Ethics, integrity and aptitude

A reputed Indian beauty & personal care company developed a herbal skin cream for the international market, claiming anti-ageing and skin-repair properties based on traditional Ayurvedic formulations. After obtaining the necessary approvals and export certifications, the company began exporting the product. The product received widespread positive feedback for its quality and natural formulation, and soon became a huge hit in international markets. Riding on this success, the company announced that the product would soon be made available to domestic consumers, with almost the same quality and health benefits. Subsequently, it secured approval from the domestic regulatory authority and launched the product in the Indian market. Over time, the brand gained a significant share of the domestic market and earned substantial revenues both nationally and internationally. However, during a random sample check, officials discovered that the cream sold in India differed from the version approved by the competent authority. The product failed to meet the claimed herbal composition and purity standards. Further investigation revealed that the company had often been distributing batches that had failed export quality checks. The incident triggered widespread public criticism and regulatory scrutiny, leading to a sharp decline in the company's reputation and financial performance. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) What actions should the competent regulatory authority take against the personal care company for violating domestic quality standards and distributing rejected export batches in the Indian market? c) What course of action is available to the company to manage the crisis and restore public trust and brand credibility?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017

Corporate GovernanceCorruption

You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school. You are thoroughly appalled with this approach of the school authorities, yet you are mired down in your own financial circumstances. On the basis of the above situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the most relevant stakeholders in the case. (b) What are the dilemmas in the case? (c) Discuss how stigmatisation of mental health issues can be addressed in schools.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEmpathy and Compassion

Embracing a scientific mindset involves setting aside impulsive inclinations in favor of the pursuit of truth. In your view, how does the integration of scientific thinking contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and promoting societal progress? How can we effectively cultivate a scientific attitude in society?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

AttitudeHuman Values

In one of the government primary schools located in a rural block of a district, the newly appointed headmistress observed an unusual practice. The school had been preparing and serving mid-day meals separately to students belonging to different communities. Although the meals were cooked using a common gas connection, separate utensils, cooking areas, and serving arrangements had been in place for more than two decades. Students from the two communities had their food cooked and served by different cooks and ate in separate classrooms, despite attending classes together. After taking charge, the headmistress decided to discontinue this practice. She directed that food be prepared and served together for all students, using a common kitchen and utensils. However, the decision triggered backlash. A considerable number of parents across communities vehemently opposed the move and stopped sending their children to school. Consequently, attendance fell by almost 60 percent. This also raised concerns regarding the possible discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme, withdrawal of teaching staff, and even closure of the school due to falling enrolment. The issue has attracted attention from various political and social groups attempting to further polarise the situation and serve their vested interests. Marpi Apang, the District Education Officer (DEO), has been tasked by the Deputy Commissioner's office to amicably resolve the matter at the earliest. She has also been directed to submit a detailed report along with the Action Taken Report within a fortnight. a) Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. b) What course of action should Marpi adopt and why? c) What should be the responsibilities of different social segments and agencies to create positive social ambiance for accepting such changes?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers

Social Influence and PersuasionRules versus Compassion

Misusing of benefits intended for the weaker sections of society leads to various moral consequences. Discuss. How can such misuse be prevented to ensure equitable distribution of resources?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Probity in GovernanceCorruption

Access to quality basic services plays a critical role in enhancing individual capabilities to participate fully in the growth of the nation. Discuss the statement in the context of vulnerable sections of India. (b) Analyse the challenges with regard to quality service delivery in India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017

Quality of Service DeliveryEmpathy and Compassion

What are the core ethical dilemmas in this situation? How should you apply the principle of public interest vs procedural integrity in infrastructure work? Suggest a transparent framework that allows speedy infrastructure delivery without compromising compliance.

Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentIntegrity

Lack of cleanliness in urban areas despite schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan point to difficulties faced in bringing about attitudinal and behavioural changes. Discuss. 10 (b) What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance. 10 (b) Competition, it is argued, spurs the best of performance, however, can it also instigate cheating and unethical behaviour? Discuss with adequate examples. 10 (b) “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” What does this quotation mean to you? Explain with an example.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2016

Sources of Ethical GuidanceDimensions of Ethics

Identify the key stakeholders involved in the case and analyze their respective interests. (b) Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by the officer in balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and tribal rights.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

Differentiate between the following: (a) Horizontal and Vertical Accountability (b) Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019

Accountability and Ethical GovernanceCodes of Ethics and Conduct

B. What do you understand by ethics management? Can public officials manage ethics in the work place in a manner similar to managing budgets, policies and people? Do you think adopting codes of ethics and conduct is sufficient enough for managing ethics in the workplace or something more is needed? Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024

Codes of Ethics and ConductCivil Service Values

"There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits." Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Corporate Governance

Bhanjanagar is a sleepy Sub-division of Ganjam district of Odisha. Ganjam district had been a witness to devastation caused by many tropical cyclones over the years. Unfortunately, this year Cyclone Fani hit the Eastern coast of India, with Bhanjanagar being the point of landing of cyclone causing massive disaster resulting in loss of property and lives. You are heading the rescue operations in the Bhanjanagar area which is seriously ravaged by the cyclone. Thousands of people are rendered homeless and deprived of food, drinking water and other basic amenities. Rescue work has been disrupted by heavy rainfall and damage to supply routes. The local people are seething with anger against the delayed limited rescue operations. When your team reaches the affected area, the people there heckle and even assault some of the team members. One of your team members is even severely injured. Faced with this crisis, some team members plead with you to call off the operations fearing threats to their life. In such trying circumstances, what will be your response?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Crisis Decision MakingDedication to Public Service

