Case Study

You are the District Collector of a rapidly urbanizing district. A large government housing project is under construction to provide affordable homes to economically weaker sections. The project is being executed by a private contractor under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

One evening, a section of an under-construction residential block collapses, leading to the death of five workers and injuring many others. A preliminary investigation suggests that poor-quality construction materials were used. Further, it is revealed that the project approval process had several irregularities, including the violation of environmental clearance norms and unauthorized expansion beyond the sanctioned plan. The project was approved under the tenure of your predecessor, who is now a senior bureaucrat in the state government.

As you begin an in-depth inquiry, you receive immense pressure from multiple stakeholders. Senior officials advise you to avoid implicating your predecessor, arguing that it could tarnish the administration's reputation. The contractor, a politically well-connected businessman, offers you a lucrative post-retirement consultancy role in exchange for diluting the report. Additionally, local political leaders, citing the urgency of providing housing to the poor, urge you to let the project continue despite the lapses. Meanwhile, workers' unions and civil society groups demand strict action against those responsible.

1. Identify the ethical dilemmas in this case and analyze them using relevant ethical theories.

2. What course of action should you take to ensure accountability while balancing the interests of all stakeholders?

3. What policy recommendations can help prevent the recurrence of such infrastructure failures?

Q. What are the ethical obligations of a welfare state toward its citizens? Analyze with reference to India's constitutional philosophy and social justice policies. (150 words)

Q. Is conscience an infallible guide to ethical conduct, or is it shaped by social conditioning? Examine in the context of professional ethics for civil servants. (150 words)

Q. India's coastal ecosystems face multiple threats from climate change and development pressures. Examine the effectiveness of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms in protecting these vulnerable ecosystems.. (250 words)

Q. "India's space sector privatization marks a paradigm shift from being capability-driven to market-driven." Evaluate the opportunities and challenges in this transition, with special reference to IN-SPACe. (250 words)

Q. The concept of 'Extended Neighborhood' has become central to India's foreign policy. How does this concept shape India's strategic and economic engagements beyond its immediate neighbors? (250 words)

Q ."Cooperative federalism is giving way to competitive federalism, while collaborative federalism remains an aspiration." Analyze this evolution with special reference to the changing nature of Centre-State relations. (250 words)

Q. "Tribal communities in India face the dual challenge of preservation of their cultural identity and integration with mainstream development." Discuss this statement with suitable examples. (250 words)

Q. Discuss how the syncretic traditions of the Deccan, particularly under the Bahmani and Vijayanagara kingdoms, contributed to India's composite culture. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. A ladder is useless if it leans against the wrong wall

2. A traveler without a map is lost, but a traveler without curiosity is stagnant.

Case Study

Puneet is a young and dynamic officer serving as the Director of the State Sports Council. His mandate is to promote sports at the grassroots level, improve infrastructure, and ensure fair selection of athletes for national and international competitions.

During his tenure, Puneet receives multiple complaints from young athletes and coaches about rampant favoritism and corruption in the selection process for a prestigious international sports event. Allegations suggest that several underqualified candidates were selected due to political connections and bribes, while talented athletes, especially from economically weaker backgrounds, were ignored.

Upon investigation, Puneet finds strong evidence of malpractice involving senior officials, influential politicians, and sports federation members. When he raises the issue with his superiors, he is advised to “look the other way” as the individuals involved are politically powerful. Some officials warn him that exposing the issue could lead to career repercussions, frequent transfers, or administrative sidelining.

Athletes and their families have intensified their protests, demanding justice and transparency, sparking mass public outrage. The issue has gained widespread media attention, putting significant pressure on the authorities to act. Meanwhile, a well-known journalist approaches Puneet, seeking insider information to expose the scandal. However, Puneet faces a dilemma: taking action against the malpractice could delay the team selection process, potentially jeopardizing the country’s participation in the prestigious event, while inaction would compromise his integrity and the principles of fairness and accountability.

Questions:

1. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Puneet in this situation?

2. Evaluate the possible courses of action Puneet can take in this scenario. Discuss the merits and consequences of each approach in light of his ethical responsibilities and the public interest.

3. What institutional and grassroots-level reforms can be implemented to prevent favoritism and corruption in sports governance and ensure fair opportunities for athletes, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds?

