Revision Test
19. You have joined an organization as an administrative head, which has a large public interface.
You want people's Cooperation in redressal of their grievances. There is a complaint/suggestion
box at the reception of the office. On enquiry you found that it is empty and has not been
opened for the last one month. What specific steps you would take (with merits and demerits
of each step)
(a) To seek people’s cooperation in redressal of their grievances?
(b) To disseminate relevant information to people?
20. A state government has set up an anti corruption unit under your leadership to take decisive
action against prevailing corruption in various departments. You have a clear cut vision and a
perfect understanding about what to do with the help of the team. Some of the team members
have a soft attitude towards corruption. You have decided upon to persuade the team so that
the team could be very effective in anti-corruption measures.
(a) What are the various options available to you to motivate your teams?
(b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of each option and choose the option which you consider
best, giving reasons.

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™™™™™

OR
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Ethics Revision Test [3]

 GS Q&A (Answer Writing) 2023
Ans
Answwer Hints: Test No
Test .29
No.29
www.iasscore.in

ETHICS
ETHICS,, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE
Section - A

1. Critically examine the role of religion in shaping human values?

E
Hints:
The religion provides a framework to pass a decent and happy life in the light of universal principles
OR
and guidelines. Religion has been the propagator of basic values and ethical code. Religion most
importantly leads man towards a consciousness of moral responsibility towards his family or society
in everything he does, whether great or small.
• Principles of Morality: Religion plays an important part towards promotion of the principles of
morality like justice, honesty, brotherhood, equality, tolerance, sacrifice, help to the needy people
and other kindred virtues. A true religion always encourages its followers towards a righteous
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path that is beneficial for one and all.

• Motivation towards Life: Religion provides power for facing various adversities of life and serves
as a defensive wall against undesirable reactions of despair and hopelessness. Religion teaches
values of courage, perseverance, trust, hope, and faith.
• Abolish Discrimination: Every Religion strongly opposes any kind of discrimination based on
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colour, race or class. According to religious beliefs, all enjoy God’s love and kindness equally and
as such, all are equal, no man can be superior to another man on the basis of his colour, race,
descent, language or class. Religion always inculcates a feeling of brotherhood and equality among
all beings.
• Social Reforms: Religion can be great motivators for bringing in social changes in the country.
For example, Sant Gadge Baba in Maharashtra inspired many towards cleanliness drives at local
level using religious symbolism.
Shortcoming of religious values
Religion has historically been a source of war on conflict between people ever since people started
believing in it. Religious leaders often tend to believe that their particular religion is the only correct
one and all the others are false.
Religion discourages free inquiry and restricts freedom of thought, by encouraging the idea that
fundamental answers can only be found in a fixed and specific book or belief system. Preachers and
religious leaders can also encourage a culture of unquestioning loyalty amongst their followers.
Religion plays an important role in inculcating positive values in human life. However, religion has
been mistakenly taken as a shackle despite its being a liberator and religious beliefs have been highjacked
by influential groups only to turn them into religious dogmas. It is necessary to look into the core of
religious values that teach fraternity, equality, respect, kindness, compassion rather than using it to as
a means to achieve selfish ends.
2. Critically examine Machiavelli's suggestion that if an injury has to be done to a man
it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared. Discuss the practical
and ethical aspects of the statement in the context of police and military actions.
Hints:
This quote by Niccolò Machiavelli is about finishing the fight in a conclusive manner. It aims to address
the issue once and for all so that it does not linger and bleed people involved dry. The point of the
quote isn’t to hurt people, on the contrary, it’s designed to only hurt them once, and spare them a
lingering existence of repeated injury. This applies to physical, as well as emotional injuries.
Police and military use force to uphold the rule of law, country’s sovereignty and also so the citizens
they protect will not have to use force to protect themselves, others, and property. One of the duties of
police and military is to keep the citizens safe and secure. In situations that involves militants, maoists,
terrorists it becomes necessary to use brute force so that they cannot undermine law and order, harm
others leading to loss of life and jeopardize country’s internal security. Such criminal elements do
anything to wage violence and put up a fight to get away. In such a hostile situation where there are
no other alternatives, it becomes necessary to use severe force.
For example, militancy in Kashmir, naxalism in central India is inflicting great damage on the country

