Q1(b)(b) “हितों का टकराव भ्रष्टाचार की जननी है।” हितों के टकराव (Conflict of Interest) को परिभाषित कीजिये और उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ सार्वजनिक पद पर इसके प्रभाव स्पष्ट कीजिये। (150 शब्द) 10
(b) सार्वजनिक आलोचना या विफलता की स्थिति में, संवेगात्मक बुद्धिमता (Emotional Intelligence) बौद्धिक क्षमता (Intellectual Competence) से अधिक मूल्यवान गुण हो सकता है। सिविल सेवा के कार्यों से उदाहरण सहित स्पष्ट कीजिये। (150 शब्द) 10
(b) “सद्गुण (Virtue) दो दोषों के बीच की स्वर्ण मध्यम (Golden Mean) मार्ग है।” सिविल सेवकों के समक्ष आने वाली समकालीन नैतिक दुविधाओं के संदर्भ में अरस्तु की सद्गुण नीतिशास्त्र की अवधारणा की व्याख्या कीजिये। (150 शब्द) 10
(b) संस्थागत सत्यनिष्ठा को मजबूत करने में व्हिसलब्लोअर संरक्षण के महत्त्व पर चर्चा कीजिये। भारत में हाल के मामलों के उदाहरण दीजिये। (150 शब्द) 1010 marks
Q7Ramesh, a civil servant aspirant, was recently barred from future UPSC examinations after it was found that he had misrepresented his eligibility and submitted false documents. This incident came on the heels of mass protests in Bihar, where BPSC aspirants demanded fairness and transparency after multiple irregularities were reported in the examination process. These events have sparked public debates on ethics in recruitment, systemic loopholes and declining trust in the integrity of public institutions. The case led to widespread media coverage and concern over ethical responsibilities of aspirants and institutions alike, lack of robust verification systems, pressures of competitive exams driving moral compromise and the public perception of civil servants and the credibility of the UPSC. You are posted as an officer in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which is now under pressure to overhaul civil services recruitment ethics mechanisms and respond to media, students, and the Parliament. (250 words) 20 Identify the ethical issues involved in the above case. As an officer, how would you balance empathy for aspirants with the need for strict enforcement of integrity? Suggest a set of concrete institutional reforms that would help prevent such cases without discouraging genuine candidates.20 marks
Q8Ravindra is a senior engineer in the Ministry of Power. He discovers that a contractor, with political backing, has used substandard material in a government-funded rural electrification project. The faulty work could pose a danger to villagers. His seniors hint that raising the issue would "embarrass the department" and possibly stall promotions. Ravindra is torn between loyalty to his seniors and his commitment to public safety. (250 words) 20 What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Ravindra? Suggest a course of action and justify it with ethical reasoning. What institutional safeguards can ensure ethical disclosures without fear of retaliation?20 marks
Q9Ms. Ananya Verma, a 29-year-old IAS officer, is posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of a communally sensitive subdivision in a North Indian state. A promising officer from the 2020 batch, she is known for her efficient public service delivery, strict law enforcement, and approachability among local citizens. Outside of her official responsibilities, Ananya maintains a personal social media profile on X (formerly Twitter), where she occasionally shares her thoughts on socio-political issues. One evening, she shares a thread criticizing certain historical practices and modern-day actions of religious groups—without naming any particular religion. Her intention, she claims later, was to provoke ethical introspection, not to offend. However, the post quickly goes viral. Several media outlets pick it up and brand it as "biased commentary by an officer of the state." Political groups on both sides of the communal divide begin using her posts either to attack her credibility or to endorse her stance. A local legislator writes to the Chief Secretary demanding her immediate transfer, alleging a "threat to communal harmony." Some argue that she was exercising her right to freedom of speech as a citizen. Others insist that her post violates the principle of political neutrality and religious impartiality expected from civil servants—especially those serving in conflict-prone areas. The District Magistrate, while acknowledging her competence, seeks your advice as the Ethics Officer for the state cadre to frame a policy note on such emerging digital dilemmas involving public servants. (250 words) 20 Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. How should a civil servant balance personal freedom of expression with professional duties and constitutional neutrality? What ethical principles and service values should guide the conduct of public servants in the digital space?20 marks
