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Q. What do you understand by “moral integrity” and “professional efficiency" in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 Words, UPSC Mains 2023)
09 Nov, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
You are a senior police officer in charge of the Mumbai police. You have recently learned that one of your subordinates has won Rs. 2 crore on a fantasy sports app, by assembling a virtual cricket team. He has also given media interviews in uniform, without seeking permission from you, and has become a celebrity overnight. However, you also know that playing such games is considered unethical and socially unacceptable by many people, and that there is an ongoing debate about the legality and morality of such apps. You are worried that his actions might tarnish the image and reputation of the police force, and also set a bad example for other officers and common people.
(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
(b) What are the possible courses of action that you can take as his superior officer?
(c) What are the merits and demerits of each course of action?
(d) Which course of action would you choose and why?
03 Nov, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. What is cognitive dissonance and how does it affect ethical decision making? How can you overcome cognitive dissonance and act in accordance with your moral values? (150 words)
02 Nov, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. What are the ethical issues involved in patronage appointments in the public sector? How can they affect the efficiency and accountability of the civil service? (150 words)
02 Nov, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
You are a district collector in a drought-prone area. You have been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) in your district. The scheme aims to provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. However, you find that there is a large-scale corruption and leakage of funds in the implementation of the scheme. Some of the common malpractices are:
1. Fake job cards and muster rolls
2. Inflated wage payments and material costs
3. Substandard work quality and measurement
4. Collusion between local officials, contractors and politicians
You have to take appropriate steps to curb the corruption and ensure the effective implementation of the scheme.
A. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
B. What are the measures that you can take to prevent and punish the corrupt practices?
C. How can you use technology and innovation to improve the transparency and accountability of the scheme?
27 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. Examine the ethical challenges in influencer marketing, including potential societal and individual consequences of unethical practices. (150 Words)
26 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. Discuss the ethical dimensions surrounding the concept of 'just war' in the contemporary geopolitical context. (150 Words)
26 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
There is a lady who wants to terminate her 26-week pregnancy on the grounds of depression and financial hardship. She claims that she was unaware of her pregnancy until recently and that she cannot afford to raise another child. She also says that she suffers from severe mental stress and anxiety due to her situation. The doctors at AIIMS have examined her and confirmed that the fetus is alive and has a heartbeat, and they have refused to perform an abortion as it would amount to ending a life.
a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
b) What are the legal and ethical concerns regarding abortion in India?
20 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. The ethical way is the intelligent way. What does this quote mean for the role of public servants in upholding ethical standards? (150 words)
19 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. What is the difference between empathy and sympathy? How can empathy help a civil servant in understanding the needs and feelings of the stakeholders and delivering better public service? (150 words)
19 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Study
Mr. Verma, a distinguished IAS officer, has been known for his integrity and commitment to public service. He has earned a reputation for effectively implementing various development projects and policies. Over the years, he has developed a deep understanding of the challenges the state faces, including corruption, inadequate healthcare, and educational facilities, and unemployment issues. Motivated by his strong sense of duty and a desire to bring about meaningful change, Mr. Verma decides to contest elections to address these issues at a political level.
However, the state government refuses to accept his resignation, arguing that his expertise and experience are critical for the ongoing development projects. They assert that allowing him to contest elections would disrupt the state's administrative stability.
A. What are the Ethical Issues involved in the Case?
B. What are the guidelines for Civil Servants when it comes to running in elections?
13 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do." – Potter Stewart. Discuss the significance of this quote in the context of public administration and decision-making. (150 words)
12 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. What is the difference between moral relativism and moral universalism? How do they affect your ethical judgments and actions? (150 words)
12 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
You are the District Collector of a remote and backward district. You have been working hard to improve the living conditions of the people by implementing various schemes and projects. One of the projects that you have initiated is the construction of a Local Area Network (LAN) that will connect all the government offices, schools, hospitals, and panchayats in the district. This will enable better communication, coordination, and delivery of public services. You have also planned to provide free internet access to the villagers through this network.
However, you face several challenges and ethical dilemmas in executing this project. Some of them are:
The local MLA is opposed to your project as he fears that it will reduce his influence and control over the people. He has been pressuring you to stop the project or divert the funds for some other scheme targeting his vote bank.
The contractors who have been awarded the tender for laying the cables and installing the equipment are known to be corrupt and inefficient. They have been delaying the work and demanding more money. They have also been using substandard materials and compromising on the quality and safety of the network.
Some of the villagers are suspicious and resistant to your project as they think that it is a ploy to spy on them and collect their personal data. They have been spreading rumors and misinformation about the harmful effects of the network on their health and culture. They have also been vandalizing and sabotaging the network infrastructure.
Some of the government officials and staff are reluctant and indifferent to your project as they lack the skills and motivation to use the network. They have been avoiding training sessions and workshops that you have organized to familiarize them with the network. They have also been misusing and abusing the network for their personal and illegal purposes.