E
in terms of lives, economics, and security. Similarly, the military has to protect the country’s sovereignty
and integrity. History is evidence in the form of Pakistan’s silent war on India that leaving the enemy
room for recovery can do great damage to the country.
OR
However, the rule of law is not one-sided, compelling only citizens to follow the law; it also demands
the government and its functionaries to be fair and equitable. Military has been accused of violating
human rights when dealing with insurgency in the North-east. Use of force without hearing the other
side violates the principle of natural justice and goes against the rule of law of the country.
Gandhi once said, “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” Vengeance leads
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to destruction and violence is not the permanent solution to the problem. It creates an endless loop of
revenge resulting in loss of precious lives and resources.
3. What is the importance of being vocal and argumentative in asking for justice and
delivering justice? Cite some circumstances in which silence is a source of great
strength and one of the hardest arguments to refute.
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Hints:
“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor,
never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is
in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant.”
Using your voice for the truth is important to create a better world. Everyone’s voice matters. It is
important to not let yourself become silenced, because when a voice is not used it prevents the
opportunity for a true democracy where each voice is valued in a peaceful manner.
Silence means approval: Refusing to speak against injustice might translate to accepting the status
quo. This makes you an enabler. A voice can always make a difference.
Speaking up is an act of humanity: The world is a composition of diverse groups, races and structures
that have been set in place to put some humans at a disadvantage. Inequality is a major threat to
social and economic rights. Racial, gender, religious discrimination are not far-fetched in our world
today. Standing in solidarity with those who are hugely affected by this backlash gives them a source
of renewed hope and helps in fostering good relationships. For example, Gandhi raised his voice against
the injustice matted out to untouchables and work for their emancipation.
You might be the next victim: When injustice abounds, it breaks all strata of moral thresholds and
creates room for more injustice. As long as you fail to speak up against little things, you are exposing
your human rights to being trampled upon in the future. If little issues are often overlooked, they
aggravate into bigger societal issues. As Martin Luther King said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to
justice everywhere.”
[2] Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Silence as a source of strength
• Silence can be an obvious answer: An answer to the growing intolerance can be achieved through
being silent on the issues which are outrageous and having faith in the religious teachings. When
someone says something we don’t agree with or find offensive. If we are silent, we send a powerful
message that communicates that we don’t agree or are not going along with what someone is
saying.
• Silence offers empathy to others: There are times in life where silence offers empathy and
understanding to others. Sometimes we don’t have the right words to communicate to someone
who is struggling with a hurtful or sorrowful situation. We can show someone we care and we
are there for them without using a plethora of words. We can offer comfort by our calming
silence.
• Silence is polite: Silence helps in cultivating calmness and peacefulness. Silence works best in
moments of anger or you are unsure of what to say. It helps us become more patient in daily
hassles of family life and help us save relationships instead of severing them by giving immediate
unruly responses.
As individuals, it is imperative to know when to stay silent and when to speak up. Voices can be used

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to create change. People can take anything material from you, but your voice is one of the things that
cannot be taken away. Voices are meant to encourage other voices too, to unite and support each
other. One of the most powerful things someone can do is to use their voice.
OR
4. What are the major factors which affect ‘Ethics in International Relations’. Do you
think that United Nations Organization has played its role well in promoting ‘Ethics
in International Relations’.
Hints:
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The international system lacks legal binding to follow ethical norms. However they are based on
cooperation, international regimes and international law. The major factors that affect ethics in
International relations are:
• Cooperation between nations through bilateral agreements.
• Global response to the problems of other countries
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• Legitimacy issues.
• Issues of accountability and transparency.
• Enforcement of mandates.
The UNO has an impressive record of promoting ethics by extending help to poor countries and
insisting for accountability and good governance.
• The agencies of UNESCO have promoted democratization and intellectual activity which aim to
improve material as well as spiritual life.
• Its migration office works to ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote
international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to
migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees
and internally displaced people.
• The United Nations works to preserve international peace and security by settlement of disputes
and interventions through the security council. It protects millions of lives which may otherwise
get lost in international conflicts.
But still, there are some instances when we witness corruption, decline of ethical and moral values.
The UNO through its various agencies has played its role to a good extent in promoting ethics in
international relations.

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [3]

The United Nations has failed to prevent war and fulfill peacekeeping duties many times throughout
its history. Millions of people around the world have been killed and displaced since the UN was
founded in 1945. The failed resolution on the Israel- Palestine conflict or Kashmir dispute are very
well known cases, where the UN faltered in terms of protection of people.
There is a “disconnect between leadership and power,” and in the 21st century, self-interest is actually
what solidarity is all about. We fail where the question comes about the interest of others. The internal
rift between US and China compromised the power of the UN in intervening in the Corona crisis as
both the powers were accusing each other and the security council was divided into groups. This
compromised the UN efficiency in handling the issue.
This shows that the UN can work efficiently if members are united.
5. Explain and critically examine the following statement in this regard: “Don’t let the
noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have
the courage to follow your heart and intuition”.
Hints:
It is human behavior to think and act according to what people want us to think and act as. All of us

