GS4 · Topic
Crisis Decision Making
Deciding under time pressure with incomplete information, and the ethics of acting or waiting.
189 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Crisis Decision Making that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
You are the CEO of a film production company, which has not been doing well financially for some time. Your company is now relying on its forthcoming movie, which is about to be released shortly. The movie has a cast of reliable actors and even before its release, trade pundits have predicted that the movie will be a hit. However, you face a conundrum as one of the actors in the movie is a citizen of a neighbouring country with which relations have been disturbed and a war like situation exists. While the political atmosphere was different when the movie was being filmed, now there is a widespread public demand, with a local political party at the forefront, for replacing the actor from the movie or a ban on the release of the movie itself, if the actor is not replaced. While you are aware of the mood of the nation and the public repercussions of releasing the movie in its present form, you also know that it is not feasible to replace him at this stage as he has a substantial role in the movie. There is also a section in the film fraternity that does not want you to compromise in the wake of threat by the local political party as it compromises freedom of speech and expression as well as artistic creativity. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Evaluate each of the options and state their merits and demerits. (c) What course of action would you take and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty
Vihar is a state in the Northern part of the country. Prohibition laws in the state completely ban the storage, possession, sale, and consumption of liquor in any form. Despite the ban, the liquor mafia in the state has succeeded in supplying spurious liquor through various illegal dens. The activities of liquor mafia flourish under the nose of both the civil administration and the police department. Many Civil Society Organizations, women organizations etc., on numerous occasions complained to the authorities about the illegal production, sale, and consumption of liquor, but their complaints have fallen on deaf ears, and no substantial action was taken by the government to curb the menace. As fate would have it, one day there was an unfortunate incident when a large group of fifty construction labourers died after consuming spurious liquor from an illegal den being operated by the mafia. Many of the victims were sole bread winners of their families. While the state was clear on its position that consuming liquor in the state was an illegal activity that warrants no sympathy or compensation (for the next of kin) from the government, families of the victims and also many CSOs were demanding compensation for the families of the deceased construction laborers. The incident got both national and international coverage in print, electronic, as well as the social media. The pressure on the state government was mounting to amicably resolve the issue. Anjali is posted as the Joint Secretary in the Secretariat. The CM has asked her to create a detailed report on how should the state government handle this crisis. a) Under the given circumstances, what measures should Anjali recommend to handle the above crisis. b) Critically evaluate the decision of state government to not compensate the victims of spurious liquor.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingEmpathy and Compassion
In a metropolitan city a new metro rail project has been sanctioned. The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, lower the pollution levels in the city and save significant amount of fossil fuel. However, the project requires construction of a car shed for the metro terminus station. The city is already very congested and not much land is available except a patch of green belt within the municipal area. Consequently, the municipal corporation’s Tree Authority approved a proposal to cut down about 2700 trees to make way for the metro car shed. The approval enraged environment action and citizens’ groups who have organized protest rallies demanding withdrawal of this order and conservation of the green belt. The print and electronic media also took up the cause. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the different stakeholders in the given case. Also, bring out the issues involved from the point of view of different stakeholders. (b) If you are the Municipal Commissioner, what course of action will you adopt keeping in mind the interests of different stakeholders?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Prachinmath is a pilgrim town nestled in the laps of Himalayas. The town is part of one of the border states of the country. It serves as the base for a highly revered and well-known pilgrimage undertaken by millions of people every year. The people of Prachinmath, who are largely from a close-knit community of Pahadi tribe, have lived in the area for several generations. The Pahadi people, since many generations, have developed a lifestyle which is integral to the ecosystem of Prachinmath. The traditional knowledge of the tribe passed from one generation to other have helped the people in living with the environment in a sustainable manner. The people of Prachinmath worshipped the local deity, and believed it to be their destiny to live in the region in a peaceful and harmonious way. However, the increasing pace of unplanned development, uncontrolled religious tourism, creation of strategic infrastructure etc., in the contemporary times have fundamentally altered the minimalistic nature of relationship that the people of Prachinmath had with the local/fragile environment. Prachinmath Bachao Committee (PBC), a civil society organization of Pahadi tribals, has consistently opposed the unbridled and brazen exploitation of the resources of Prachinmath. They have through petitions, jan sabhas, nukkad nataks etc., highlighted the grave consequences of the unsustainable development model that the state and the Union governments were adopting for Prachinmath. However, their petitions had fallen on deaf ears. Moreover, the government justified the infrastructure creation in Prachinmath in order to cater to its strategic and religious significance. The problems came to a head when the government decided to construct a tunnel