Mains Practice Questions

Case Study

You are a newly appointed Medical Superintendent at a government hospital in a tier-2 city, having achieved this position after years of dedicated service. The hospital recently received a substantial grant to establish a state-of-the-art cardiac care unit, a crucial facility as the nearest cardiac center is 200 kilometers away. During the procurement process for medical equipment, you discover that your immediate superior, the Director of Health Services, in collaboration with certain contractors, has inflated the equipment costs by 40% through manipulated tenders. The difference amounts to approximately Rs.12 crores, which could have been used to upgrade the pediatric ward that desperately needs ventilators.

When you raise this issue, the Director reminds you of your recent appointment and the fact that your spouse, also a doctor, was just transferred to this city after a three-year separation. He suggests that "administrative harmony" is crucial for your family's stability. Meanwhile, a reputed medical equipment supplier privately approaches you with documented evidence of the tender manipulation. You also learn that similar practices have been overlooked by your predecessors to "keep the system running." Now, you find your caught between ethical obligations and personal stability, and need to find a way out of this situation.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

3. What course of action would you take as the Medical Superintendent to address this situation effectively?

Q. "Conscience is a necessary but insufficient guide for ethical conduct in public service." Discuss (150 words)

Q. "Objectivity in public service requires acknowledging one's own biases." Do you agree? Illustrate with examples. (150 words)

Case Studies

Rajesh Kumar, an IAS officer, has recently assumed the role of District Collector in an aspirational district of Madhya Pradesh. During his review of MGNREGA projects, he uncovers serious discrepancies, including incomplete projects and wage diversions to fake job cards. He finds that the local MLA, chairing the District Vigilance Committee, has been approving projects without proper verification, while a group of villagers confidentially shares evidence of corruption involving Panchayat officials and contractors. Notably, the previous Collector was swiftly transferred when attempting to investigate similar issues, and the influential MLA, closely connected to the Chief Minister, subtly suggests that cooperation could secure Rajesh’s tenure and potential rewards.

As Rajesh grapples with the situation, a local activist group files an RTI on these projects and threatens media exposure. They offer to share comprehensive corruption documentation but appear motivated by upcoming Panchayat elections. Rajesh faces a dilemma: conducting a thorough investigation would fulfill his duty but may provoke political backlash, impact his career, and risk disrupting ongoing development. Ignoring these irregularities, however, would perpetuate corruption and betray the trust of vulnerable villagers relying on MGNREGA for their livelihood.

Questions:

a) What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

b) What are the core ethical issues confronting Rajesh in this situation?

c) What course of action should Rajesh adopt to navigate the situation?

Q. What are the key determinants of ethical behavior in human interactions? Discuss how understanding these determinants can help in promoting ethical conduct in public service. (150 words)

Q. "Ethical behavior is both taught and caught." Examine this statement in the context of role modeling in families and its impact on moral development. (150 words)

Case Studies

Ravi is the Director of Research and Development (R&D) at a leading pharmaceutical company. The company is on the verge of launching a new drug that has shown promising results in clinical trials. Ravi's team has been tasked with selecting a contract research organization (CRO) to conduct the final phase of trials. He notices that his sister, who runs a CRO that specializes in clinical trials, has submitted a bid for the contract.

While Ravi knows that his sister’s CRO has a good reputation, he is also aware that her company has struggled to secure contracts recently due to increased competition. Selecting her company would help her financially but could also raise concerns about nepotism and compromise the integrity of the trial process. The company's board trusts Ravi’s judgment and allows him to make the final decision.

Questions:

(a) In what ways could Ravi's personal connection to the CRO impact ethical considerations in the research process?

(b) What course of action should Ravi take?

(c) How can Ravi justify his decision?

Priya Singh is an IAS officer serving as District Collector in a politically sensitive district. During a severe pandemic outbreak, her district receives a limited supply of life-saving vaccines. The official guidelines mandate prioritizing healthcare workers and elderly citizens for vaccination.

However, the local MLA, who belongs to the ruling party, demands that 40% of vaccines be diverted to his constituency for "priority distribution." He threatens to file false corruption charges against Priya if she doesn't comply. Additionally, Priya's spouse works as the MLA's personal secretary, placing her in a challenging personal situation as the MLA has been threatening her husband's job.

