Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude — every PYQ, with answer skeletons

CS-1[20m] Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of a border district of a North East State. A few years back, the military took over the neighbouring country after overthrowing the elected civil government, and the internal situation has deteriorated as rebel groups took control of populated areas near the border. Due to intense fighting between the military and rebels, civilian casualties have risen sharply. One night, 200-250 people — mainly women and children, some injured and bleeding and needing immediate medical care — crossed over to our side of the border. About 10 soldiers in military uniform, with their weapons, are also part of this group seeking to cross over. Ashok tried to contact the Home Secretary but failed due to poor connectivity caused by inclement weather. (a) What options are available to Ashok? (b) What ethical and legal dilemmas does he face? (c) Which option would be most appropriate and why? (d) What extra precautionary measures should the Border Guarding Police take in dealing with the soldiers in uniform?

CS-2[20m] You have been appointed as Administrator In-charge of a District, responsible for monitoring MGNREGA works undertaken by various Gram Panchayats and authorised to give technical sanction to all MGNREGA works. (MGNREGA gives a legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment to rural households, fulfilling the 'Right to Work'.) In one Panchayat you find that your predecessor mismanaged the programme: (i) money not disbursed to actual job-seekers; (ii) muster rolls not properly maintained; (iii) mismatch between work done and payments made; (iv) payments to fictitious persons; (v) job cards given without verifying need; (vi) mismanagement and siphoning of funds; (vii) approved works that never existed. (a) What is your reaction and how would you restore the proper functioning of MGNREGA? (b) What actions would you initiate to solve the various issues listed? (c) How would you deal with the situation?

CS-3[20m] Rajesh is a Group A officer with nine years of service, posted as Administrative Officer in an oil PSU, expecting promotion to JAG in a year or two (promotion depends on ACRs assessed by a DPC). His reporting officer (immediate boss) directs him to buy computer stationery on priority from a particular vendor. The estimate comes to ₹35 lakh from that vendor. Per the GFR, expenditure exceeding ₹30 lakh requires the sanction of the next higher authority (the boss). Rajesh learns that the common practice is "splitting of expenditure" (dividing a large order into smaller ones) to avoid higher sanction — which is against the rules and may attract adverse audit notice. Rajesh, mindful that his boss writes his ACR, is perturbed and unsure. (a) What options are available to Rajesh? (b) What ethical issues are involved? (c) Which would be the most appropriate option and why?

CS-4[20m] Subash is Secretary, PWD, in the State Government — a senior officer known for competence and integrity, trusted by his Minister. He is finalising the modalities of an ambitious mega road-construction project before its public announcement. His only son, Vikas, is in the real-estate business and, aware that a mega road project is imminent, repeatedly pleads with his father to reveal the exact location so he can buy land cheaply in advance (assuring he will act discreetly). Separately, the Minister has introduced his own nephew (who runs a big infrastructure company) to Subash and indicated that his nephew's business interest in the project should be "taken care of", urging Subash to act fast. Subash is in a fix. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved. (b) Critically examine the options available to Subash. (c) Which would be most appropriate and why?

CS-5[20m] In line with the Directive Principles, the government has an obligation to ensure basic needs — "Roti, Kapda aur Makan" — for the under-privileged. Pursuing this, the district administration proposes clearing a portion of forest land to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections. The proposed land, however, is an ecologically sensitive zone with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital biodiversity; the forest regulates micro-climate and rainfall, provides wildlife habitat, supports soil fertility, prevents erosion and sustains tribal and nomadic livelihoods. The administration argues the project addresses fundamental human rights and welfare, that the forest has become unsafe due to wildlife conflict, and that clearing it may curb anti-social elements using it as a hideout. (a) Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like housing for the homeless? (b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development? (c) What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected?

CS-6[20m] Vijay is the Deputy Commissioner of a remote district of Himachal Pradesh. In August, heavy rains and cloudbursts devastated the district — the road network and telecommunications were disrupted, buildings destroyed, over 200 people killed and about 5,000 badly injured; people are homeless and in the open. Vijay's administration is running rescue and relief, with temporary shelters, hospitals and helicopter evacuation. Vijay then learns that his mother in his hometown (Kerala) is seriously ill, and two days later that she has passed away. He has no close relative except an elder sister settled in the USA. Meanwhile, the situation worsens as heavy rains resume after a five-day gap, even as continuous messages urge him to come home for his mother's last rites. (a) What options are available to Vijay? (b) What ethical dilemmas does he face? (c) Critically evaluate each option. (d) Which would be most appropriate and why?

CS-1[20m] Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist heading a research team in a reputed biotechnology company, working on a new drug to treat a rapidly spreading viral infectious disease. There is huge pressure to expedite the trials, as the market is significant and the company wants first-mover advantage. In a team meeting, some senior members suggest shortcuts: manipulating data to exclude negative outcomes and selectively reporting positive results, foregoing informed consent, and using compounds already patented by a rival company rather than developing their own. Dr. Srinivasan is uncomfortable, yet realises meeting the targets is impossible without these means. (a) What would you do in such a situation? (b) Examine your options and consequences in the light of the ethical questions involved. (c) How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large in such a scenario?

CS-2[20m] An exceptionally severe summer has left a district facing severe water shortage. The District Collector mobilises officials to conserve reserves and prevent a drinking-water crisis, running an awareness campaign and deploying vigilance teams to stop farmers over-drawing groundwater from deep borewells and the river for irrigation. The farmers are agitated; a delegation complains that while they cannot irrigate, big industries near the river draw huge amounts of water through deep borewells, alleging the administration is anti-farmer and corrupt (bribed by industry). The farmers threaten a prolonged protest. The Collector must deal with the water crisis, yet the industry cannot be closed as that would render many workers unemployed. (a) Discuss all options available to the District Collector as District Magistrate. (b) What suitable actions can be taken in view of the mutually compatible interests of the stakeholders? (c) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas for the District Collector?

CS-3[20m] Sneha is a Senior Manager at a big reputed private hospital chain, made in-charge of a new super-speciality centre and heading the committee for procurement of medical equipment. She has invited bids from reputed vendors and notices that her brother, a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent an expression of interest. As the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory to select the lowest bidder. She knows her brother's company faces financial difficulties and a big order would help him recover, but allotting the contract to him might bring charges of favouritism and tarnish her image. The management trusts her fully and would support any decision. (a) What should be Sneha's course of action? (b) How would she justify what she chooses to do? (c) In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?

CS-4[20m] Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) in a district still affected by the naxalite problem, where the administration has undertaken development works to win hearts and minds. Acting on intelligence that about ten hardcore naxalites with sophisticated weapons are hiding in a village, Rohit leads a cordon-and-search and his team overpowers all the naxalites with their automatic weapons. Meanwhile, more than five hundred tribal women surround the village, agitated and aggressive, demanding the immediate release of the insurgents (their "protectors"). Rohit cannot reach his IG due to poor connectivity. Two of the apprehended are top insurgents (Rs 10 lakh bounty) involved in a recent ambush on security forces; but not releasing them could turn the situation violent, possibly forcing firing and loss of civilian lives. (a) What are the options available with Rohit? (b) What are the ethical dilemmas faced? (c) Which option would be most appropriate and why? (d) What extra precautionary measures should the police take in dealing with women protesters?

CS-5[20m] Raman, a senior IPS officer, is newly posted as D.G. of a state. A grave concern is the recruitment of unemployed youth (unemployment being high, especially among graduates) by a new global terrorist group that is trying to spread into his state, with a special focus on a particular community. Reliable intelligence from the State CID and Cyber Cell shows many such youth have been contacted via social media and local organisations; many spend 6-8 hours daily online, are endorsing messages from the group's contacts, forwarding anti-national content and propagating secessionist ideology, hyper-critical of government policies. The need is to act swiftly before this grows. (a) What are the options available to Raman to tackle the situation? (b) What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up so such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere? (c) What action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence-gathering mechanism of the police force?

CS-6[20m] You are the CEO and majority shareholder of ABC Incorporated, the world's second-largest technology company, situated in the Third World. Rapid technological growth has raised sustainability worries among activists, regulators and the public. In 2023 your company's greenhouse-gas emissions rose 48% over 2019 levels, driven mainly by the surging energy demand of data centres fuelled by the exponential expansion of AI (which is far more energy-intensive than conventional computing). Despite a commitment to net-zero by 2030, lowering emissions seems overwhelming as AI integration grows, and would need substantial renewable-energy investment — difficult in a competitive sector where rapid innovation preserves market standing and shareholder value. A strategic move balancing innovation, profitability and sustainability is needed. (a) What is your immediate response to the challenges? (b) Discuss the ethical issues involved. (c) Your company is identified to be penalised by technological giants — what logical and ethical arguments will you put forth about its necessity? (d) As a conscientious being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between AI innovation and the environmental footprint?

CS-1[20m] You hold a responsible position in a government ministry. You are called to your 11-year-old son's school, where the Principal informs you that your son was found wandering aimlessly during class hours; the teacher adds he has become a loner and performed poorly in football trials. At home, your son reveals that some children have been making fun of him in class and on the students' WhatsApp group, calling him "stunted, duh and a frog"; he names a few culprits but pleads to let the matter rest. Days later at a sporting event, a colleague's son shows you a video caricaturing your son and points out the perpetrators in the stands. You walk past them and go home. Next day a video goes viral on social media denigrating you, your son and your wife, alleging you physically bullied children on the field. On a junior's advice, you post a counter-video — captured during the event — identifying the likely perpetrators and explaining what really happened, while highlighting the adverse effects of social-media misuse. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media. (b) Discuss the pros and cons of using social media to put across the facts to counter the fake propaganda against your family.

CS-2[20m] You have just been appointed Additional Director General of the Central Public Works Department. The Chief Architect of your division, retiring in six months, is passionately working on a very important project that would earn him a lasting reputation. A new Senior Architect, Seema (trained at Manchester), joins and during the briefing makes suggestions that would add value and reduce completion time. This makes the Chief Architect insecure and fearful that the credit will go to her; he becomes passive-aggressive and disrespectful, often correcting her before colleagues and raising his voice. This continuous harassment erodes Seema's confidence and self-esteem; she is perpetually tense and anxious, and her peers say she is contemplating resignation. You know her outstanding credentials and fear the harassment may compromise both her contribution to the project and her well-being. (a) What are the ethical issues involved? (b) What options are available to you to complete the project as well as retain Seema? (c) What would be your response to Seema's predicament, and what measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences?

CS-3[20m] Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer, recently posted (his sixth transfer in three years) as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation. The Chairman, a powerful politician close to the Chief Minister, is involved in alleged financial irregularities. A Board Member from the Opposition Party hands Vinod documents and a video in which the Chairman appears to demand a bribe for a huge tyre-supply order, and urges Vinod to expose the Chairman himself — promising recognition, public support and assured career growth once his party comes to power. Vinod realises the Board Member is using him for political gain, that the Opposition stands a good chance of winning, and that exposing the Chairman could get him penalised or transferred. (a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod. (b) Comment on the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy.

CS-4[20m] At 9 pm on a Saturday, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, is still working in her office. Her husband, an MNC executive, is frequently out of town; their children (aged 5 and 3) are looked after by a domestic helper. At 9:30 pm her superior, Mr. Suresh, asks her to prepare a detailed note for a Ministry meeting — meaning she must work on Sunday too. She reflects that she had worked hard for this posting and kept people's welfare uppermost, yet feels she has not done justice to her family (recently she had to leave a sick child with the nanny). She now feels she must draw a line beyond which personal life takes precedence, and that there should be reasonable limits to work ethics like punctuality, hard work and selfless service. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved. (b) Briefly describe at least four laws enacted to provide a healthy, safe and equitable working environment for women. (c) Imagine you are in a similar situation — what suggestions would you make to mitigate such working conditions?

CS-5[20m] A landslide caused by torrential rains struck a remote mountain hamlet about 60 km from Uttarkashi in the middle of the night on 20 July 2023, causing large-scale destruction. As District Magistrate (and an AIIMS-trained physician), you have rushed to the spot with doctors, NGOs, media, police and support staff to oversee rescue. A man pleads for urgent help for his pregnant wife, who is in labour and losing blood. Your medical team finds she needs an immediate blood transfusion. A few blood-collection bags and blood-group test kits are available in the ambulance, and some team members have volunteered to donate. But you know blood for transfusion should be procured only through a recognised blood bank. Your team is divided; the doctors will facilitate the delivery provided they are not penalised for transfusion. You are in a dilemma, your training emphasising service to humanity and saving lives. (a) What are the ethical issues involved? (b) Evaluate the options available to you as District Magistrate.

CS-6[20m] You have worked as an executive in a nationalised bank for several years. A close colleague tells you her father has heart disease and needs immediate surgery costing about Rs 10 lakh; she has no insurance, her husband is no more, and she is from a lower-middle-class family. You are empathetic but lack the resources to fund her. Weeks later she tells you her father's surgery was successful, and confides that the bank manager kindly facilitated the release of Rs 10 lakh from someone's dormant account to pay for the operation — on the promise that it be kept confidential and repaid at the earliest. She has begun repaying it. (a) What are the ethical issues involved? (b) Evaluate the behaviour of the bank manager from an ethical point of view. (c) How would you react to the situation?