in Prachinmath, in order to generate hydroelectricity. The PBC as well as prominent geologists of the country vehemently opposed the idea citing its negative impact upon the region. The scientific community was of the opinion that Prachinmath sits on geological fault lines and is built on a debris of a landslide, any large-scale construction may cause irreparable damage to the environment. Nevertheless, the government went ahead with the project, constructing the tunnel in a record time, citing its necessity for the energy security of the country. Even many economists were of the opinion that increased energy capacity will help India curtail its import bill. Such steps were hailed by the government as the stepping stone of the country towards strategic autonomy. The worst fears of the local and scientific communities came true when the houses in Prachinmath started showing large cracks. The reason for the crack, as found out after a detailed study, was attributed to the subsidence of land in Prachinmath. The sinking of the land, development of large cracks, collapsing of the buildings etc., caught the attention of social, electronic, and print media alike. Overnight, Prachinmath became the talk of the country. Even the international media highlighted the episode, and the existential threat that it posed to the local communities as well as the environment. The state and Union governments swung into action and formed an expert committee, comprising of scientists, bureaucrats, NDRF/SDRF personnel etc., to look into the matter. The committee advised the government to evacuate Prachinmath completely, as the sinking of the land was continuing. Working on the recommendations of the committee, government prepared a detailed resettlement and rehabilitation plan for the people of Prachinmath. The Pahadi people, who squarely blamed the government for the crisis, felt cheated by the actions of the government and refused to evacuate from Prachinmath, the place of their ancestors. a) What are the various conflicting interests in the above case study. b) As a DM of the district in which Prachinmath falls, how will you convince the people to evacuate from the area? c) What can we do to avoid such situations in the future.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
An extensive forest fire near the town has taken the following into its flames; 2. House of Collector – With collector inside 4. An Old Age Home You as the chief of fire control authority of the district notice that only one functional fire brigade is available which cannot attend fires of all the places at a time. What would be your decision in such a case and why? Give Justifications.
20 marks · 300 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Crisis Decision MakingEmpathy and Compassion
As the District Labour Officer (DLO) in the state, it is my duty to strike the proper balance between economic development and social and human rights development, permeating social justice to all private parties and labourers equally.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
You, as the Superintendent of Police, find yourself in a district plagued by severe civil unrest and law-and-order issues. Despite numerous appeals from political leaders, the situation shows no signs of improvement. The rioters have managed to loot a nearby army camp, gaining access to weapons and ammunition. This has escalated the conflict between different communities, resulting in constant gunfire exchanges. In the midst of this chaos, you receive a distressing midnight call from an officer at a refugee camp. He informs you that a 7-year-old child has been shot in the back at the camp, revealing that the rioters targeted the police for providing protection to people from other communities. The officer at the camp requests your assistance in escorting the injured child to the nearest hospital. You quickly arrange for an ambulance and make your way to the camp. However, while enroute, you receive a message from one of your subordinates, alerting you of the spread of fake news. According to this misinformation, it is being falsely claimed that state officials are misusing the ambulance to offer preferential treatment to a particular community. In this situation what are the different approaches available to you? What will be your course of action? How will you ensure that law and order situation is maintained?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crisis Decision MakingEmpathy and Compassion
There are many possible negative consequences of my solutions. They are as follows:
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
Neha, an IAS officer, is serving as the District Magistrate (DM) of a bustling metropolitan district. Among her wide-ranging responsibilities, she also oversees the functioning of the Municipal Sanitation Department, which employs hundreds of sanitation workers, drivers, and daily wage laborers responsible for keeping the city clean and waste-free. One morning, a disturbing case landed on Neha's desk. Rajiv, a municipal garbage truck driver, died following a violent street altercation while on duty. On that day, Rajiv was driving his garbage collection truck through a crowded market street. He got into a heated argument with a street vendor who had encroached upon the road, obstructing the truck's passage. Eyewitness reports and CCTV footage revealed that Rajiv, known for his short temper, started the verbal abuse, which escalated into a physical fight. Despite bystanders trying to intervene, the scuffle turned bloody. Both Rajiv and the vendor were hospitalized with serious injuries. Rajiv succumbed to a head injury later that night, while the vendor survived. A police investigation and the Municipal Sanitation Department's inquiry confirmed that Rajiv's death resulted from his own misconduct and violent behavior while on duty. A post-mortem report further revealed that Rajiv had consumed alcohol while on duty and was under the influence at the time of the altercation, which is a clear violation of service rules that strictly prohibit drinking during work hours, especially for drivers operating municipal vehicles. According to the department's standing rules, extra ex-gratia compensation and family employment are given only in cases of death caused by workplace accidents or occupational hazards, not deaths resulting from personal fights, gross misconduct, or negligence such as working under the influence of alcohol. However, Rajiv's death