The dilemma intensifies when she discovers that the MLA plans to use these vaccines for political gain by distributing them only to his party workers and supporters, potentially denying access to more vulnerable citizens in other areas.

1. Identify the stakeholders involved.

2. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.

3. What options are available to Priya and how should she navigate the situation?

Q. "Family remains the first school of ethics, but its role is increasingly being challenged by other social institutions." Examine the changing dynamics of moral education in contemporary society. (150 words)

Q. "Tolerance without compassion can lead to indifference." Examine this statement in the context of civil servants' responsibility towards weaker sections of society. (150 words)

Case Study

Priya, a dedicated IPS officer known for her integrity, is appointed as the Superintendent of Police in a district with a high crime rate and significant political interference. Despite facing frequent transfers, she uncovers evidence of the local MLA’s involvement in a human trafficking ring. The MLA has strong ties with the state's Home Minister, complicating her efforts to act without political pressure.

A senior journalist offers Priya additional incriminating information and proposes publishing an exposé if she confirms the investigation. He hints that it could boost her career and secure a prestigious posting. However, Priya is wary of potential professional retaliation, the journalist's motives, and the risk of compromising the investigation by leaking details prematurely. She faces a dilemma between taking bold action or protecting the integrity of the investigation.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in the situation?

2. What are the ethical dilemmas in front of Priya?

3. As a principled police officer, what options are available to Priya in this situation, and which course of action would be the most appropriate?

Q. Probity and integrity are often used interchangeably in public service discourse. Examine the subtle differences between these concepts and their implications for ethical governance. (150 words)

Q. The principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' is deeply rooted in Indian philosophy. Examine its relevance and ethical implications in shaping India's foreign policy in an era of increasing global polarization. (150 words)

Case Study

Dr. Sharma, a senior scientist at a renowned biotechnology company, leads a research team developing a drug to treat a rapidly spreading variant of a new viral infectious disease. With cases increasing worldwide and in India, there's immense pressure on Dr. Sharma's team to expedite the drug trials. The company seeks to capitalize on the significant market potential and gain a first-mover advantage.

During a team meeting, senior members propose shortcuts to accelerate the clinical trials and secure quick approvals. These include manipulating data to exclude negative outcomes and selectively report positive results, bypassing informed consent procedures, and using patented compounds from a rival company instead of developing their own. Dr. Sharma feels uncomfortable with these shortcuts but realizes that meeting the targets is impossible without employing such means. She now faces a difficult decision that pits scientific integrity and patient safety against market pressures and the urgent need for a treatment.

1. Who are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Dr. Sharma?

3. What course of action should Dr. Sharma take in this scenario?

Q. Discuss the concept of ethical blindness and its potential impact on public service delivery. How can organizations foster ethical awareness to prevent such blindness? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical implications of social media on individual privacy and public accountability. (150 words)

Case Study

Rajiv is a Senior Engineer at a prestigious government research laboratory, overseeing the development of cutting-edge satellite technology for improved weather forecasting and disaster prediction. As project lead, he's responsible for selecting components and materials. While reviewing supplier proposals, Rajiv notices his sister's struggling startup has submitted a competitive bid with innovative solutions that could enhance the satellite's performance.

Rajiv is aware that awarding the contract to his sister's company could save it from bankruptcy, but it might also raise questions of nepotism and compromise the selection process's integrity. The laboratory management fully trusts Rajiv and would support his decision. He now faces a dilemma between his professional obligations and his desire to help his sister's business, knowing that his choice could have significant implications for the project's success, his personal relationships, and the ethical standards of government contracting.

1. Who are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case?

3. What should be the course of action for Rajiv to resolve this issue?

Q. "The commercialization of traditional knowledge raises questions about intellectual property rights and cultural preservation." Analyze the ethical considerations in protecting indigenous knowledge systems while promoting scientific progress. (150 words)

Q. "Ethical leadership often requires making difficult decisions that may be unpopular in the short term but beneficial in the long run." Discuss this statement with relevant examples. (150 words)

Case Study

You are the Superintendent of Police in a district known for its complex social dynamics and occasional communal tensions. Recently, a prominent religious leader from the majority community was arrested for alleged hate speech against minority groups. The arrest, though legally justified, has sparked widespread protests and unrest among his followers, who claim it's a politically motivated action.