Q10You are a senior officer in the Ministry of Education and have recently been nominated as a key member of a committee constituted to formulate comprehensive regulatory guidelines for ed-tech platforms in India. This policy is intended to bring accountability to the sector, protect student interests, regulate pricing, and ensure quality standards across platforms. The ed-tech sector has grown exponentially, especially after the pandemic, and has drawn both praise and criticism for its impact on students, parents, and traditional education systems. While going through stakeholder submissions, you realize that your younger sibling is a co-founder of a prominent ed-tech company. The company is a direct beneficiary of the current regulatory vacuum and would be affected—positively or negatively—by several clauses under discussion, including those related to data privacy, fee transparency, and teacher qualifications. You have no financial or managerial involvement in the firm, but the familial relationship is known to some colleagues. While the committee relies heavily on your expertise in digital governance, continuing your participation without disclosure may be perceived as a conflict of interest, especially if the policy outcomes appear to favour your sibling's company. (250 words) 20 What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this situation? What options are available to you as a civil servant in this scenario? Suggest ways in which institutions can manage conflicts of interest in committees dealing with public policy.20 marks
Q11In response to rising air pollution and urban congestion, the municipal government of a major Indian city has decided to implement a dynamic paid parking policy in its central business district. The policy aims to discourage private vehicle use, promote public transport, and ensure efficient use of scarce urban land. Under this policy, parking fees will be significantly increased, especially during peak hours, and digital payment systems will be introduced. The revenue generated is proposed to be used for improving public transport and pedestrian infrastructure. However, the policy has triggered strong reactions. Local business owners fear reduced customer footfall. Daily wage workers and lower-income groups, who rely on affordable parking for their two-wheelers, argue the policy is regressive. Environmental groups and urban planners support the move, citing global best practices and the need to prioritize sustainable mobility. There are also concerns about the transparency of revenue utilization and the capacity of the municipal administration to enforce the new system without corruption or harassment. (250 words) 20 You are the Municipal Commissioner responsible for implementing this policy. (a) What values and principles should guide your decision-making in balancing the interests of different stakeholders? (b) Suggest a course of action that ensures transparency, equity, and effective policy implementation. (c) How would you address concerns of possible corruption and misuse of funds generated from parking fees?20 marks
Q12भारत में सोशल मीडिया प्लेटफॉर्म्स के तीव्र प्रसार से संचार, शासन व्यवस्था और सामाजिक संपर्क में महत्त्वपूर्ण परिवर्तन हुए हैं। हालाँकि, किशोरों पर अत्यधिक सोशल मीडिया उपयोग के नकारात्मक प्रभाव-जैसे चिंता, अवसाद, साइबरबुलिंग और मिथ्या सूचना की प्राप्ति- को लेकर चिंताएँ बढ़ी हैं। हाल के अध्ययनों और वैश्विक नीति रुझानों ने इन जोखिमों को उजागर किया है, ऑस्ट्रेलिया जैसे देशों ने बच्चों को ऑनलाइन सुरक्षा प्रदान करने के लिये सख्त आयु-सत्यापन अधिनियम प्रवर्तित किये हैं। भारत में, सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी (मध्यवर्ती दिशा-निर्देश और डिजिटल मीडिया आचार संहिता) नियम, 2021 और डिजिटल वैयक्तिक डेटा संरक्षण, अधिनियम, 2023 जैसे विनियामक ढाँचों के माध्यम से अनुपालन और माता-पिता की सहमति की आवश्यकताएँ पेश की गई हैं, लेकिन प्रवर्तन और गोपनीयता चुनौतियाँ बनी हुई हैं।
एक संसदीय समिति ने सोशल मीडिया पहुँच के लिये अनिवार्य आयु-सत्यापन और नाबालिगों के लिये समय-सीमा जैसी कड़ी व्यवस्थाओं की सिफारिश की है। नागरिक समाज समूह और अभिभावक किशोरों की मानसिक स्वास्थ्य समस्याओं और ऑनलाइन उत्पीड़न के बढ़ते मामलों के चलते कड़े सुरक्षा उपायों का समर्थन करते हैं। वहीं, डिजिटल अधिकार कार्यकर्ता चेतावनी देते हैं कि ऐसी व्यवस्थाएँ गोपनीयता का उल्लंघन कर सकती हैं, डेटा का दुरुपयोग हो सकता है और जिन किशोरों के पास सरकारी पहचान पत्र नहीं है, वे इन प्लेटफॉर्म्स से वंचित रह सकते हैं। सोशल मीडिया कंपनियों का तर्क है अत्यधिक कड़े नियम डिजिटल नवाचार और अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता को बाधित कर सकते हैं।
आप इलेक्ट्रॉनिकी एवं सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्रालय में एक वरिष्ठ अधिकारी हैं, जिसे किशोरों की सोशल मीडिया सुरक्षा के लिये- विभिन्न नैतिक, विधिक और व्यावहारिक पहलुओं का संतुलन रखते हुए- नई नीति तैयार करने का दायित्व सौंपा गया है। (250 शब्द) 20
(a) भारत में किशोरों की सोशल मीडिया पहुँच को विनियमित करने में शामिल प्रमुख नैतिक दुविधाओं की पहचान कर उनकी विवेचना कीजिये।
(b) इस संदर्भ में आपके निर्णयन में किन मूल्यों और सिद्धांतों का मार्गदर्शन होना चाहिये?
(c) एक ऐसी संतुलित नीति दृष्टिकोण का सुझाव दीजिये जिससे गोपनीयता या डिजिटल अधिकारों का अनुचित उल्लंघन किये बिना किशोरों की मानसिक स्वास्थ्य और सुरक्षा संबंधी समस्याओं का निवारण किया जा सके।
(d) आप नीति निर्माण प्रक्रिया में पारदर्शिता, उत्तरदायित्व और हितधारकों की सहभागिता किस प्रकार सुनिश्चित करेंगे?20 marks