E
at some point in time, worry about the opinions of others, or about what people think about us; how
they perceive us. OR
Many times it happens that we start living with our false self. The false self is influenced by the
perception and opinion of others so that we are able to impress them or get accepted by them. We
unconsciously start living the way people want us to live, according to their expectations. In this
process, we forget our very own real self, the person we actually are. Many times conflicts between
the false self and the real self-make life confusing and difficult.
It is true that we should value the opinion of others, as they help us to improve and grow, but an
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excess of it can hamper our overall development also. We should make sure that while we are listening
to the opinions of others, we don’t drown our own inner voice or what our conscience has to say.
There is no harm in listening to others opinions as many times they may help to resolve a problem. But
it is always better to analyze this opinion whether it would suit you or not. The opinion may have
been helpful for the person who is giving it, but it is not necessary that it will work the same for you
too. Whenever making a decision or doing something listen to your inner voice, your real self. As the
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inner voice or the real self-speaks on behalf of you, your nature, beliefs, and qualities that you possess.
Make sure that your real self is comfortable with the decision being made.
In today’s world where social media is taking over people’s mind and life, the noise created by it is
shaping our actions and behavior. Youth is getting influenced by it in every possible way. It is impacting
their choice, preferences and the way youth thinks. This is also shaping people’s opinion and sometimes
acting as a rift between the people from different ideologies. This noise is resonating more in the
absence of proper regulation of social media.
Even the current mode of communication which is fast and unregulated is changing people’s thoughts
significantly by radicalizing them on important matters such as communal issues, hatred, prejudices
etc.
In such a situation it is the duty of every man to not to follow whatever is said or done but to follow
the things with a rational mind.
6. Is innocence a positive or negative attribute? Can you say that the death of innocence
is one of the main reasons of decline in faith in goodness? Would you agree that the
more intelligent and practical we become, there is more chance of death of innocence?
Hints:
Innocence means “freedom from sin, guilt or moral wrong in general”; “freedom from specific guilt”;
“freedom from cunning or artifice. It is a positive attribute. In the present world, innocence is decreasing;
[4] Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
it has been replaced by cynicism and worldliness. The world is becoming more self-centered hence the
faith in goodness decreasing. The lack of goodness in individual acts leads to a crisis of faith and trust.
The consequences of crisis of faith and trust are:
a) It reduces the bonding between members of society
b) Cooperation is replaced by competition and the dictum of live and let live is replaced by caprice
and killer’s instincts..
b) Peace and order of the society get hampered.
c) Public trust on institutions gets delay.
d) People do not follow rules and regulations and society reduces to chaos.
The death of innocence occurs when an individual becomes more cynical, not practical, when he lacks
wisdom because he takes the things in a narrower sense and gets attached to materialistic things
rather than the development of true self. Human beings have been intelligent and practical since the
origin of civilization, but with the passage of time the concepts like private property, power and
respect attached with mundane success at any cost and taking happiness as self indulgence and

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celebration of success in a vulgar way has cast doubt over intelligence and wisdom of man. Pragmatism
is not self indulgence, but realization of interdependence and synchronization with nature and its
living and non-living entities. It is missing and many problems in life are because of this trend.
OR
7. (a) ‘Pleasure is the necessary and immediate consequences of virtuous activity, but
not the end of life’ — ‘Aristotle’
Hints:
As it has been said the means should not be treated as ends, it is not the end of everything. Any
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virtuous activity which is intended to fulfill some larger commitments and goals should be worked
upon with devotion and hard work. The immediate consequence of such an activity gives pleasure in
the form of short term gains. But merely getting pleasure should not be treated as the end of life. The
larger goals should be focused upon.
This statement has its relevance in the present context. The activities directed towards benefit or welfare
of individuals should not be treated as an end in themselves. The ultimate aim should be to realize
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larger goods of justice and welfare. Only then the basic values of equity and justice will be realized. So
it is true pleasure is not the end of life but only a necessary and immediate consequence of a virtuous
activity.
7. (b) ‘Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties
disappear and obstacles vanish into air’ — ‘John Adams’
Hints:
In order to achieve someone’s goals and objectives, one has to work, with commitment and devotion.
There may be times when one has to confront failures and disappointments. During these times, it is
the courage and perseverance which enable an individual to overcome the difficulties. When courage
is there it enables one to get up from the downfalls. Perseverance does not let the morale down and
gives strength.
There have been great people like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar patel who did not lose hope during failures.
It was their courage and perseverance which turned their failures into success. In present items also
when one loses hope, the dedication and perseverance appear as a magical talisman before which
difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air and success is achieved.
8. ‘Citizen Charters are a proactive approach to good governance’. Critically examine.
Suppose you become the head of district transport office. How you will display your
proactive approach in this respect?
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [5]
Hints:
Citizen Charters are the set of commitments made by an organization regarding the services which it
delivers. These are essential for good governance as they enhance accountability by providing citizens
with a clear understanding of service delivery standards, including timetables and options for grievance
redress. It creates a more professional and client responsive environment, increasing organizational
effectiveness and performance by making a public commitment to adhere to measurable standards.
Thus it can be said citizen charters are a proactive approach to good governance.
As a head of the district transport office, the head can formulate a citizen charter as to
• How the various services will be delivered by the office.
• How much time will it take for the issuing of licenses and other certifications?
• Whom the people should approach for redressal of their grievances?
• The use of digital media to make the governance process easier for lodging complaints and in
knowing the status will also be ensured.
Such initiatives will instill faith in the people about the organization and will decrease opportunities

