Interdependence is a basic fact of the world. From ecology to astronomical bodies, family to nations, we live in an interdependent world.   Importance of interdependence:  Values: Family, schools, friends, community shape value inculcation in individuals and weave society’s moral fabric.   Climate Action: Common but differentiated responsibilities are due for effective action against climate change and environmental damage.  Democracy: System of institutional checks and balances, distribution of powers between judiciary, executive and legislature, or through federalism are necessary to sustain democracy. … Continue reading [Answered]“Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, it is better for us all.”-Erik Erikson 

Peace is the lack of conflict and the condition of acceptance. Peace allows individuals and society to reap healthy benefits out of their potential.  Relevance of peace within ourselves, for peace in the world:  Peace within is the key to good mental health, which is crucial for roles as parents and children at home, soldiers at borders, leaders in public life, employees at work etc.  Inner peace helps promote religious harmony, which is the anti-dote to… Continue reading [Answered] “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.”-Dalai Lama

Perseverance is the ability to sustain one’s efforts in face of immense difficulties. Perseverance is the key to success in matters, small and big, as discussed below:  Learning to walk involves falling over many times, before the first step is put forward in an upright posture.  Integrity in adulthood, is built on years of value inculcation and winning over temptations… Continue reading [Answered] Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later. -Swami Vivekanand 

Indian civil service is dominated by intelligent generalist officers. While performance of their official function, they often face multiple ethical dilemmas.   Domain knowledge is important in resolving ethical dilemmas because:   Civil servants with domain expertise are able to understand nuances and dynamics of particular field that helps in resolving clash between conflicting values. For example: E. Sreedharan, metro man… Continue reading [Answered] Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example. 

Objectivity or rationality in decision making depends upon availability, quantity and quality of data. Excessive usage of digital technology has raised questions regarding its impact on quality of decisions.   Digital technologies can act as a reliable source of input for rational decision making as shown below:   Digital technologies have made it easier to collect and collate data and convert it… Continue reading [Answered] Impact of digital technology as reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example.

The essential values needed to be an effective public servant are:   Integrity: Consistency in value system, thoughts and conduct.  Objectivity: Impartial decision making.  Leadership: Ability to lead subordinate towards desired goal  Openness: Being transparent and open to scrutiny.  Responsiveness: Addressing the demands of public.  Empathy: Feeling and acting towards elevating pain of public.  Selflessness: Action should not be self-oriented rather other oriented.  Honesty: Being Fair, trustworthy and sincere.  Accountability: Assuming responsibility and answerability for… Continue reading [Answered] Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behavior in the public servants.

Ethics are subjective standard of rights and wrong. For a civil servant, acting ethically is of utmost importance. A matrix of ethical traits can be helpful in performance evaluation of civil servants as discussed below:   Ethical trait  Reason for inclusion  Integrity  Integrity is important for elimination of corruption; Best utilization of public resources; Pursuit of professional excellence; Leadership quality to act as a role model for… Continue reading [Answered] Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix