As Artificial Intelligence becomes deeply integrated into daily life and governance, there is a growing need for a Code of Ethics to guide its use. What core ethical principles should underpin the development and deployment of AI? Justify your answer. (150 words, 10 marks)
What are the key determinants of ethical behaviour in public service? Do these determinants vary across time and context? Explain with examples. (150 words, 10 marks)
In times of war or national security threats, the accurate and responsible flow of information becomes critical. However, media often resorts to sensationalism for viewership. In this context, discuss the core principles of media ethics. Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 words, 10 marks)
Children are often taught ideal moral values such as honesty, compassion, and fairness. Yet, the adult world frequently operates on compromise, competition, and self-interest. What explains this moral dissonance, and how can individuals ethically reconcile personal values with real-world complexities? (150 words, 10 marks)
In the context of contemporary armed conflicts, how relevant are the ethical principles governing the conduct of war (Jus in Bello)? Critically examine the challenges in upholding humanitarian norms such as proportionality, distinction, and humane treatment during modern warfare. (150 words, 10 marks)
Scientific consensus on climate change is clear, yet meaningful global action remains elusive. In this context, discuss the ethical principles that must guide climate policy-making at both national and global levels. (150 words, 10 marks)
Given below are three quotations by great thinkers and philosophers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?
“The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” — Plato (150 words, 10 marks)
“When mores are sufficient, laws are unnecessary; when mores are insufficient, laws are unenforceable.” ― Émile Durkheim (150 words, 10 marks)
“Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise, both will wither and die.”— B.R Ambedkar (150 words, 10 marks)
“The great virtue of bureaucracy is its indifference to persons. It is simply a cog in a rational machine.” — Max Weber. In the Indian context, how does this impersonality of bureaucracy create both ethical strength and moral dilemmas? Discuss (150 words)
What is meant by data ethics in the digital age? Discuss its foundational principles and critically assess the extent to which the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 embodies these ethical considerations. (150 words, 10 marks)
The question of reservation in India has evolved from a historical mechanism for achieving social justice to a contemporary debate encompassing economic criteria and political contestation. In this context, examine the ethical dimensions of the reservation discourse, highlighting arguments both in favour and against, from an ethical standpoint. (150 words, 10 marks)
To what extent can corruption in public service be curbed through systemic interventions such as digitisation and transparency mechanisms? Critically examine whether ethical values and individual integrity remain essential despite institutional safeguards. Illustrate with examples. (150 words, 10 marks)
You are Officer A, the Chief Executive Officer of Project X Ltd., a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed under a joint venture between the State Government and a central energy PSU to execute a large solar-thermal hybrid power project in Region Y — a backward but strategically vital area with frequent power outages. The government has declared it a “Flagship Fast-Track Project” under the ‘Power for Progress’ Mission, promising 24×7 electricity and job creation in five adjoining districts.
The site selected lies at the foothills of the Z Hills, near the River P. It has been marked suitable by technical, environmental, and financial feasibility reports. However, the area is inhabited by a vulnerable tribal community, some of whom claim traditional forest rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Around 300 families live in scattered hamlets, and many hold religious sentiments attached to the nearby sacred grove.
Initially, there was strong opposition led by Village Elder B, fearing displacement, cultural loss, and resource access issues. After several meetings, many agreed to the project, lured by promises of resettlement, compensation, and skill training.
Construction began. However, three months later, activist C, associated with an environmental NGO, filed a petition alleging that the project violates environmental norms and displaces people without Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). He also alleges that Contractor D, in charge of site clearance, used intimidation tactics. A few relocated families now claim they were misled.
The local MLA has started making political statements, and media houses have picked up the story. Public perception is shifting, and protests have resumed. Meanwhile, the government is pushing for faster completion, citing national interest and rising project costs.
As Officer A, you are bound by deadlines, institutional responsibility, and public service ethics. You also face personal pressure, as your career growth is closely linked to the project’s success. (20 Marks)
Questions
What are the key ethical dilemmas and issues in this situation?
What steps will you take to reconcile conflicting interests of the community, the environment, and the state?
Do you think the project should be paused for further review, even at the cost of deadlines and finances? Justify your stand.
You are Officer A, a senior Indian diplomat and permanent representative at the United Nations Headquarters in City X. A critical Humanitarian and Development Resolution (HDR-27) is up for vote in the General Assembly. This resolution, spearheaded by India and a coalition of Global South nations, seeks to secure concessional aid, technology transfer, and sustainable infrastructure investments for drought-prone and poverty-affected regions across Asia and Africa.
If passed, the resolution would unlock $500 million in international development grants, aid over 20 million people, and enhance India’s moral standing as a leader of the Global South. The resolution requires a two-thirds majority, and every vote counts.
During last-mile negotiations with diplomats from Country B and Country C — influential swing voters — you are discreetly told by their envoys that they will support India’s resolution only if India fast-tracks certain pending commercial defence and infrastructure deals involving a controversial business conglomerate from their country, whose owner has faced media scrutiny for unethical practices elsewhere.
You are aware that:
These deals have previously been red-flagged by Indian regulatory agencies.