E
for corruption by increasing transparency and educating citizens. It will motivate them to follow the
rules and regulations more. The contrary situation will drive people to break the rules.
OR
Awareness generation and right knowledge about the rules among the people is also very important.
9. Inspite of several legislations the existing laws have been unable to change the attitude
of many rich people to look down their poorer counterparts. As a civil servant apart
from legal course of action, what else you propose to do to change their behavioural
pattern?
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Hints:
The rich have a moral and ethical responsibility to look towards their poorer counterparts but despite
various rules and legislations, it could not be achieved. The behavior of an individual or a particular
section of society is determined by its attitude and the subjective norms.
The basic approach to change the pattern of behavior should focus on making the rich considerate,
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kind and empathetic rather than simply imposing legislation. It can be achieved by instilling the moral
and ethical values in our systems such as families and societies.
For this, it is necessary to develop in them empathy. They should be made to feel the hardships of
poorer people. This can be done by making the rich see the way the poor live, the way they arrange
their bread and various hardships they undergo. One of the solutions is to work at the very beginning
of life such as by ensuring the reservation of marginal sections in schools. In schools, children irrespective
of caste and status learn to cooperate with each other and become more compassionate.
Corporate Social Responsibility is also one of the ways where the rich can become more ethical to
contribute in different sectors for upliftment of the poor. I would support CSR by initiating the
recognition mechanism where the business houses can recognise the support they gave under their
responsibility.
I will also organize charity events where corporations and the rich will be invited to come together for
supporting causes which impact the poor directly or indirectly.
10. One of your officers who was suspended by you on charges of negligence of duty, comes
to you and quotes several excuses for his ‘mistake’ and later pleads for mercy and
vows not to repeat the mistake again. You are the SP of the district and are conducting
an inquiry against him. You are just about to submit your report, what will be your
action?
[6] Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Hints:
The present situation highlights the ethical dilemma between showing forgiveness by remitting
punishment of a person for their mistake and following the standard operating procedure when there
has been negligence of professional duty.
Option 1: Forgive him and not submit the report
Merit:
• It will show my kind, forgiving, and compassionate attitude towards my junior.
• My personal relationship with him will be improved and his trust in me will be high.
• He will not suffer any adverse consequences that might affect his health, family, social standing.
Demerit:
• It will set a precedence wherein officers can just say sorry and let go for their negligence.
• It is against my professional and moral duty to not take any action.
• It will not serve justice to those who have suffered due to negligence of his duty.

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Option 2: Submit the report
Merit:
•
OR
It will set the right example and other officers will not neglect their duty in future.
• I will be following the rule of law by taking the action for negligence.
• It will do justice and provide some relief to those who have been affected.
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Demerit:
• I might come as a harsh and uncompassionate person who does not value apology and knows
how to forgive.
• My personal relations with the junior will be severed.
• His family members will suffer with no mistake of their own due to his suspension.
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My course of action
It is my professional duty under deontology ethics to follow the rule of law and submit the report of
the incident/negligence of duty in an objective, clear, and impartial manner that will serve justice.
Officer needs to be held accountable for negligence of his duty. If the rule allows for some discretion in
the disciplinary action such as giving strict warning so as to not repeat the mistake in the future, I will
recommend that. This will show my forgiving and compassionate attitude towards the junior who has
admitted his mistake and vows to not repeat it again. This way I will also fulfill my professional and
moral responsibility. If the conduct matter is sufficiently serious to require immediate formal action
and rules are clear on the matter then I will recommend the required disciplinary action.
11. A girl has lot of interest in biology and medical sciences and she wants to seek
admission in medical stream in a private college because she missed the cut off for
government run medical colleges. Her father has sufficient wherewithal and he has
no objections and he is ready to help in admission. However, her grandfather as well
as mother say that what is the use of spending so much money on daughter as
eventually she would go to somebody else’s family? Better to keep money for her
marriage or for their son’s requirement who will look after the family. Assess the
attitudinal differences between father on one side and grandfather and mother on
the other side and its repercussions on society.
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [7]
Hints:
Simone de Beauvoir says a girl is not born women but made women. It is the society which gives the
women essence and characteristics to the female. Patriarchal norms have become common sense. Thus
it has ingrained an inferior attitude towards women in minds of males as well women themselves.
Despite numerous laws and policies our society has not been able to shed its patriarchal and Gender
insensitive attitude towards women.
Attitudinal differences
• Progressive vs Regressive: Father has progressive values that give importance to equality, freedom,
and importance of education whereas grandfather and mother are driven by a parochial and
patriarchal value system that consider women as ‘Paryadhan ‘which are only meant for domestic
work and reproduction.
• Equality vs Discrimination: Father believes in the concept of equality that girls and boys have
equal capability and both can reach great heights if given equal opportunities. On the other hand,
grandfather and mother are discriminating against their daughter because of her gender. They
are presuming that since she is a woman she is not entitled to the same rights as men.

