Ethics, integrity and aptitude

You are posted as a District Magistrate (DM) of a district where residents are facing the menace of stray dogs. Instances of dogs chasing two-wheelers, cyclists and attacking pedestrians are on the rise. Elderly persons as well as children are the worst-hit and recently, an 8 year old girl was severely injured by a pack of dogs. The perceived magnanimity of the problem and inaction from government authorities have prompted vigilante groups to cull dogs in mass numbers. However, local NGOs have come out against such a practice of mass culling and are calling for stringent action against those killing stray dogs. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) As the DM, suggest short-term and long-term measures to tackle the above issue.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2021

Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

What do you understand by 'civic virtue' in public life? What are the challenges in practising it in today's time? How can these challenges be overcome?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Human ValuesCivil Service Values

"With great power comes great responsibility." In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2025

Corporate GovernanceTechnology and Ethics

In pursuit of political power, means are often compromised that leads to competitive reliance on unethical practices resulting in erosion of public trust. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2023

Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are a young, enthusiastic IAS officer recently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a rural subdivision. Eager to make a positive impact, you embark on a series of field visits to various government offices under your jurisdiction. However, the sight that greets you in most offices is disheartening. Employees stroll in well past the official start time, and once in, seem to prioritize leisurely tea breaks and idle chatter over their duties. The physical manifestation of this lethargy is evident in the towering stacks of unattended files gathering dust on desks. This backlog translates to agonizing delays in processing applications for essential services and benefits, leaving citizens frustrated and disillusioned. As you interact with the local populace, you hear disturbing accounts of bribery and favoritism plaguing the administrative machinery. It appears that those with influence or willing to pay under-the-table 'fees' can expedite their requests, while the marginalized and less privileged languish in the system's inefficiencies. The most distressing aspect of the situation is the impact on ordinary citizens. You witness firsthand their exasperation as they navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, often facing indifference, rudeness, or demands for bribes. a) What are the ethical issues in the prevailing work culture in the subdivision? b) As the SDM, what specific steps would you take to improve the overall work culture and quality of service delivery in your subdivision? c) Discuss the challenges you might encounter in implementing these changes and how you would overcome them.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024

CorruptionWork Culture

Growing awareness about terminal as well as mental illness has given credence to the idea of "living wills". What is a living will? Discuss the ethical issues to be considered from an individual as well as social perspective to formulate and implement it.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Dimensions of EthicsLaw and Morality

What are the main components of emotional intelligence and how does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2025

Emotional IntelligenceDimensions of Ethics

You are posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a district. As the SDM it is your responsibility to conduct interviews and select a candidate for the post of an ASHA worker in the district. On the day you are conducting the interviews, you are approached by the MLA of the local constituency who asks you to choose a particular lady for this position by overlooking the other candidates. On checking her documents you find that she is eligible in all respects. The MLA implores that she should be given the post on compassionate grounds as her husband was a soldier who was martyred in a war. Some of the options to handle the situation could be as follows: (a) Ignore the MLA and proceed with the process of selection. (b) Speak to your superior and seek his guidance on the matter. (c) Appoint the lady to the post as it is a compassionate appointment. Also suggest other possible options. Evaluate each of these options and suggest the best course of action, giving reasons for it.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Pressure and LoyaltyCivil Service Values

You are a young officer posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a district. You have received information that at a party some people were harassed by your subordinate police officer. On further inquiry, you came to know that two complaints have been filed - one by the police and the other by people who organised the party. According to the police, people had gathered without permission and were not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and social distancing norms. But on the other hand, the complaint filed by the party organisers says that police entered the private venue due to loud noise and harassed everyone at the party including women guests. According to them, your subordinate police officer even tore apart the document, which granted permission to organise the party. A video of this incident, showing your subordinate officer tearing off a document, is being widely circulated on social media platforms. Due to this, social activists want you to take strict action against your subordinate police officer. (a) Identify the ethical issues in the case. (b) What are the factors that can influence decision by competent authorities in such instances? Do you think mobilising public opinion through social media is a fair way to influence the decision in such cases? (c) As the SP, what will be your course of action in this situation?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2021

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCrisis Decision Making

After being posted as the District Development Officer (DDO) in a district dominated by tribal villages, I met with all the Block Development Officers (BDOs) to understand the region's specific problems. The primary issues identified were water scarcity, poor educational infrastructure, irregularities in the midday meal scheme, and non-existent roads. With a limited budget, I began planning solutions for these pressing problems. A few weeks after the BDOs meeting, I made a courtesy visit to the Superintendent of Police's (SP) office. During our cordial conversation, the SP mentioned witchcraft-related crimes, which surprised me as none of the BDOs had brought it up. My concern grew knowing that most victims of these crimes were women. A week later, while visiting a block for a routine inspection, I met with school teachers, ASHA workers, and women elders from Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Through discussions, I learned that witchcraft had deep roots in the community. ASHA workers reported incidents almost every month, though none were officially recorded. Realising the gravity of the situation, I decided to allocate part of the development funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. Local NGOs and SHGs welcomed the initiative, but two weeks later, you received an RTI wanting an explanation for allocating funds for witchcraft-related issues at the cost of critical areas like education, roads, and water supply. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) With a limited budget at your disposal, you decide to allocate funds to tackle witchcraft-related superstitions. How would you justify your decision to the community and stakeholders? (c) Given that witchcraft-related crimes were not initially reported by the BDOs, how would you address this lack of communication and ensure better reporting and transparency moving forward?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCrisis Decision Making