CS-1[20m] You head a section in the Environment Pollution Control Board responsible for compliance and follow-up. The region has many small and medium industries (most holding environmental clearance certificates) that employ many migrant workers. In practice, most remain polluting units (air, water, soil), and local people face persistent health problems; the majority were confirmed to be violating environmental compliance. You issue notices to all units to apply for fresh environmental clearance from the competent authority. This meets a hostile response from some industrial units, vested interests and local politicians; workers turn hostile fearing closure and unemployment; owners plead against harsh action (financial loss, market shortage, worker suffering); the labour union petitions against closure; and you start receiving threats. Some colleagues and local NGOs support you and demand immediate closure of the polluting units. (a) What are the options available to you? (b) Critically examine the options. (c) What mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance? (d) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in exercising your option?

CS-2[20m] Rakesh, a Joint Commissioner in a city Transport Department, must decide on a strike by the drivers' union over compensation to a bus driver who died on duty. Investigation showed the deceased driver had started an altercation with a car driver at an intersection, resorted to physical violence, and in the ensuing fight both were badly injured; the bus driver succumbed, the other recovered. The management is considering not granting extra compensation. The driver (52) was the sole earner, survived by a wife and two daughters; the family is aggrieved. The union demands full extra compensation (as given to others who died on duty) and employment to a family member, and has been on strike for 10 days with a deadlock. (a) What options are available to Rakesh? (b) Critically examine each option. (c) What are the ethical dilemmas? (d) What course of action would Rakesh adopt to defuse the situation?

CS-3[20m] Three years after an MBA (no campus placement due to the COVID recession), you secured a job, after rigorous tests, in a leading shoe company, supporting dependent aged parents and a newly-married household. Posted to the Inspection Section (which clears final products), you performed well in your first year. The company, doing good domestic business, decides to export to Europe and the Gulf. One large consignment to Europe is rejected for poor quality and returned. Top management orders that this consignment be cleared for the domestic market. You observe glaring defects and flag them to the Team Commander, but management advises all team members to overlook the defects (it cannot bear such a loss). All other members sign and clear it; you again warn that clearing it even domestically will tarnish the company's image long-term. Management then warns that if you do not clear it, your services may be terminated on innocuous grounds. (a) What options are available to you? (b) Critically evaluate each option. (c) What option would you adopt and why? (d) What are the ethical dilemmas? (e) What can be the consequences of overlooking the Inspecting Team's observations?

CS-4[20m] The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop forest degradation and maintain ecological balance, yet illegal stone mining persists in a border district with the connivance of corrupt forest officials and politicians. A young SP, determined to stop it, conducts a surprise check; a stone-laden truck runs him over, killing him on the spot, and flees. An FIR is filed but there is no breakthrough for three months. Ashok, an investigative journalist with a leading TV channel, suo moto investigates and within a month exposes the complete nexus of the stone mafia with corrupt police, civil officials and a local MLA close to the Chief Minister. The CMD advises Ashok to drop the story, revealing the MLA is a relative of the channel's owner and unofficially holds a 20% share, and offering Ashok promotion, a pay hike and adjustment of a Rs 10-lakh soft loan (taken for his son's chronic illness) if he hands over the report. (a) What options are available to Ashok? (b) Critically evaluate each option. (c) What are the ethical dilemmas? (d) Which option is most appropriate and why? (e) What type of training would you suggest for police officers posted to such mining-affected districts?

CS-5[20m] Ramesh, a State Civil Services officer, is posted (after 20 years) as Director in the Home Department of a border-State capital, where his cancer-stricken mother is hospitalised and his adolescent children have gained admission to top schools. Acting on intelligence that illegal migrants are infiltrating from a neighbouring country, he personally conducts surprise checks and catches two families (12 members) infiltrating with the connivance of border security personnel; investigation reveals their documents (Aadhaar, Ration, Voter cards) are then forged and they are settled in a particular area. Ramesh submits a detailed report to the Additional Secretary, but is summoned a week later and instructed to withdraw it — told the report was not appreciated by higher authorities, and that failure to withdraw it will mean being posted out of the prestigious capital posting and jeopardising his imminent promotion. (a) What options are available to Ramesh? (b) What option should he adopt and why? (c) Critically evaluate each option. (d) What are the ethical dilemmas? (e) What policy measures would you suggest to combat illegal-migrant infiltration?