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• Objectivity vs Biasness: Father is driven by the value of objectivity and not driven by prejudice.
He is giving equal chances to his daughter based on her merit. Grandfather and mother are being
biased and unfair towards the girl and allowing unjust society norms to influence their judgments.
Repercussions on society
OR
Patriarchy influences different areas of society including culture, family, school, the workplace and
relationships. Its presence can translate to inequality and gender-based violence. At least 126 million
women and girls around the world are “missing” due to sex-selective abortions, infanticide or neglect.
Instances of domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, low pay for women are result of such regressive
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mindset that consider women as inferior to men. Patriarchal norms are damaging to our health and
our societies, increasing death and suffering, and limiting humanity’s creative potential. Such inequalities
have economic repercussions too. According to the IMF, India’s GDP can increase by 27% if women’s
participation in the workforce is the same as men.
Few Steps which can help shed this attitude include sensitizing the society to the gender issue, state
being a role model by reserving seats for women in Parliament and employment to their participation
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in the workforce, right kind of communication for awareness by involving influential people. A
progressive and mature society is reflected by the status of women towards its women in family and
in society at large. It is a general observation that wherever gender diversity exists, it boosts the nation’s
progress.
12. “The current expansion of social media has led to increased levels of anxiety around
appearance among youth”. How unrealistic beauty standards affect the attitude and
behaviour of individuals with their body and mind?
Hints:
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or WhatsApp etc, have become an integral
part of most of the youth. It gives them an interface to connect with friends, family, known people
and even with strangers. Social media provides opportunities to interact with people via social media
posts, reels, photographs, videos etc. People share their personal information and achievements by
posting them on different platforms. This virtual mode of interaction and communication helps people
in different ways by making them aware about others life, surroundings and events including political,
social, economical, environmental etc. Social media aware youth by disseminating information quickly.
On one hand, where youth get plenty of information and communication opportunities through social
media, on the other hand, it is also making youth doubtful with regard to their identity, self-worth,
appearance, looks, dressing, thoughts, personality and perceptions etc. The trend of uploading display
pictures or DP and photographs make youth conscious about their physical appearance more. They
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decide the worth of the picture by the number of likes and positive comments they receive on them.
Higher likes motivate them and lesser likes fill them with self-doubt.
When people go for outings they focus more on clicking pictures or selfies and making videos for the
purpose of uploading them on social media. In this race of social media, they forget to make connections
with the place or nature that they went to visit. They forget to learn values and morals from nature
instead show a selfish attitude by neglecting their duty of preservation of the sanctity of the place.
Social media has also become a tool for the validation of ideas of youth as while receiving encouragement
for their posts they keep posting similar posts and in case they do not get appreciation they get filled
by self doubt and leave posting similar things.
Social media has changed the way youth thinks, behave, perceive themselves, their attitude, confidence,
appearance, connection with others and nature etc. On one hand, youth require sanctions from these
platforms and it changed their way of living to a great extent but on another hand they were positively
influenced by it too.
13. “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need but not any man’s greed”. In the
context of this statement, discuss the value difference between deep green and shallow
green ethics.

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Hints:
OR
Ecology provides means and resources for the survival of humans in the form of natural resources
such as minerals, water, food, solar energy, oxygen, ozone for protection, forest resources for industries,
nuclear resources for peaceful production of energy, fossil fuels etc. Though nature carries a variety of
these resources but in a limited quantity. Natural resources are subject to depreciation if used irrationally
and non-judiciously. An unrestrained exploitation is depriving nature of its most basic and fundamental
resources. The deterioration of the resources and heavy pollution caused by anthropogenic activities is
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making people conscious about the ecological disturbances resulting from his acts.
So, for the purpose of conservation of the environment, humans are focusing on sustainable use of
resources, equitable sharing of resources through generation and utilization by judicious use. In this
quest of preservation of nature humans are focusing on ideas of ‘Shallow Ecologism’ for the purpose
of conservation of nature and its resources.
Under the concept of shallow ecology humans promote powerful and fashionable conservation strategies
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against pollution and the haphazard depletion of resources. It focuses on the idea of anthropocentric
approach of conservation for the sake of human welfare. It advocates for the exploitation of Nature
but with specific short-term solutions using R&D to find ways to manipulate and exploit Nature such
as hybrid vehicles or solar energy or hydroelectricity or carbon credits. It follows the utilitarian principle
of maximizing the benefits to the majority. The idea of ecological conservation focuses on inequitable
distribution of resources, and undue benefits dwelling in the developed countries at the cost of
environmental degradation.
The approach of shallow ecologism is human centric, where we focus on the aspects of natural
conservation with the point of view of humans only and forget about nature and its intrinsic worth.
We neglect that humans are not masters of the world; rather they are just a component of the global
ecosystem. This attitude of humans towards preservation of nature and its protection should be changed
by considering the intrinsic value of nature that obligates human beings to take care of it. This idea of
ecological wisdom of responsibility towards nature comes under the ‘Deep Ecologism’. It promotes
“ecological wisdom”, which is based on the principle of ecological harmony or equilibrium and
emphasizes the policy acknowledging the inherent values of life.
The philosophy of Deep Ecology stresses that humans have no right to reduce the richness, and diversity
except to satisfy the vital human needs. Nature also has intrinsic rights which need to be protected for
the purpose of conservation instead of adopting human centric solutions to its problems.
If conservation of nature is done by a nature centric approach instead of making it human-centric, we
may get better sustainable outcomes. The negotiation and technology should be directed towards
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conservation of nature instead of finding alternatives to its exploitation. Ecology has enough potential
to cater the needs of humans if our development models are based on equity instead of competition
between industrial economies.
Deep ecology is participatory as it needs contribution from every component of nature instead of
focusing on only government and technological initiatives. Under the concept of deep ecology, the
contribution of every individual is needed and counted. Even the smallest steps such as planting trees,
garbage separation, using public transport instead of private vehicles, and opting for reusable products
such as cotton bags instead of plastic carry bags can make a big difference.
To make people, industries, scientists, governments more responsible it is important to make them
conscious and responsible towards nature conservation, regeneration and protection rather than making
them find alternatives for the exploitation of renewable resources as well. This requires a holistic
approach of conservation efforts towards nature and development of a value based society who is
more responsible, rational and compassionate.
14. A group of voters were dissatisfied with a candidate because of various acts of
omission and commission. Unfortunately the candidate was from the same community
as that of the group. Other communities voters were also dissatisfied with the