As the District Collector, how will you deal with these challenges and dilemmas? What values and principles will guide your actions and decisions? Discuss. (250 words)
06 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow." - Abraham Lincoln. Discuss the importance of character in ethical leadership. (150 words)
05 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. How can emotional intelligence help in resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest in public administration? (150 words)
05 Oct, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
Ramesh is an employee at a prestigious multinational corporation known for his diligent work ethic. He consistently arrives at the office punctually, submits assignments on time, and occasionally extends his work hours to meet targets.
While Rajesh, serving as Ramesh's reporting manager, is a trusted leader responsible for a team of fifty individuals. His reputation within the organization is that of a sincere and results-oriented manager who excels in delivering under pressure. With a decade of unwavering service, Rajesh has garnered the admiration of top management, positioning himself as their go-to person during crises or periods of high workload. Consequently, he is on the cusp of a well-deserved promotion to a higher role within the company.
However, an unexpected challenge emerges for the company. A feedback form circulated among employees reveals an alarming number of negative reviews including that of Ramesh pertaining to Rajesh. These reviews accuse him of misbehavior, misconduct, and even allegations of mental abuse. This development puts the CEO of the company, the ultimate decision-maker, in a perplexing situation with regards to Rajesh's impending promotion.
(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
(b) Critically examine the options available to the CEO of the company in the above situation.
(c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for a CEO and why?
29 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. What do you understand by this quote: "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." - C.S. Lewis (150 words)
28 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. Discuss the ethical dilemmas associated with space exploration and commercialization. How can governments and international organizations promote responsible space activities while considering the potential impact on celestial bodies and extraterrestrial life? (150 words)
28 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Studies
The state is facing a severe water crisis due to the prolonged drought. The groundwater level has dropped drastically and many wells and borewells have dried up. The farmers are struggling to irrigate their crops and the people are suffering from acute water scarcity. The situation has led to widespread protests and unrest in the affected areas. The Chief Minister is worried that this will hamper the party’s chances in the upcoming elections. However, the state has no funds to implement any long-term solutions, such as building dams, canals, or pipelines. The only option is to provide temporary relief by supplying water through tankers and trains. But this requires a lot of coordination and logistics, as well as a huge amount of money. The state can only afford this by diverting funds from other development schemes or by borrowing from the central government or external agencies. In this situation, the Chief Minister has asked the Chief Secretary, Ramesh Kumar, to find a way out of this crisis.
Imagine yourself as the Chief Secretary and discuss the different options available and how will you respond in this case?
22 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Right to Information Act. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (150 words)
21 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. Ethical leadership is the cornerstone of good governance, as it inspires public trust and champions transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within government institutions. Comment. (150 words)
21 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Case Study
You are the founder of a social enterprise that provides solar lamps to rural villages that lack access to electricity. You have been working hard to scale up your impact and reach more communities in need. One day, you receive an email from the CEO of a major oil company who is interested in partnering with you. He says that he wants to support your cause and help you expand your operations. He also mentions that he has to meet Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards for his company. However, over the years working with renewable energy, you have developed a strong aversion to fossil fuel companies. Now, the CEO’s offer has put you in a moral dilemma. On one hand, you resent the idea of accepting help from a company that is contributing to climate change and environmental degradation, and on the other hand, you feel that the company’s assistance is a golden opportunity for your social enterprise to provide more light to the dark.
A. What are the various ethical issues involved here?
B. Will it be morally right for you to accept money from the oil company?
15 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. Evaluate the ethical dimensions of police misconduct and brutality. What reforms are needed to ensure greater accountability and ethical behavior within law enforcement agencies? (150 words)
14 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. With the increasing use of technology and data in governance, analyze the ethical challenges related to digital privacy and data security in the public sector. (150 words)
14 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. You are an IPS officer posted in an area where communal tensions are very much prevalent. One day, a religious procession is being carried out by one community. As they reach the area dominated by another community, sudden firing starts, resulting in several people in the procession getting injured and taken hostage. When you send the police force to control the situation, the force also gets pushed back by the aggressors. Among the hostages, there are individuals who are severely injured and require urgent medical treatment.
A. What are the ethical dilemmas that you face in this situation?
08 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies
B. What are the possible courses of action that you can take to resolve the crisis?
C. How will you justify your chosen course of action in terms of ethical principles and values? -
Q. Discuss the fundamental differences between utilitarianism and deontology in ethical theories. (150 Words)
07 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. Discuss the significance of non-partisanship in public administration and its role in ensuring that citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations, are treated fairly and equitably. (150 Words)
07 Sep, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions -
Q. You are the District Collector of a drought-prone area. The government has announced a relief package for the farmers, which includes waiving off their loans and providing them with free seeds and fertilizers. However, you find out that some of the local politicians and officials are misusing the funds and diverting the resources for their personal gain. They are also threatening the farmers who complain or refuse to cooperate with them. As a responsible officer, how will you deal with this situation? Explain the ethical issues involved and the course of action you will take. (250 words)
14 Jul, 2023 GS Paper 4 Case Studies -
Q. In today's interconnected world, the role of social media platforms in shaping public opinion and discourse is undeniable. Analyse the ethical challenges posed by the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms. Provide suitable examples to support your arguments. (250 words)
13 Jul, 2023 GS Paper 4 Theoretical Questions