left behind a dependent family: his elderly parents, his wife, and two children, one in college, the other in high school. His wife and children, shattered by his sudden death, argue that Rajiv died during duty hours and the family must not be punished for his mistake. The Sanitation Workers' Union has taken up the issue aggressively, demanding the same full ex-gratia compensation that is given to other drivers who die on duty, plus a permanent government job for Rajiv's elder son. When the department refused, citing the clear rule violation, the union declared an indefinite strike, bringing garbage collection to a standstill. The strike has now entered its tenth day, and the city's streets are overflowing with waste, creating serious health and public order concerns. Neha is under pressure to resolve the crisis while balancing legal norms, humanitarian concerns, and public interest. (a) Evaluate each option with its merits and demerits available to Neha. (b) If you were in Neha's position, what decision would you take? Justify your decision with appropriate ethical reasoning and principles. (c) What steps can Neha take to prevent similar incidents and ethical conflicts in the future in the Municipal Sanitation Department?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Rules versus CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are the principal of a college which has a long history of student politics. However, due to your personal belief, you are not in favour of conducting student elections and thus have kept the process of yearly student elections pending without any official announcement. While you are mulling over the decision of not conducting elections, you get representation from some professors as well as students who criticize the activities of student unions as obstructive to the academic environment of the college. Some time later, student leaders also come to talk to you regarding conduct of elections, and you tell them about the representation received by you against allowing student elections. You further tell them that you are contemplating suspending all activities related to student politics in the campus. On hearing this, student leaders become aggressive and start sloganeering and destroying college property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the issues involved in the case above? (b) How can you separate your personal ethics from professional ethics? (c) How would you deal with this situation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Ethics in Private and Public LifeEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are the District Magistrate (DM) of a remote district where literacy rate is very low and level of poverty quite high. The government has decided to go ahead with the first phase of mass vaccination against the COVID-19 pandemic and being the DM it is your responsibility to ensure its successful implementation in the district. However, some people with vested interests have raised concerns against the vaccine. They have not only questioned the efficacy of the vaccine but have also spread rumors of it being harmful for human health. They have also initiated a whisper campaign to the effect that vaccination will lead to impotency and that it is the hidden agenda of the government to control population. There have also been reports in local newspapers of the vaccine being approved for mass vaccination even before completion of the last phase of trials. This is further adding to the confusion and apprehension prevalent among people in the district. The situation was tense even before the initiation of the mass vaccination programe, and once it started you received reports that very few people are turning up to get themselves vaccinated. Given the situation: (a) Discuss various issues involved in the case. (b) What will be your course of action to ensure that the vaccination program becomes a success?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Social Influence and PersuasionCrisis Decision Making
With stubble burning leading to rising pollution levels, the district is facing severe air quality deterioration, affecting both public health and environmental sustainability. The District Collector is mobilizing his team to implement measures to control stubble burning in an effort to check the rising pollution levels. Along with an awareness campaign on the hazards of stubble burning, strict measures are being taken to prevent farmers from setting fire to crop residue. Vigilance teams are being deployed to monitor rural areas and catch farmers engaging in this practice. This action is agitating the farmers. A delegation of farmers meets with the District Collector to voice their concerns, alleging that while they are being penalized, industries in the region contribute far more to air pollution yet face no such restrictions. However, a recent study commissioned by the state government highlighted that industrial sources are not the major contributors to air pollution in the district while stubble burning is. On the contrary, farmers claim that the administration is biased, favoring industrial interests over agricultural needs. They also allege that the administration is corrupt and is being bribed by industries to overlook the significant pollution they cause. The administration needs to resolve the farmers' grievances, as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, it must also address the issue of deteriorating air quality. a. What are the ethical dilemmas for the District Collector? b. Identify and evaluate the options available to the District Collector. c. What steps can be taken to address the stakeholders' interests in a mutually compatible way?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