Q. “Obeying unjust laws is itself unethical.” Critically examine the ethics of legal obedience and moral resistance. (150 words)

Q. In a world driven by efficiency and results, do virtue ethics still hold relevance in governance? Critically analyze with suitable examples. (150 words)

Q. Gender budgeting is an important tool for women's empowerment. Analyze its effectiveness in addressing gender disparities in India’s development policies. (250 words)

Q. “The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides autonomy to certain regions but has also posed challenges in governance”. Discuss the relevance of the Sixth Schedule in contemporary India. (250 words)

Q. Climate and vegetation are interdependent. Analyze how different climatic regions of the world influence their natural vegetation patterns with examples from major climatic zones. (250 words)

Q. Compare and contrast the contributions of Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Patel to India's independence and nation-building. (150 words)

Essay Topic

1. A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.

2. Progress without conscience is just destruction in disguise

Case Study

Aarav is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer serving as the District Magistrate (DM) of a remote district. His wife, Meera, is a doctor working in a government hospital. They have a six-year-old daughter, who is primarily cared for by grandparents and a domestic help due to the demanding nature of their jobs.

One evening, Aarav is about to leave the office after a long day when he receives an urgent call from the Chief Secretary. A major industrial accident has occurred in a factory on the outskirts of the district, causing severe casualties. His immediate presence is required to oversee rescue operations and coordinate with disaster management teams.

At the same time, he receives another call—this time from his wife—informing him that their daughter has suddenly fallen ill and needs immediate medical attention. His presence at home would provide emotional support to his family, especially as Meera has an emergency surgery scheduled at the hospital.

Aarav is torn between his professional duty, which demands immediate action to manage a crisis affecting many lives, and his moral responsibility as a husband and father. He must decide where his priority lies in this situation.

Questions:

(a) Identify and discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in this case.

(b) If you were in Aarav’s place, how would you handle this situation?

(c) In light of this case, discuss the importance of institutional mechanisms in ensuring a better work-life balance for civil servants.

Q. What do you understand by "value pluralism"? How does it complicate ethical decision-making in a multicultural democracy like India? (150 words)

Q. “The biggest ethical challenge of the 21st century is not corruption, but moral apathy.” Do you agree? Justify your answer with examples. (150 words)

Q. How can emerging technologies in weather forecasting and climate modeling help India better prepare for climate change impacts? Discuss with examples. (150 words)

Q. To what extent has India's federal fiscal architecture been able to address regional economic disparities? Analyze with reference to recent reforms in center-state financial relations. (250 words)

Q. "Water diplomacy is becoming crucial in South Asian relations." Analyze transboundary water issues involving India and their impact on regional stability. (250 words)

Q. The concept of 'Aspirational Districts' presents a new model of targeted governance. Evaluate its effectiveness in addressing regional disparities while suggesting improvements. (250 words)

Q. "The emergence of a new middle class in India has created unique forms of social capital while simultaneously deepening existing inequalities." Discuss with suitable examples. (250 words)

Q ."The press played a catalytic role in mobilizing public opinion during India’s struggle for independence." Examine how colonial policies sought to suppress this voice of dissent.
(250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Progress is Impossible Without Change, and Those Who Cannot Change Their Minds Cannot Change Anything

2. Democracy is Not Merely a Form of Government; It Is Primarily a Mode of Associated Living

Case Study

You are the Superintendent of Police in a city that has been experiencing rising incidents of online harassment targeting women. A recent case has attracted significant public and media attention: a young woman has committed suicide after being repeatedly harassed and blackmailed online. An investigation revealed that the harassment was carried out by a group of influential individuals, including the son of a prominent politician.

When you initiate action against the accused, you receive immense political pressure to slow down or drop the investigation. A senior politician contacts you directly, reminding you of your career prospects and how this case could harm your professional growth if you refuse to cooperate.

At the same time, the victim's family is seeking justice, and activists have begun to protest in large numbers, demanding accountability. The media is closely watching the developments, and public sentiment is strongly in favor of justice. However, the pressure from influential circles is mounting, and you risk being transferred or sidelined if you pursue the investigation aggressively.

Questions:

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

2. As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you take, and why?

3. Discuss the importance of integrity and accountability in public service, using this case as a reference.

Q. Morality is doing what's right regardless of what you're told. Obedience is doing what is told regardless of what is right. - H. L. Mencken. What does this quotation convey to you in the current context? (150 words)