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candidate and hence the group wanted to go with them in order to please them.
However on the date of polling, caste factor played the decisive role hence the group
OR
could not go against the candidate, because of his social background. How would you
explain that attitude determines behaviour?
Hints:
The present situation highlights the importance of caste in electoral politics of India. People are still
married to their castes and prefer to vote for candidates from their caste. An attitude describes persons’
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enduring favorable or unfavorable cognitive evaluations, feelings, and action tendencies toward some
object or idea. Whereas, Behaviour is an individual’s reaction to a particular action, person or
environment. It is the manner of acting or controlling oneself towards other people.
Attitude is one of the main factors that trigger emotions, decision-making, thinking and behaviour in
an individual. In this particular case, the last minute decision puts possibilities that may be put up as
1. Lack of trust: This is very much possible that there was a lack of trust between communities and
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people despite the inefficiency of the leader of their own community who voted for him. They
might have assumed that if a leader from any other community will be elected then it may cause
discomfort to them.
2. Social differences: There might be a case of hierarchy of classes and communities that might
have played a decisive role in voting. In societies there is a general conception that people from
lower caste or class can not rule. So this could be a reason that led people to change their minds.
3. Prejudices: There might be any existence of prejudices such as towards some social practices of
other communities that might have made people change their minds.
4. Corruption: It is highly likely that people from that particular community were lured by giving
money or any other incentives at the last moment. This shows the attitude of people towards
accepting the wrong which changed their mindsets even after whom they were voting was not
suitable.
All these possible cases actually reflect the attitude of people towards decision making and making
choices. Their attitude towards other reflected through actions in the form of giving votes despite
having disliking the candidate.
15. What is importance of tolerance in a highly selfish and competitive society? Do you
agree with the statement of Voltaire that we are all formed of frailty and error; let us
pardon reciprocally each other’s folly - that is the first law of nature?
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Hints:
Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our
forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication,
and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference. Tolerance, the
virtue that makes peace possible, contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of
peace.
Importance of Tolerance
• Tolerance teaches to respect others and not impose our will on others. It helps us broaden our
thinking and perspective. For example, a person of a certain religion may prefer a certain food
which is not prescribed in someone else’s religion.
• Tolerance promotes the receiving of new ideas, breaking the status quo mentality, and introduces
change. It is particularly important in complex and diverse societies such as India. It facilitates the
harmonious existence of people with varied beliefs.
• In government functioning, tolerance as virtue is important to pursue the high ideal of secularism
enshrined in the constitution. Intolerance would breed injustice and violence which are antidotes

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to a balanced development in a culturally diverse nation.
• Tolerance is a virtue that makes peace possible and in turn ensures security of nations. It helps in
promoting a culture of dialogue and discussion and helps in avoiding violent conflict. For example,
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United Nations provides space for deliberation on pressing issues such as climate change, terrorism,
refugee crisis etc.
• Tolerance gives respect for others and hence courage to fight for their rights like fight against
racial discrimination, LGBTQ community, minority etc. Tolerance creates a society in which people
can feel valued and respected, and in which there is room for every person, each with their own
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ideas, thoughts and dreams.

