Case Study

Aditi, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, is posted as the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in a tribal-dominated region. She receives complaints from tribal leaders about a private infrastructure company clearing large stretches of forest land. Her investigation confirms that the project violates the Forest Rights Act, but the state government promotes it as a major development initiative. The tribals strongly oppose the project, fearing displacement and ecological destruction, while some activists threaten protests.

As Aditi prepares to take action, the Chief Secretary advises her to "cooperate" in the "larger interest of development" and hints at a possible transfer if she resists. Aditi now faces a dilemma. If she stops the project, she risks political backlash and career consequences. If she allows it, she compromises her integrity and the law. If she leaks information, she invites national scrutiny but could be accused of misconduct.

Questions:

1. Examine the ethical dilemmas in this case, focusing on legal obligations, governance ethics, environmental justice, and personal integrity.

2. As an ethical civil servant, analyze the possible courses of action available to Aditi and their ethical and professional implications.

3. Suggest measures to streamline India’s environmental clearance process while ensuring ecological sustainability and stakeholder participation

Q. "Ethical consumerism is the future of sustainable development." Discuss how ethical considerations influence consumer choices and corporate responsibility. (150 words)

Q. "Ethics is not about the choices we make, but about the reasons behind those choices." Examine this statement in the context of ethical reasoning and decision-making. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the role of indigenous and traditional knowledge in disaster risk reduction. Analyze how local community practices can be further integrated with scientific approaches to develop more effective disaster management strategies. (250 words)

Q. Examine the ecological and socio-economic implications of climate change on India's coastal biodiversity. How can integrated coastal zone management help mitigate the potential long-term impacts on marine ecosystems? (250 words)

Q. Higher education reforms in India are crucial for fostering social mobility and equity. Evaluate the role of National Education Policy 2020 in ensuring accessibility and quality in higher education. (250 words)

Q. India-Maldives relations have witnessed fluctuations in recent times, impacting regional stability and cooperation. Analyze the strategic significance of the Maldives for India and suggest measures to strengthen bilateral ties in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the significance of Sangam literature in understanding early Tamil society, economy, and polity. (150 words)

Q. Explain the causes of increasing occurrences of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayas. Suggest strategies for mitigation and early warning systems.(250 words)

Essay Topics

1. We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.

2. Progress is best measured not by speed, but by direction.

Case Study

Dr. Anjali, a dedicated and upright IAS officer, has recently been appointed as the Director of the State Health Department. Soon after assuming charge, she discovers large-scale irregularities in the procurement of life-saving medical equipment for government hospitals.

A particular contract for ventilators was awarded to a private company that failed to meet safety and quality standards. Several patients lost their lives due to malfunctions during a recent health crisis. Upon further investigation, Anjali finds that the tendering process was manipulated to favor this company. The procurement file was approved under questionable circumstances by her predecessor, who has since retired. Many junior officials in the department are aware of these malpractices but are unwilling to come forward, fearing professional repercussions.

Meanwhile, a senior journalist approaches Anjali with leaked documents proving corruption in the procurement deal. The journalist is willing to publish an exposé but warns that powerful business and bureaucratic interests may suppress the story. Additionally, an activist group files a formal complaint demanding immediate legal action.

As Anjali deliberates, she receives subtle pressure from senior bureaucrats to avoid revisiting past decisions due to risk of transfer under political influence and to focus on future governance. Some of her colleagues advise her that pursuing this issue aggressively could result in an abrupt transfer or administrative sidelining.

1. What are the ethical issues involved in the case?

2. Evaluate the options available to Anjali as a conscientious civil servant?

3. What systemic reforms are needed to prevent corruption in public procurement, ensure bureaucratic independence, and protect whistleblowers in government institutions?

Q. Discuss the relevance of Aristotelian virtue ethics in contemporary public administration. How can cultivating virtues contribute to ethical governance? (150 words)

Q. Ethical leadership demands both compassion and pragmatism. How can a leader balance these conflicting demands without compromising on moral values? (150 words)

Q. As AI holds immense potential for transformation but comes with a substantial environmental cost. Discuss its environmental challenges and suggest measures to reduce its impact. (150 words)

Q. "Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a potential solution for clean energy transition."Examine the prospects and challenges of SMRs in India's nuclear energy strategy. (150 words)

Q. "France's position as both a European power and an Indo-Pacific resident power offers India unique strategic advantages." Discuss this statement and its implications for India's multilateral engagements. (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the adequacy of constitutional and legal provisions that ensure the independence of the Election Commission. What reforms would strengthen its autonomy? (250 words)

Q. How has the increasing commercialization of agricultural practices influenced rural social structures and gender relations? (150 words)

Q. "The tribal revolts in colonial India were not just acts of resistance but also expressions of indigenous identity and autonomy." Discuss with examples. (250 words)

Essay

1. True happiness comes from the journey of life rather than a final goal.

2. Achieving environmental justice requires a fair distribution of responsibilities.

Case Study

As the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in a metropolitan city, you oversee the implementation of an AI-based Facial Recognition System (FRS) designed to track criminals and prevent crimes. The system, installed across public spaces, has been instrumental in reducing theft, identifying suspects, and solving pending cases. However, concerns have emerged regarding false positives, privacy violations, and potential biases in the AI’s algorithm.

Recently, the system flagged Ravi, a 22-year-old college student, for allegedly being present at a protest that turned violent. Based on the AI-generated report, Ravi was briefly detained for questioning, despite his insistence that he was not involved. His family and civil society groups argue that he was misidentified due to a technical error in the AI system. Investigations reveal that multiple individuals from marginalized backgrounds have been disproportionately flagged, raising concerns about bias in AI-driven policing.

The city’s administration is now divided. Some officials advocate for pausing the AI project for an independent review, citing privacy concerns and wrongful detentions. Others argue that the benefits outweigh the risks and that AI errors can be rectified over time. Meanwhile, public outrage over Ravi’s case is growing, and the police department's credibility is at stake.

Questions:

A. How can law enforcement balance the benefits of AI-driven facial recognition with concerns over false positives, privacy violations, and algorithmic bias?

B. What ethical principles should guide law enforcement in deploying AI tools, particularly in ensuring non-discrimination and protecting marginalized communities?

C. What legal, procedural, and technological safeguards should be implemented to ensure AI-driven policing remains transparent, fair, and accountable?

Q. How can Buddha’s Middle Path serve as an ethical framework for civil servants in decision-making and governance? (150 Words)

Q. How do public service values shape ethical decision-making among civil servants? Discuss with relevant examples. (150 Words)

Q. Explain the concept of ‘information warfare’ and discuss how misinformation and social media manipulation can pose challenges to India’s internal security. (150 words)

Q. “India’s rapid economic growth has not translated into equitable development”. Analyze the key structural challenges hindering inclusive growth and suggest policy measures to bridge the gap. (250 words)

Q. "The evolution of India-US relations from 'estranged democracies' to 'strategic partners' reflects changing global dynamics." Examine this transformation with specific milestones. (250 words)

Q. "The discretionary powers of the Governor have become a source of constitutional friction rather than federal harmony." Discuss while suggesting measures for reforming the office of governor in India. (250 words)

Q. What are earthquake swarms? How do they differ from typical mainshock-aftershock sequences? (150 words)

Q. The decline of the Mughal Empire has often been attributed to Aurangzeb's policies. To what extent is this assessment justified? Examine other factors that contributed to the empire's disintegration. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. The pursuit of progress is meaningless without the pursuit of purpose.

2. Vision without action is a dream; action without vision is a nightmare.