There is pressure from certain quarters in the Indian delegation to “consider the deal in national interest.”
Not getting these votes could cause the humanitarian resolution to fail, hurting India’s image and millions in need.
Your diplomatic integrity and future reputation are also at stake. (20 Marks)
Questions
What are the key ethical issues involved in this case?
Would you agree to negotiate business deals in return for humanitarian votes? Why or why not?
What alternative measures can you explore to safeguard both India’s diplomatic mission and ethical integrity?
In such multilateral negotiations, how can diplomats balance national interest with ethical principles?
14. You are Dr. A, a government-appointed sports physician attached to the national wrestling contingent preparing for the Olympic Games. As part of routine pre-departure internal testing, a top-seeded wrestler, Athlete X, is found to have tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance. The substance is on the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) prohibited list and would immediately disqualify the athlete if officially reported.
Athlete X is a national icon, a world championship winner, and widely projected to win India’s first-ever Olympic gold in wrestling. The result has not yet been forwarded to international bodies, and no further tests are mandated before the Olympic bout. The coaching team, including Manager B, discreetly requests you to suppress the test result, arguing that:
The test was internal and non-binding as per Olympic protocol.
It is a matter of national pride and morale, especially in an election year.
The medication was likely “accidental” or trace-based from supplements.
You will be “taken care of” in terms of a foreign training trip and fast-track promotions.
If you speak out, the athlete’s entire Olympic dream will collapse, and public outrage may follow. (20 Marks)
Questions
What are the key ethical dilemmas in this situation?
Would suppressing the result be justifiable in the interest of national prestige? Explain.
What course of action would you take to balance your professional ethics and public expectations?
How can institutions build systems to prevent such conflicts and protect whistleblowers in sports?
15. You are Officer A, serving as an external member on the interview panel for selecting the Head of Administration at College X, a prestigious government-aided institution. The recruitment process has been highly competitive, and after multiple rounds of screening, only five candidates have been shortlisted for the final interview stage.
On the morning of the interview, while verifying candidate details, you notice that one of the shortlisted applicants is Candidate B, the daughter of your longtime friend C. This same friend had taken you on an all-expenses-paid spiritual retreat the previous week — covering travel, stay, and other hospitality — as a gesture of personal goodwill. At the time, you were unaware that his daughter was in the running for this post.
Now, fully aware of the situation, you face an internal ethical conflict. Candidate B appears well-qualified on paper, but your recent association with her parent may raise questions of fairness, transparency, and impartiality in public perception.
You are expected to maintain neutrality, ensure merit-based selection, and uphold the credibility of the institution and the selection process. (20 Marks)
Questions
What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
How would you respond to this situation, keeping in mind both institutional integrity and personal morality?
Should disclosure of past relationships or benefits be mandatory for public officials in recruitment roles? Justify.
What steps can institutions take to prevent and manage such ethical conflicts in future selection processes?
16. In the aftermath of the tragic death of a popular actor, Ashok., national media outlets turned their spotlight on Gunjan., his partner, who was soon subjected to intense public scrutiny. Without a formal conviction or trial, she was portrayed by many news channels as the primary suspect in the case. Prime-time debates, WhatsApp forwards, and social media storms labeled her a “murderer”, a “drug queen”, and more — despite no conclusive evidence being presented at that point.
During this time, leaked chats, private videos, and unverified claims were routinely circulated by news outlets in the race for TRPs (Television Rating Points). A few journalists attempted balanced reporting, but the dominant media narrative resembled a digital lynch mob, influencing public opinion, policy priorities, and even investigative agencies
As an ethics advisor to the Press Council, you are asked to examine the wider implications of this case for media ethics in India. (20 Marks)
Questions
What are the ethical issues prevalent in the profession of media as seen in this case?
How does unethical reporting and sensationalism impact individuals, institutions, and society at large?
What systemic reforms and ethical frameworks can be institutionalized to strengthen responsible journalism while respecting press freedom?
17. Avinash, a mid-level executive in City X, was returning home from work one evening when he noticed a young woman being verbally abused and physically assaulted by a man — presumably her boyfriend — at a quiet street corner. There was no one else around, and it was getting dark.
Avinash paused but quickly rationalized that it was a personal matter between two adults and chose not to intervene or call for help. He walked away quietly, not wanting to get “involved.”
The next day, Avinash casually recounted the incident to his colleagues during lunch, even laughing off how awkward he felt. However, one of his close friends, Rohit, grew visibly disturbed and said that the girl he was talking about was his sister. She was found unconscious later that night and is currently in the hospital with serious injuries.
Rohit accused Avinash of moral cowardice, saying that had he acted, his sister might have been saved from further harm. Avinash, however, insisted that he was not responsible, since he didn’t know the people involved and had no obligation to interfere in others’ affairs. (20 Marks)
Questions
Identify and explain the ethical issues involved in Avinash’s behaviour.
Is Avinash morally responsible for the consequences of his inaction? Why or why not?
What could be done at the societal and policy level to prevent such instances of public inaction during emergencies?