Tolerance and Forgiveness
Everyone makes mistakes. Throughout our life, we will have to forgive more than once and sooner or
later we will also need someone to forgive us. Recognizing our mistakes is essential. Forgiveness is an
action of excusing someone or stopping feeling resentful towards someone who has done wrong.
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Moreover, forgiveness will make the perpetrators see the error of their ways, and lead to a moral
transformation in them, setting off a virtuous cycle where those doing injustice get reformed for the
betterment of themselves and all mankind.
The communal riots that happen around the country, and the menace of terrorism around the world,
show how important the quote by Voltaire is in the present times, and what significance it occupies
nearly a three centuries after it was spoken.
Being tolerant of each other and caring for each other is what makes us human. This is why we have
believed tolerance is important and an essential aspect of a healthy, liveable society.

Section - B

16. You are a senior district level administrative officer. Unfortunately in your district 22
children have died on account of consuming mid-day meal. The children belong to very
poor families, mostly from S.C. and OBC Communities. You are holding a meeting/
enquiry with head mistress and other teachers who appear to be responsible for mid-
day meal. Suddenly the parents and relatives (200 in numbers) surround the school
(where meeting is in progress) and start angry protests, shouting slogans, etc. You
are having a small team of police with you. Protesters are demanding that guilty
teachers should be handed over to them so that they could take revenge. Parents are
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 also carrying the dead bodies of children and have burnt two official vehicles which
were parked inside the school.
(a) What are the various steps you would like to take to normalize the situation? Discuss
the merits and demerits of these steps?
(b) Suppose the district authorities and state govt. ask from you to suggest precautions
(which should be taken in future), what will be your recommendations, and why?
Hints:
• The anger of the parents is justified in the sense they have suffered the loss of their small children.
The course of action should be to pacify the crowd and to ask people to be calm.
• The officer should himself institute a case and ask the police to pursue the matter. This step will
satisfy the parents that they are being heard by the authorities.
• The next step should be to grant ex gratia relief for those poor families.
• Adequate steps for cremation of the children should be taken. Early cremation is to be ensured

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otherwise the crowd may multiply.
• In order to avoid such situations in future, precautionary measures need to be taken. To check the
OR
hygiene of the meal the utensils etc need to be checked from time to time.
• Mother committees may be formed to supervise the midday meal. They may look themselves or
act as supervisor.
• Kitchen cum utensils grant should be enhanced to improve the quality. One teacher should taste
the food to check the quality of food.
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• These steps will help to improve the services in the long run.
Disciplinary actions should be taken against those who are found guilty. It will enhance the people
trust among masses and they will not attempt to take laws in their own hands.
17. In a particular district, there is a Communal tension between two communities.
Superintendent of police has taken prompt action by ordering immediate arrest of
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trouble makers. Though the situation has improved temporarily, yet there is a
constant fear in the mind of both communities. There is large scale migration of people.
You are head of the district administration (DM).
(a) What are the options available to you?
(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving
reasons.
Hints:
Restoring the confidence of the people and normalization of the situation should be top priority of the
district administration. Hence following options are available before D.M.
(a) If needed curfew can be imposed in few localities and sanitization of the entire town could be
made. Trouble makers from both communities should be rounded up and criminal cases under
substantive sections be instituted. This will restore the people’s confidence. However there are
chances that some ministers of the government may put pressure.
(b) Few columns of CPMF may be requisitioned and told them clearly to put off lawlessness with
heavy hands. Politicians may politely be asked not to get into the matter and local police should
be made free to act. The measure may have a positive impact but CPMF may harass some of the
innocent people of both communities.
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(c) Town may be handed over to army till situation normalizes. Civil police may be advised to assist
the army as and where required. Civil administration may concentrate on providing essential
commodities during period when curfew has been relaxed. District administration may also take
up the task of relief and rehabilitation. Both communities will like these measures because they
will feel more safe in this situation. However civil police might feel that district administration has
lost faith in them and may get demoralized.
(d) Distt. administration should prefer dialogue between two communities involving religious heads
of two communities. This might be a permanent solution of the problem. The only doubt is that
miscreants might use this as opportunity and might create new problems. Good option will be
best of all. Deployment of army, CPMF etc will depend upon the gravity of the situation. Supplying
the essential commodities under supervision of administration will normalize the situation.
Administration has to be harsh on mischief mongers. Politicians of every political party should be
politely but very firmly told not to get involved lest they might face tough actions from
administration. People living in the camps should be fully taken care off. Media should be taken
into confidence by having periodic briefing. These measures will certainly improve the situation to
a great extent.

18. In a particular state, flood is a regular phenomenon. Every year some innocent lives

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are lost apart from damage of properties worth million of rupees. There is a river
embankment which protects approximately 75 villages. It has not been repaired since
OR
last three years. Unfortunately it has breached causing flood in most of villages when
300 people have lost their lives besides other damages. After flood recedes, various
diseases have broken out and the district administration was caught unaware.
Ponder over the situation and answer the following questions.
(a) As head of the district administration what steps you would take to reduce the sufferings
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of people. What could be your limitations?

