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Q. Discuss the scope and significance of bioethics in the context of India. (150 Words)
01 Feb, 2024 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. Analyze the significance of an individual's conscience in shaping ethical behavior and choices for administrators and public servants. (150 Words)
25 Jan, 2024 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. Discuss the key components of probity in governance and their significance in fostering ethical and transparent administration. (150 Words)
25 Jan, 2024 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
A famous Indian car company brought an international model to the local market, promising customers the same quality. However, a surprise check found the cars didn't match the approved specs, and a later investigation showed intentional misconduct. The company wasn't just selling subpar cars in India; they were also using rejected export models for local sales. This unethical practice was uncovered, damaging the company's reputation and causing financial losses. Now, the company must address these issues to regain trust and restore its standing in the automotive industry.
The unethical actions had widespread repercussions, greatly damaging the company's image and resulting in substantial financial setbacks both domestically and globally. The betrayal of trust with consumers and regulators created a ripple effect, affecting the company's position in the fiercely competitive automotive industry. It became crucial for the company to implement corrective measures and undertake damage control to rebuild trust and reclaim its previously robust market position.
A. What ethical considerations should guide the company's decision-making process in rectifying these actions and rebuilding trust with consumers and regulators?
B. How can the company foster a culture of ethical awareness and accountability among its stakeholders?
19 Jan, 2024 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. "Discuss the significance of aptitude and foundational values in the context of civil services. How do these elements contribute to the effectiveness and ethical conduct of civil servants? (150 Words)
18 Jan, 2024 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. Examine the concepts of emotional intelligence, and discuss their utilities and application in administrative practices. (150 Words)
18 Jan, 2024 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
Q. You are a government officer under the central government. In the pursuit of improved public services, the central government is implementing a digital transformation initiative, involving the collection and analysis of citizens' data. You are vested with the responsibility of implementing the digital transformative initiative of the central government. During the implementation process, concerns were raised about the right to privacy and the potential misuse of personal data by private tech firms. While the initiative promises socio-economic development, questions about fair benefits distribution and societal inequalities have emerged due to a lack of clear regulations.
A. What are the ethical challenges that you face as an officer in charge of the digital transformation initiative?
B. How would you balance the competing interests of the government, the citizens, and the private tech firms in this situation?
12 Jan, 2024 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. How can the lives and teachings of great leaders serve as valuable lessons in shaping and promoting essential human values? (150 Words)
11 Jan, 2024 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. In what ways do ethical considerations vary between private and public relationships, and what guiding principles should individuals follow when addressing ethical challenges in each domain? (150 Words)
11 Jan, 2024 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
Ravish, a young and dedicated civil servant known for his competence and integrity, was assigned to a district plagued by a low literacy ratio and controlled by an education mafia involved in extorting money from students for facilitating cheating in exams. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Ravish swiftly grasped the intricate workings of the mafia, discovering their clandestine methods and the complicity of local authorities and strongmen.
Upon investigation, Ravish unearthed the involvement of some of his office employees in this illicit nexus. Taking decisive action, he initiated stringent measures against them and conducted raids to dismantle the illegal operations. Unaccustomed to facing such resistance, the mafia became alarmed, with some office employees tipping them off about Ravish's determination to eradicate bribery and cheating promotion in the district.
In response, the mafia adopted a hostile stance and launched a counter-offensive. They resorted to threatening Ravish with dire consequences, and his family, including his wife and elderly mother, became targets of stalking and virtual surveillance, causing immense mental distress. The situation escalated when a thug visited Ravish's office, warning him to cease the raids or face a fate similar to some of his predecessors, one of whom had been killed by the mafia a decade earlier.
A. Considering the challenges faced by Ravish in dealing with the education mafia, what are the various options available to him to address the situation effectively?
B. Provide a critical assessment of each of the options outlined for Ravish in addressing the challenges posed by the education mafia in the district.
05 Jan, 2024 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. Demolition activities often intersect with complex legal and ethical considerations. Discuss (150 words)
04 Jan, 2024 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. Examine the necessity and challenges of establishing a global framework for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). (150 words)
04 Jan, 2024 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
You are posted as the District Magistrate (DM) in a remote district in India. This district is known for its rich tribal culture and pristine natural beauty. However, it also faces challenges like poverty, limited healthcare and education facilities, and deforestation due to illegal logging.
A multinational pharmaceutical company (MNC) approaches you with a proposal to set up a research facility in the district. The MNC claims that the research facility will bring economic development, employment opportunities, and better healthcare services to the district. The MNC also offers you a hefty amount of money as a personal incentive to approve the proposal.
However, you are aware that the research facility will have negative impacts on the environment, the tribal culture, and the rights of the local people. The MNC has a history of unethical practices such as exploiting natural resources, violating human rights, and conducting illegal experiments on animals and humans. You also suspect that the MNC has some hidden agenda behind the research facility.
As the DM, you have to decide whether to accept or reject the proposal.
A. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case? How will you resolve them?
B. What are the possible consequences of your decision for yourself, the district, and the MNC? Justify your answer with suitable arguments and examples. (250 words)
29 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. In the context of international relations, how can diplomats leverage emotional intelligence to facilitate peaceful conflict resolution? (150 words)
28 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. Explain the difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism. How does psychological egoism pose a challenge to ethical egoism? (150 words)
28 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
An IAS officer, Mr. Sharma, is working in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as a Joint Secretary. He is responsible for drafting a policy on surrogacy, which aims to regulate the practice of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and protect the rights and interests of the surrogate mothers, the intended parents, and the children born through surrogacy.
Mr. Sharma is married to Mrs. Sharma, who is a successful lawyer and a partner in a reputed law firm. They have been trying to have a child for the past 10 years, but have failed due to medical reasons. They have also explored the option of adoption, but have faced many hurdles and delays in the process.
One day, Mrs. Sharma informs Mr. Sharma that she has found a surrogate mother through an online platform, who is willing to carry their child for a reasonable amount of money. She also tells him that she has consulted her law firm and they have assured her that they can handle the legal formalities and paperwork for the surrogacy arrangement. She urges Mr. Sharma to agree to this option, as it is their last chance to have a biological child of their own. However, the current law prohibits commercial surrogacy and allows only altruistic surrogacy for eligible couples.
1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
2. What are the possible options available to Mr. Sharma?
3. What should Mr. Sharma do in this situation? Justify your answer with suitable arguments. (250 words)
22 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. "The greatest good for the greatest number" is a foundational principle of quantitative utilitarianism. Discuss the ethical implications of prioritizing numerical outcomes over individual rights in the context of public policy decision-making. (150 words)
21 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)
21 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government, One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal's office. The Principal informs you that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in progress. The class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not respond to questions in the class, he had also been unable to perform well in the football trials held recently. You bring your son back from the school and in the evening, you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son's changed behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that some children had been making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by calling him stunted, duh and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest. After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch your son play, one of your colleague's son shows you a video in which students have caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting in the stands. You purposefully walk past them with your son and go home. Next day, you find on social media, a video denigrating you, your son and even your wife, stating that you engaged in physical bullying of children on the sports field. The video became viral on social media. Your friends and colleagues began calling you to find out the details. One of your juniors advised you to make a counter video giving the background and explaining that nothing had happened on the field. You, in turn posted a video which you have captured during the sporting event, identifying the likely perpetrators who were responsible for your son's predicament. You have also narrated what has actually happened in the field and made attempts to bring out the adverse effects of the misuse of social media.
(a) Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media.
(b) Discuss the pros and cons of using social media by you to put across the facts to counter the fake propaganda against your family. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)
15 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)
14 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. ‘Probity is essential for an effective system of government and socio-economic development.’ Discuss. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)
14 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chlef Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect. Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self- esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that aho is contemplating tendering her resignation.
A. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?
B. What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization?
C. What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)
08 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)
07 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)
07 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and uprightness. The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the highhandedness of the Chairman in financial matters. A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman appears to be demanding bribes for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres. Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres. Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The member informs him that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn recognition and public support if he himself exposes the Chairman. Further, he tells Vinod that once his party comes to power. Vinod's professional growth would be assured. Vinod is aware that he may be penalized if he exposes the Chairman and may further be transferred to a distant place. He knows that the Opposition Party stands a better chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections. However, he also realizes that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own political gains.
(a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod.
(b) In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)
01 Dec, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. ‘‘What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ – not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.’’ Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 1 50 words, UPSC Mains 2023)
30 Nov, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
30 Nov, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions
‘‘Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.’’ Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 1 50 words, UPSC Mains 2023) -
At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and frequently out of town in connection with his work. Their two children aged 5 and 3 are looked after by their domestic helper. At 9.30 pm her superior, Mr. Suresh calls her and asks her to prepare a detailed note on an important matter to be discussed in a meeting in the Ministry. She realises that she will have to work on Sunday to finish the additional task given by her superior. She reflects on how she had looked forward to this posting and had worked long hours for months to achieve it. She had kept the welfare of people uppermost in discharging her duties. She feels that she has not done enogh justice to her family and she has not fulfilled her duties in discharging essential social obligations. Even as recently as last month she had to leave her sick child in the nanny's care as she had to work in the office. Now she feels that she must draw a line, beyond which her personal life should take precedence over her professional responsibilities- She thinks that there should be reasonable limits to the work ethics such as punctuality, hard work. dedication to duty and selfless service.
A. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.
24 Nov, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies
B. Briefly describe at least four laws that have been enacted by the Government with respect to providing a healthy, safe and equitable working environment for women.
C. Imagine you are in a similar situation. What suggestions would you make to mitigate such working conditions? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023) -
Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
23 Nov, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions
‘‘To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.’’ –Jawaharlal Nehru (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023) -
Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
23 Nov, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions
‘‘The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer’’. –Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)