Analyze the following options for the course of action that you would take and evaluate their merits and demerits.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are a district magistrate. A tragic incident took place at tertiary health care centre in your district were nearly 30 infants, suffering from acute encephalitis, died due to oxygen deprivation. Dr X, the head of the encephalitis ward and a paediatrician, managed to save many lives. He rushed to the clinics of his doctor friends and brought around 12 oxygen cylinders in his car. He even spent some money from his own pocket. The parents in the hospital had said that had it not been for X's work, the number of deaths would be more than 30. National media hailed Dr. X as hero for being forefront of rescue effort, bringing oxygen cylinders for the new-born babies who were fighting for their life on the chaotic day when the mass deaths took place at the hospital. However, preliminary enquiry by you revealed that he was involved in selling subsidised oxygen cylinders from the hospital in the open market. This was one of the reasons for the shortage of oxygen. The enquiry also shows that previously he was charged with medical negligence and also accused of private practice. Dr. X, however is being hailed as national hero by the media. a) As a DM what would be your immediate course of action on Dr. X? b) As head of enquiry team how you would balance between appreciating his compassionate and pro-active actions during emergency situation and punishing for being the agent causing such situation. c) As a DM what long term measures you will take to avoid such incidents in future?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Crisis Decision MakingCorruption
As you stand there, torn between your professional duty and your love for your daughter, you realize the weight of the decision before you. The integrity of the entire examination system hangs in the balance, as does the future of millions of students - including your own child. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) As a person responsible for ensuring exam protocols, what are the options available to you? What course of action will you follow and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Crisis Decision MakingConflict of Interest
You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district. Recently an incident of rape and murder of a doctor occurred in your district leading to huge public outrage. There were protests organised by the doctors' fraternity in order to demand justice for the victim. You were trying to ensure the law and order remain intact in the district. In the meantime media reports mentioned the perpetrator of the crime to be a civil volunteer of your department. This led to social media allegations against your department accusing the Police of favouring the accused. Also, there were other rumours on social media like involvement of trainee doctors in the crime, renovation of the hospital to remove the evidence etc. To add fuel to the entire scenario, reports of circulation of the pictures of the victim also came. All this led to mob violence in the city. The mob disrupted the peaceful protest of doctors and also broke the hospital equipment and beds etc. You received a call from the Commissioner of Police to take necessary action as the progress in resolving the case is being reported to the Chief Minister directly. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What course of action would you take to maintain law and order? c) What steps have been taken by the government to ensure safety of women at the workplace? Suggest some additional steps that can be taken.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
The District Magistrate should inform about his experience to higher authorities and take the moral responsibility by tendering his resignation as he has not only failed to streamline the public service delivery in the district but also because of him two extremists are free. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2015
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are a young IAS officer posted as SDM of a flood prone sub-division. There is an old dam in your area which protects about 2 dozen villages from floods. Though the dam is weak, it is expected to hold up as repair works are being carried upon by the villagers. One day you receive a call that the villagers in the area had abandoned repairs and were running away from the work site because the dam was about to collapse as the force of water was building up. You quickly reach the site and see the fear and panic induced villagers. Systematised evacuation will take 2 days and if the dam collapses now, there will be great loss of life and property. You noticed several geo-bags (synthetic bags which are used to protect hydraulic structures and river banks from severe erosion) lying at a construction site near the dam which could hold the dam for some time. You realized that all you needed now was manpower to place these bags on the dam in such a way as to prevent water from entering the village. But the people are fear stricken and are preparing to flee. 20 Based on above information, answer the following questions: (a) Elaborate on the qualities of a civil servant that are essential in such circumstances. (b) What options do you have to handle this situation? Evaluate each of them with their merits and demerits.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Crisis Decision MakingEmpathy and Compassion
Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in handling the misinformation crisis. (b) What should be Ishita's course of action in balancing freedom of speech, public order, and government directives? Justify your response. (c) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are a Superintendent of Police tasked with conducting an internal departmental inquiry into an alleged case of custodial torture and subsequent disappearance of three tribal persons. The case of the police force is that these persons were habitual offenders who had committed theft. The police had nabbed them for interrogation but they escaped from the police custody and are absconding. Family members of these persons, on the other hand, maintain that they were falsely framed in the case and were not in a condition to flee due to custodial torture. They are alleging foul play on the part of the police and suspect that the police is behind their disappearance. Prima facie, you find many lacunae in the police investigation. The policemen did not produce these persons before the Magistrate nor did they get them medically examined, as required by the law. One of your seniors, without referring to the case, informally talks to you about the adverse working conditions of the police force and insinuates that all police personnel should help each other. He also says that all serving officers need to be mindful of the fact that they are part of the police force and should not do anything which may tarnish the reputation of the police department. (a) Identify the stakeholders and various issues involved in the case. (b) How will you conduct a fair and impartial inquiry that ensures that public perception regarding cover-up in such cases does not gain ground? (c) Highlight the reasons for the continuing impunity of custodial deaths in India, and recommend steps that authorities should take to resolve it.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty
You have been recently posted as Superintendent of Police of a district which has a famous temple. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in your district on the issue of allowing entry of women in the temple. The women were trying to break the allegedly 400-year-old tradition of the temple, which banned women from entering its inner sanctum. Recently a 350-strong group of women was stopped by the the temple administration from entering the temple. This led to a scuffle wherein few women participating in the protest were manhandled. There is a pressure on you from local politicians who want you to prevent any such forced entry as elections are approaching. (a) Do you think there is a dichotomy between progressive values guaranteed to women by the Constitution and regressive traditions which continue in the garb of religion? How can this dichotomy be resolved? (b) How would you manage the law and order situation created by the forced entry? (c) How would you manage and mould patriarchal attitude of the temple administrators and male elders to ensure harmony.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion
During your election duty you caught hold of a vehicle full of cash. On inquiry, it was revealed to you that the vehicle belongs to a very popular politician of the region and even the exit polls are predicting his victory. The politician calls you up to release the vehicle. You try to approach your senior to seek advice but can't reach him. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) What course of action will you take?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Crisis Decision MakingPressure and Loyalty
Kamal is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. He has been recently transferred as the Municipal commissioner of the Kartavya Nagar Municipality. Kamal is an honest and no-nonsense officer. He has been known for having a tough stance against corruption, lethargy, and indiscipline at the workplace. In his new responsibility as the Municipal commissioner, Kamal finds that the day-to-day functioning of the municipal office is in a very sorry state. The inefficiency and ineffectiveness have brought matters to such a pass that even the basic responsibilities like cleanliness of the city, upkeep of public places, redressal of grievances etc., are not fulfilled. Upon enquiring, Kamal finds that the reason for rampant indiscipline and corruption in the municipal office is primarily a group of errant employees. While they do not work themselves, they also create nuisance in the office, thereby disrupting the work of other sincere employees. Moreover, it also comes to Kamal's knowledge that these employees indulge in corrupt practices by demanding bribes from people for petty tasks. Further, Kamal has noticed that the undisciplined employees come to office late, leave early and also remain absent from work without permission. Kamal gets to know that the ringleader of these employees is a close relative of a local MLA. In order to improve the working condition of the municipal office, Kamal warns the mischievous employees to mend their troublesome ways or to face strict disciplinary actions. However, Kamal's warning has little effect on the thick-skinned employees, who continue to work in their wayward ways. Finally, Kamal issues a show cause notice to all the troublesome employees for their various acts of indiscipline. As a retaliatory measure, a woman employee amongst these troublesome workers files a complaint of sexual harassment against Kamal with the Women's commission. The commission has asked for Kamal's explanation in this matter. Also, this fabricated matter is publicised in the media to embarrass Kamal further. Moreover, the MLA begins pressuring Kamal to go soft on these employees. Some of the options before Kamal to handle this situation could be as follows: i) Give his explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action. ii) Ignore the commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action. iii) Brief his higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly a) Evaluate all the above courses of action and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. b) What according to you are the reasons behind poor work culture in public offices? Also, recommend measures to improve the same.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingWork Culture
You have recently been appointed as the District magistrate of a district, which has been witnessing floods for the last couple of years. This year is no exception. It has been raining continuously and has brought in unprecedented challenges. Thousands of people are trapped in flood waters. Boats needed for evacuation remained in lorries as the roads were damaged because of rain and were flooded. The boats reached the river, they could not enter the water because of the cross currents. Helicopters could not pick up people as desired for many reasons like there were trees near houses, old people could not climb up, and the houses did not have a rooftop. Communication lines are cut off. The batteries of mobiles of all your team members out in the field had drained after 3 days of rain, no power supply and damaged mobile towers. Corruption at lower levels of bureaucracy has further aggravated the situation. In the present situation a. As the District Collector, what are your priorities for solving the immediate problem? b. What long term measures would you take to prevent the future recurrence of the problem?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingEmpathy and Compassion