(b) What steps you would take to fix up responsibilities of officials for negligence and
dereliction of duties?
Hints:
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As a head of the District Administration, my actions will include the following

a. To reduce the suffering of the people
• To ensure the rehabilitation of the people: My first action will be to ensure safe rehabilitation
of people who lost their houses in the damage. I will also ensure the basic necessities such as
food, medicines, temporary shelter houses for the people who migrated in the course of saving
their life.
• To supplement the economic damage: As the floods impacted villages, there must have been
loss of crops and livestock. Daily wage earners and land laborers have also been affected. So
I will ensure employment back under MGNREGA along with the loss of crops under
government schemes.
• To ensure the prevention of disease: I will conduct the mobile clinics to ensure primary
healthcare, generic medicine delivery, fumigation, water delogging, quick disposal of dead
bodies of animals and deceased.
• To provide compensation to the deceased families.
• To ensure the repairing of the embankment again by writing to the concerned departments.
• To ensure village planning in accordance to the minimum damage by ensuring the
establishment of a village away from the embankment and will ensure that no other illegal
activities such as sand mining etc has not been conducted in the vicinity.
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b. To fix up the responsibility of officials
• Call meeting and ensure negligence: Alongside with the handling of the field level situation,
will also ensure the accountability of the official by conducting departmental and
interdepartmental meetings to give a message that no negligence will be tolerated in the case
of officials.
• Conduct an enquiry in the matter of negligence: I will also conduct an enquiry committee
to look into the matter of negligence. This will act as a message to every department towards
their duty and vigilant behavior.
• To take disciplinary actions against the negligent: Those found guilty will be given
instructions or suspension or any other disciplinary actions according to the guilt found.
• To ensure a condition of active participation from all the officials: By bringing everyone
together at work, i will ensure the active participation, sense of responsibility and teamwork
in the entire department or in between departments.

19. You have joined an organization as an administrative head, which has a large public
interface. You want people's Cooperation in redressal of their grievances. There is a

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complaint/suggestion box at the reception of the office. On enquiry you found that it
is empty and has not been opened for the last one month. What specific steps you
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would take (with merits and demerits of each step)
(a) To seek people’s cooperation in redressal of their grievances?
(b) To disseminate relevant information to people?
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Hints:
(a) It can be observed, that with time the people might have lost faith in the organization as there
was no actions on previous complaints that were put in the suggestion/complaint box. To seek
people’s cooperation the various options can be-
1. The head should take previous complaints and solve them first then issue instructions to
open the box daily. This will ensure timely action.
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2. Some senior can be appointed to filter the complaints/suggestions. This will make sure the
important issues are addressed first. However this requires an experienced person.
3. Acknowledgement should be issued that complaints have been received, matter is looked into
and solution will be provided soon. A special cell can also be made for this.
4. While working, some common problems can be identified so that systemic reforms are taken
and load of complaints is decreased.
5. Helpline can be made for tracking applications by people.
6. Cubicles with glass separation can be setup in office to see what employees are doing. Though
it will create a sort of financial crunch on the organization.
7. Token system can be started where every file can be given a token number specifying how
many days will it take to do the work.
(b) To disseminate relevant information’s to people the various options can be-
1. Under section of RTI act, 2005 suo-moto disclosure can be made so that most of information
comes in public domain.
2. News bulletins and wall writings can be started up so as to make the information accessible
to public.
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 3. The head can also take the help of AIR,DD, TV. Since the organization has a large public
interface, this is a good option.
4. Newspaper classifieds or advertisements can also be used to provide relevant information to
the people.

20. A state government has set up an anti corruption unit under your leadership to take
decisive action against prevailing corruption in various departments. You have a clear
cut vision and a perfect understanding about what to do with the help of the team.
Some of the team members have a soft attitude towards corruption. You have decided
upon to persuade the team so that the team could be very effective in anti-corruption
measures.
(a) What are the various options available to you to motivate your teams?
(b) Evaluate the merits and demerits of each option and choose the option which you
consider best, giving reasons.

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Hints:
• In any anti-corruption unit, the members should not follow soft attitude. They should be alert,
aware and strict. In the above case, various options to persuade the team members can be following:
OR
(a) He should tell them that soft attitude doesnot work in anti-corruption units. They should be
more alert and hard. However, this requires a training of the members and will take time.
(b) They can be taught to follow hard attitude by using persuasion skills like appeal to reason,
appeal to emotions etc.
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(c) He can show them case studies of some of the cases of corruption and the way things can be
handled in anticorruption unit. This can be done by conducting training sessions of the team
members.
(d) He should teach them that sometimes they might have to follow coercive techniques also. He
should also teach them about conducting raids and how to deal with corruption cases.
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• The suggested course of action should be to persuade the team, have a vision about what you are
planning. Though it will take time, but the team with sufficient training can become effective in
anti-corruption measures.

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