Ethics, integrity and aptitude

A. "It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life." In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values

What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him". - J Krishnamurti

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2021

Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics

As a junior engineer in the Department of Water Supply for the past five years, my responsibilities included ensuring water quality and maintaining supply lines for regular distribution. The zone I was posted in had persistent water shortage issues, particularly exacerbated during the summer when the supply became erratic. Residents had to rely heavily on water tankers, which added to their financial burden and inconvenience. Over the years, I observed that the disruptions in water supply were not merely due to technical issues or natural scarcity. Through careful monitoring and data collection, I uncovered evidence suggesting that a cartel of tanker owners was deliberately creating an artificial shortage. This cartel would tamper with the water supply lines, causing disruptions, and then capitalise on the situation by selling water at inflated prices. The activities of this cartel were not only illegal but also highly unethical, exploiting the residents' basic need for water. With substantial evidence in hand, I decided to take action against the cartel. I met with the district Superintendent of Police (SP) and presented my findings. The SP appeared concerned and promised to initiate action against the culprits. However, two weeks passed without any noticeable action being taken. Frustrated and determined, I scheduled another meeting with the SP to understand the delay. During our meeting, the SP candidly explained the situation. He acknowledged the problem and the validity of my evidence but expressed his inability to act due to the cartel's strong political connections and influence. He feared for the safety of his men and the potential repercussions on his career if he went against such powerful interests. This revelation left me in a difficult position, as I understood the SP's predicament but also felt a deep responsibility to address the issue for the sake of the community. (a) What are the options available to you in the above situation? (b) What will be your chosen course of action? (c) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case (d) Suggest some measures for handling cartels who prey on people's needs.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption

"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain." Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Indian ThinkersEthical Theories

The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Family, Society and EducationHuman Values

Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government

"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen." Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018

Ethics in Private and Public LifeLaw and Morality

You, a reporter currently working as an intern, accompanied a small group of reporters to a political event organized by the ruling party's state unit. The party was followed by dinner where you were also asked to join. Here, you noticed that alcohol was being served to some members of the ruling party. Consumption of alcohol had been declared illegal in the state a few months ago and the ban is being enforced strictly across the state. The other reporters in your group ignored the issue and asked you to ignore it as well. However, it was clear to you that the law was not being followed. (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What are your duties in such a scenario? (c) What course of action would you follow and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2017

IntegrityCorruption

It takes more than a corporate governance policy to inspire ethical behavior and sustain a truly ethical workplace. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Corporate GovernanceWork Culture

While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics

You are the Managing Director of a multinational company that prides on hiring people from diverse backgrounds. The company also chooses multiple projects under Corporate Social Responsibility that are geared towards social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society. Miss 'X' who works in your office tells you that she has been diagnosed with HIV. It happened due to malpractice by a medical practitioner who re-used a contaminated syringe that led Miss 'X' to contract the disease. The company has strict policies about toleration and you ensure Miss 'X' that she can continue with her job in the company without facing any form of discrimination. A few days after the revelation, Miss 'X' angrily submits her resignation letter. She states that she has faced discrimination at the workplace everyday after the revelation. Her colleagues are hesitant to eat lunch with her, they make sure they do not drink water from the same source and the females in the office comment on her marital status. She is also asked to sit separately during departmental discussions. She intends to sue the company for mental harassment. If she takes the step, the public image of the company will be maligned and its non-discriminatory policies will be questioned. The following are some suggested options for you to deal with the situation as a Managing Director of the company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: (a) You accept her resignation and suggest a compensation package so that she refrains from suing the company. (b) You persuade her not to submit her resignation and transfer her to another department. (c) You ask her to continue with her job and take strict action against the colleagues who discriminated against her Also, state (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action, giving proper reasons.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Corporate GovernanceEmpathy and Compassion

"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities." Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDimensions of Ethics

Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following:

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2021

Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics

You are working as a senior doctor in the oncology department of a super specialty hospital located in Delhi. While accessing the quotations from reputed pharmaceutical companies to hospitals, you unearth a nexus between pharma firms and the hospital administration. You get to know that they are hand-in glove with each other and trying to fleece cancer patients by selling drugs at exorbitant prices, even though low cost alternative drugs are available in the market. Being the head of Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare, who is working against the arbitrary price regime of life saving drugs, you get a chance to represent your case before the Health Minister of your state. However, certain other doctors of the Alliance have asked you to present a distorted reality in front of the Minister since they are obtaining pecuniary benefits from such a scheme of nexus, which would cease if the nexus gets exposed. 20 (a) Identify the main stakeholders and ethical issues involved. (b) Analyse the possible solutions for addressing the issues. (c) What would be your final course of action and why?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentConflict of Interest

What do you understand by Probity in Governance? Examine whether the recent amendments to Prevention of Corruption Act and the proposed ones in Whistleblower Protection Act undermine it.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Probity in GovernanceCorruption

"Foreign aid is often framed as generosity, but its ethical legitimacy depends on fairness, accountability, and respect for sovereignty." Explain the ethical concerns associated with conditional foreign aid. How can donor countries uphold recipient autonomy while ensuring transparency and developmental impact?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Ethics in International RelationsAccountability and Ethical Governance

Many coal mines in a district subject the workers to inhuman working conditions with little safety measures in place. As such, there have been several accidents and many workers have died in the past. In recognition of a recent accident where fifteen workers were trapped and died, the National Green Tribunal has ordered for closure of all such mines. Some of them have shut down, but many still continue to operate by getting an exception from the government, sometimes using the unholy nexus of politicians-miners-bureaucrats. In absence of alternative employment, the locals have no other choice but to work in mines. The mine owners are in-fact inciting the workers to protest to simultaneously put a pressure on the state to completely overturn the ban. As a District Magistrate of this district, you have been asked by the State government to prepare a report on this issue and give recommendations to resolve it. In this regard, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the interests of State and analyse whether there may be a conflict amongst them? (b) Given that economic growth is often achieved with a large human cost, identify the principles and strategies which could be used in the given case to achieve desirable outcomes.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCrisis Decision Making

"The strength of a professional public service lies in its ability to remain non-partisan, even in a deeply political environment." Do you agree that partisanship undermines the ethical foundation of public administration? Discuss the risks posed by political bias among civil servants and the safeguards that help uphold neutrality.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Impartiality and ObjectivityCivil Service Values

"Procurement decisions are a litmus test of public sector probity, where integrity must resist both institutional pressures and private influence." Discuss how the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability can strengthen ethical conduct in public procurement.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Probity in GovernanceTransparency and Information

"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible." Comment., What does morality mean to you?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories

"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life." Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Family, Society and EducationHuman Values

"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience." Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025

Ethics in Private and Public LifeCivil Service Values

Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. "To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength."

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics

"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars."-Rabindranath Tagore

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Human ValuesIndian Thinkers