A joint operation has been started by security forces in a naxal affected area after one such ambush by naxalites in which some people and security personnel were killed. The operation has not received encouraging success. The local media in that area, has been reporting all the progress on day to day basis and it has been critical to security forces for their lack of success. The security forces are of view that the role of media is having demoralising effect on police force, on the one hand, and morale boosting for naxalites, on the other. You are District Magistrate of one such affected district. You have become popular due to your democratic way of handling the naxalites which has also resulted into surrenders in past. You get a call from the head of the joint operation to curtail media freedom and ensure that the local media reports in favour of administration. Even you are told not to shy away if there is need to gag media and arrest some journalists. (a) What are the options available to you in this situation? (b) Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your options and choose the most appropriate one, giving reasons.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are an undergraduate student in a leading Law University. You go with your college friend Surender to his village to attend his sister's marriage. Surender's parents are farmers and are financially very poor. They have somehow managed to send him to the university by selling their land. After interaction with the relatives attending the marriage, you find out that the bride is not of marriagable age, which makes it a case of child marraige. The family wants early marriage of the daughter to avoid huge demands of dowry in the future. You are well aware that child marriage is illegal in India. So, you discuss the issue with your friend who says that he is helpless and can't do anything. Your friend feels that his family is already doing too much for him and he cannot argue and change his parents' decision. In this situation, what are the possible actions you can take? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of them.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Crisis Decision MakingRules versus Compassion
You are posted as a DCP in the national capital of the country. In a locality which falls under your jurisdiction, protests have been going on for the last one month against a decision taken by the government. While these protests have been non-violent in nature and are being led by women, the protesters have blocked a major road which connects a number of satellite cities. This has led to traffic jams and congestion causing inconvenience to people who use this road for commuting to work, causing hardships and a loss to the economy. A number of people filed complaints in this regard and also approached the courts. The High Court has directed the police to keep larger public interest in mind and take appropriate action. In light of the information given above, answer the following questions: (a) While highlighting the significance of right to protest in a democratic setup, discuss the limitations on this right, even if the protests are non-violent, as in this case. (b) What are the options available to you? (c) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Crisis Decision MakingRules versus Compassion
As the District Magistrate (DM) in a flood-prone district, you are managing relief operations. A local leader, known for their influence, is actively spreading misinformation, inciting public anger against the administration, and obstructing rescue efforts, alleging that relief is biased. However, the local community is suffering significantly, and critical relief operations are being hindered. Given the situation, how would you respond?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion
Jajantara, one of the districts in Eastern India has emerged as a hotspot of voice phishing activity. Voice phishing, also known as 'vishing', is the use of fraudulent phone calls to trick people into giving money or revealing personal information. Vishing fraudsters often use modern VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) features such as caller ID spoofing and automated systems (IVR) to impede detection by law enforcement agencies. Vishing is typically used to steal credit card numbers, banking details or other information for identity theft and related crimes. The promise of earning huge amount of money in shorter span of time is used to lure unemployed and educated youth into this scam. The entire vishing racket is being run like an organised crime. The networks that run these scams have also started feeding other crimes like arms smuggling, money laundering, and gang wars. The system is on the verge of collapse and the common people are losing faith in the capability of administration to improve law and order in the district. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians as well as some senior police officers are providing surreptitious patronage to the phishing mafia. The poor reputation of the district has started to reflect in international headlines. The youth from the area are stigmatised and face hurdles in gaining employment due to the negative perceptions about the district. You are a police officer who is appointed as superintendent of police to bring the situation to normalcy. Identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the same.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
CorruptionCrisis Decision Making
To enhance tourism and revenue, the state government proposed Project Z, which includes a tiger safari and a specialized zoo within an Indian national park. Ajay, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in charge of the park, was assigned to oversee and approve infrastructure development for the zoo and safari. Well-regarded as a liberal officer, Ajay was approached by local friends and a nearby MLA with a plan for a high-tech tourist resort adjacent to the park. Believing the project would not harm the park’s core area, Ajay approved it, overlooking the details and the environmental impact. Weeks later, an activist filed a complaint alleging illegal deforestation and unauthorized construction related to the resort. Upon reviewing the complaint, Ajay discovered that the resort project, which he had approved, had indeed felled over 500 trees and built structures without proper administrative clearances. Ajay was dismayed to realize he had been misled by his friends and the politician. This situation highlights a troubling case of collusion between a politician and a forest officer, resulting in significant environmental damage for political and commercial gain. In the given situation answer the following: a) Identify the stakeholders and ethical dilemmas involved in the case. b) What are the potential long-term consequences of such laxity for environmental governance and public trust? c) What are the options available to Ajay in the given situation? What should be his course of action? [20M]
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Crisis Decision MakingConflict of Interest