As a dedicated Block Development Officer (BDO), you are highly respected by your staff and appreciated by your superiors for your constructive work. The state government has selected several villages within your jurisdiction to pilot a women's self-employment scheme utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The project is to be implemented by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), and you have been instructed to provide logistical and other necessary support. The NGO staff commenced their work by meeting and identifying young women who appeared to be suitable candidates for training and skill development. Following identification, these young women were provided with a starter kit, which included a broadband dongle, a 10-inch tablet, and some reading material. The training began in earnest, and the selected young women exhibited great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Initially, the project showed promising signs of success. However, one day, village elders approached you with a request to halt the pilot scheme. They expressed concerns that the devices and online learning were corrupting the young women. They believed that the girls were merely watching videos on the tablets instead of learning. The elders suggested that vocational skills training, such as stitching or cooking, would be more beneficial than digital skills. After listening to their concerns, you assured them that you would investigate the matter. Upon inquiring with the NGO staff, they clarified that the videos being viewed were educational, and they were monitoring the trainees' browsing behaviour through backend systems to ensure appropriate usage. The NGO staff also pointed out that some village men felt excluded from the process and were attempting to dissuade the women from participating in the training sessions. As a BDO, you recognize the scheme's importance and potential benefits for the women in the villages. However, you are also aware that if the men's underlying mindset issues are not addressed promptly, the entire skill development effort could be undermined. As a committed public servant, you were determined to take some preventive action as you noticed tensions brewing among the men. (a) What the issues that you notice in the above case? (b) What are actionable options available to you? (c) Considering the feedback from the NGO staff about village men feeling left out and attempting to dissuade women from attending training sessions, what strategies would you implement to ensure their inclusion and support for the program?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentSocial Influence and Persuasion

You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement. However, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood. (a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program? (b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case. (c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025

Technology and EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

Examine with the help of examples how living in harmony with nature has always been an integral part of Indian cultural traditions and social values.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Environmental EthicsHuman Values

"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do" - Potter Stewart.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Dimensions of EthicsLaw and Morality

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 family relatives attending the marriage, you find out that the bride is not of marriagable age, which makes it a case of child marriage. 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 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2018

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentRules versus Compassion

Although open and transparent governance has gained ground, do you agree with the view that there is merit in withholding some information from people? Justify your arguments with examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022

Transparency and InformationProbity in Governance

What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) "Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom"-Thomas Jefferson

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024

Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics

A. "There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits." Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours? B. Do you think values such as "tyaga," (renunciation) "seva," (service) "daanam," (Charity) "damah," (self-control) that are espoused in traditional Indian Wisdom have relevance for modern day public servants? Why? Why not?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024

Corporate GovernanceCivil Service Values

Whereas some argue that leaks constitute an affront to democracy, others are of the opinion that leaks are a part of democracy. Examine the merits of both the arguments in the context of information attributed to leaks from government offices and whistleblowers.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018

Transparency and InformationCorruption

Explain the significance of the following in the context of civil service: (iii) Strength of character

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Aptitude for Civil ServiceImpartiality and Objectivity

Pratap is a data engineer working in ABC Infocom. Pratap is a sincere employee who is liked equally by his superiors, colleagues, and subordinates. One day, during the lunch hour, a few colleagues were discussing a news item. There was a rally/parade in support of the LGBTQIA+ community which was to be held on the coming Sunday. While the news item was a matter of intrigue and fun for all, Pratap was sensitive about the issue. He explained to his colleagues the importance of understanding the demands of the LGBTQIA+ for equal civil rights as enjoyed by others. Kamal, a colleague of Pratap, believed such tendencies are not in the favour of the traditional values of the society. Another employee, Sushma, said that she has heard some experts on various news channel talking about how the demands being raised by the LGBTQIA+ community are against the laws of nature. Bhanu, the sales team manager, too agreed with the majority opinion. Bhanu said that his parents believe that the inclinations of LGBTQIA+ people are a manifestation of mental illness. Pratap's reasoning in favour of equal rights for all was of no consequence to his colleagues who seemed to have a rigid attitudinal build up against the community as a whole. On the designated day when the rally was to take place, Kamal was watching the coverage of the parade live from his home. To his astonishment, he saw Pratap in the LGBTQIA+ rally. Next day at the office, when Kamal told Pratap that he saw him participating in the parade. Pratap agreed, and told Kamal that he was gay. After this incident Pratap began to see visible changes in the behaviour of not only his colleagues and subordinates but also the management of the office. While earlier all pestered Pratap to be present for various official and personal occasions, now he increasingly felt unwanted. Even his colleagues started taking their lunch separately. Pratap was earlier respected and revered by all for his sincerity and dedication. But now his professional qualities were overlooked and he became an object of amusement for all. He noticed that people started calling him by different names which he realized were a slur on his personality. Matters came to head when Pratap was overlooked for promotion. Earlier, Pratap's superiors on various occasions had told him that his good work has benefitted the organization immensely and he was due for promotion after the next appraisal. Therefore, this supersession came as a rude and disappointing shock to Pratap, and he fell into a mire of self-doubt and loathing. The conditions came to such a pass that, Pratap, was earlier a happy go lucky, caring, and a self-aware person, started remaining depressed. a) What are the qualities lacked by the colleagues and superiors of Pratap? b) What could be the possible reasons behind the negative attitude of office employees towards LGBTQIA+ community? c) As a friend of Pratap, what advice will you give him?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024

AttitudeEthics in Private and Public Life