A. In the context of public service, what does public service attitude mean? Discuss the attitude biases that affects a public servants on field decision making? Explain how a public servant can overcome such attitude biases?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

AttitudeAptitude for Civil Service

You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same. (b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government

It is essential that people have access to information if they are to have the capacity to exercise other rights. Discuss the statement with focus on importance of RTI in governance.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021

Transparency and InformationAccountability and Ethical Governance

Discuss the role and importance of independent directors for corporate governance.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2019

Corporate GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

There has been a perceptible rise in the cost of healthcare services provided by private hospitals. In absence of adequate and quality government hospitals, people are forced to opt for private hospitals, especially for life threatening diseases and injuries. You recently visit one of your friends admitted in a famous private hospital. You found out that the hospital is charging a huge amount of money, which seems to be unreasonable. You confront the staff and ask them to explain the rationale behind such high charges. Their response is that the charges are fair for the kind of services they are providing. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) Given how other professions price their services, discuss the feasibility of capping the amount of fees charged by doctors and private hospitals. (c) How can the provision of quality services and need for profit be reconciled with society's interests in this case?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2018

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

You work as a marketing consultant for a multinational company that specializes in various products including nutrient supplements, diet pills etc. The company pays its employees extremely well and provides satisfactory fringe benefits. Your manager has hinted that he will recommend you for overseas company transfer, which will improve your job profile. This has motivated you to work harder and perform better. The company has to advertise and sell a new weight loss pill 'X'. As per in-company research, it has minimal or no side effects and has no adverse impacts on health, which is its unique selling point (USP). You are given the responsibility of heading the marketing team for advertising pill 'X'. Due to a well-crafted marketing strategy including endorsement by a renowned celebrity, the product has generated considerable public attention. However, while working on an advertisement campaign for the pill, you find out that the in-company research findings of pill 'X' are fabricated. While it indeed has no side-effects, there are no proven benefits of taking the pill as well. It merely acts as a placebo. When you bring up the issue with your manager, he promptly tells you to keep the facts to yourself. He also indirectly brings up the fact that your performance review date is approaching and hints that you will get transferred overseas if you prove your loyalty to the company. Based on the given information, address the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders in this situation. (b) State the ethical issues that arise in this case. (c) Discuss your options in this scenario and mention your next step.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2021

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are the Health Secretary in a state where there is an outbreak of dengue and chikungunya diseases. There have been reports of negligent attitude of some private hospitals in the city. Also, the public hospitals do not have the required infrastructure and staff to meet such increased number of cases in a short span of time. Additionally, the staff is demoralised by the increased working hours and the public outrage. Despite the efforts of the local authorities this issue emerges year after year. 1. What are the immediate steps which should be taken in such a situation? 2. Suggest some long term measures to ensure that such a situation is not repeated.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2016–2019

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Crisis Decision MakingRules versus Compassion

With behavioural issues and suicides among children on the rise, teachers and parents need to play an active part in ensuring mental well-being. Discuss. Also, explain the importance of emotional intelligence in this regard.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2018–2019

Emotional IntelligenceFamily, Society and Education

You are a mid-level manager at 'GoodLife Pharma,' a leading pharmaceutical company in India. After years of research and development, the company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new drug, 'Revivol,' which promises to significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from a debilitating chronic illness. The drug is projected to be a blockbuster, generating billions in revenue and potentially saving countless lives. You've been an integral part of the Revivol team, and its success could significantly boost your career prospects. However, just weeks before the scheduled launch, you stumble upon disturbing evidence suggesting that Revivol may have serious, potentially fatal, side effects in a small percentage of patients. These side effects were not adequately disclosed in the initial clinical trial reports, and further investigation reveals that some data points indicating adverse reactions were deliberately omitted from the final report submitted to the regulatory authorities. You are deeply troubled by this discovery. You understand that the drug is likely to receive approval based on the existing data, and the company is already heavily invested in its marketing and launch. However, the potential harm to patients weighs heavily on your conscience. To add to the complexity, you discover that your direct superior was aware of the data discrepancies and chose to ignore them. Confronting them directly might lead to retaliation, jeopardizing your job and career. You're also the sole breadwinner for your family, and losing your job would have devastating financial consequences. a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by the manager in this scenario? b) What will be your course of action and why? c) How could stronger corporate governance mechanisms have prevented or mitigated this situation?

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

Corporate GovernanceIntegrity

Bring out the significance of probity in public life. What are the requisites for ensuring probity in governance? Pointing out the key concerns in India in this context, suggest certain remedial measures.

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

Probity in GovernanceAccountability and Ethical Governance

What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.

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

Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values

Compassion should never be considered as weakness, but rather as an essential element for providing a congenial administrative working environment. Discuss.

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

Empathy and CompassionCivil Service Values

Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) "Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly" - Mahatma Gandhi.

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

Indian ThinkersIntegrity