As tensions escalate, you receive intelligence that a group of extremists is planning to vandalize minority-owned businesses and places of worship in retaliation. Your sources suggest that arresting the key instigators before they act could prevent the violence. However, you also learn that one of the main orchestrators is the son of a powerful state minister. Your immediate superior, the Inspector General, subtly hints that proceeding with these preventive arrests might negatively impact your career prospects, suggesting instead to increase general police presence and deal with any incidents "as they occur."

As the clock ticks and tensions rise, you must make a decision that balances your duty to maintain law and order, your career aspirations, and the complex social dynamics of your district.

1. Who are the key stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this situation?

3. What will be your course of action, considering the potential risks to public safety, political pressure, and your ethical responsibility.

Q. Explain the concept of "negative responsibility" in ethics. How does it challenge traditional views of moral responsibility? (150 words)

Q. Climate change threatens to exacerbate global inequalities and create new ethical dilemmas around resource allocation. How should nations balance their own interests with global responsibilities in addressing this crisis? Examine the ethical principles that should guide international climate action. (150 words)

Case Study

You are the newly appointed CEO of a struggling public sector enterprise tasked with its turnaround. The company's inefficiency stems from overstaffing and outdated practices. Your analysis shows that laying off 30% of the workforce and implementing modern management techniques could make the company profitable within two years. However, this would cause significant hardship for the employees and their families in a region already facing high unemployment.

The government, while officially supporting reforms, has privately indicated they want to avoid layoffs before the upcoming elections. You must decide whether to proceed with the layoffs and reforms, knowing it's the best path for the company’s long-term viability but at the cost of short-term social and political ramifications. The case highlights the tension between professional ethics, political pressures, and personal moral values in a post-bureaucratic setting where traditional hierarchies and rules offer less guidance.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this case?

2. What ethical dilemmas do you encounter in making this decision?

3. What steps will you take to address the situation while balancing competing interests?

Q "Resilience is not about putting up with something difficult, but about creatively adapting to challenging situations." Discuss (150 words)

Q. The concept of 'ethical consumerism' places moral responsibility on individuals for their consumption choices. Discuss the potential and limitations of this approach in addressing global environmental challenges. (150 words)

Case Study

In a rural region near the Ganga river basin, the local economy has increasingly become dependent on sand mining for construction purposes. The local government has issued permits for sand mining in limited areas under strict regulations. However, illegal sand mining is rampant in the region, with powerful contractors exploiting local resources and creating environmental degradation. Many contractors extract sand in excess of permitted limits and from non-designated areas, severely affecting the river's flow, local biodiversity, and nearby agricultural lands.

During your inspection visit as a district official, you observe large-scale illegal sand mining activities despite the presence of regulatory bodies. Upon questioning, the workers claim they are employed by a registered contractor operating within the limits. However, you notice heavy machinery being used in restricted areas. Villagers complain that illegal mining is damaging their fields, causing erosion, and affecting water availability. Moreover, you learn that the local administration is allegedly turning a blind eye to the issue due to the involvement of influential political figures.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.

3. What steps would you take to address the situation as a district official?

Q. Analyze the concept of "ethical fading" in organizational contexts. How can public institutions guard against this phenomenon and maintain high ethical standards over time? (150 words)

Q. "Attitude shapes behavior, while aptitude determines capability." Analyze this statement in light of ethical governance. (150 words)

Case Study

You are a senior officer in a state government responsible for overseeing appointments to key public positions. Recently, the government has initiated a recruitment process for a high-ranking post in the education department, critical for implementing the state's education reforms. The selection committee has shortlisted two candidates. One is highly qualified with an impeccable track record, but they have been vocal in criticizing some government policies. The second candidate is less experienced but enjoys strong political backing and is perceived as loyal to the ruling party.

You are aware that the first candidate could significantly contribute to the education sector's growth due to his expertise, but his independent stance might lead to friction with the political leadership. On the other hand, selecting the second candidate could ensure smoother relations with the political leadership but may compromise the quality of governance. Your decision will have a lasting impact on the state's education policy and its future outcomes.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are ethical dilemmas in this case and what principles will guide your decision in this scenario?

3. How would you balance professional competence and political considerations in making a fair and just decision?

Q. Explain the concept of ‘empathy fatigue' in public service. How can administrators maintain empathy while dealing with constant exposure to societal problems? (150 words)