CS-6[20m] Prabhat is Vice President (Marketing) at Sterling Electric Ltd., a reputed MNC passing through difficult times, with sales falling for two quarters. His division is desperately seeking a big government order; reprimanded for poor performance, he has assured the India Head that his division is bidding for a secret Ministry of Defence installation near Gwalior, and is under extreme pressure — warned that failure may close his division and cost him his lucrative job. He is the single earner for two children and an ailing mother, with a heavy housing-loan EMI. A candidate, Subhash Verma (whose CV came through the Defence Minister's office), interviewing for a Manager post, proves technically sound and well-versed in tendering; he reveals he possesses copies of the bid documents that the rival, Unique Electronics Ltd., will submit to the Defence Ministry the next day, and offers to hand them over subject to his employment — enabling Sterling to outbid the rival and win the order ("a win-win"). Prabhat is stunned and asks him to return the next day. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved. (b) Critically examine the options available to Prabhat. (c) Which would be the most appropriate and why?

CS-1[20m] Pawan, an officer for ten years, is transferred to a new department under a senior officer reputed to be difficult and insensitive (with a disturbed family life). Initially things go well, but the boss soon begins belittling Pawan — summarily rejecting his suggestions, expressing displeasure before others, and humiliating him publicly on one pretext or another, scolding and shouting at him though there are no serious work shortcomings. The continuous harassment erodes Pawan's confidence, self-esteem and equanimity; he becomes tense, anxious and stressed, his mind filled with negativity. This damages his personal and family life — he loses his temper with his supportive wife and family, and comfort and happiness vanish, harming his physical and mental health. (a) What options are available to Pawan to cope? (b) What approach should Pawan adopt to bring peace and a congenial environment at office and home? (c) As an outsider, what suggestions do you have for both boss and subordinate to overcome this and improve work performance and mental/emotional hygiene? (d) What type of training would you suggest for officers at various levels?

CS-2[20m] A reputed Indian food-product company developed a product for the international market and began exporting it after due approvals, announcing that it would soon be available to domestic consumers with almost the same quality and health benefits. It obtained domestic approval, launched the product, grew its market share and earned substantial profits at home and abroad. However, a random sample test by the inspecting team found the product sold domestically to be at variance with the approval obtained; further investigation revealed the company was selling products not meeting the country's health standards and also dumping rejected export products in the domestic market. The episode hurt the company's reputation and profitability. (a) What action should the competent authority take against the company for violating domestic food standards and selling rejected export products? (b) What course of action is available to the company to resolve the crisis and restore its lost reputation? (c) Examine the ethical dilemma involved.

CS-3[20m] During the COVID-19 pandemic (as of May 2020, with rising cases and a population of over 1.35 billion), India faced multiple challenges and a 55-day lockdown; schools shifted online, and the country was unprepared for such a crisis given limited infrastructure — deficiencies in hospital beds, oxygen, ambulances, staff and even crematoria. The disease spared no one regardless of caste, creed, religion or wealth. You are a hospital administrator in a public hospital as coronavirus patients pour in day after day. (a) What are your criteria and justification for putting your clinical and non-clinical staff to attend to the patients, knowing fully well that it is a highly infectious disease and resources/infrastructure are limited? (b) If yours were a private hospital, would your jurisdiction and decision remain the same as a public hospital?

CS-4[20m] An elevated corridor is being built to ease traffic in a state capital, and you are the project manager, selected for your competence. The deadline is 30 June 2021, as the Chief Minister is to inaugurate it before elections are announced in mid-July. During a surprise inspection, a minor crack is noticed in one pier, possibly from poor material; you immediately inform the chief engineer and stop work, assessing that at least three piers must be demolished and reconstructed — delaying the project by four to six months. The chief engineer overrules the inspecting team, calling it a minor crack that will not affect strength or durability, and orders you to overlook it and continue at the same pace; he says the minister wants no delay (the contractor is the minister's distant relative) and hints that your promotion to Additional Chief Engineer is under consideration. You strongly feel the crack will endanger the bridge's life and is dangerous to ignore. (a) What options are available to you? (b) What are the ethical dilemmas, and your response? (c) What professional challenges are likely, and your response? (d) What can be the consequences of overlooking the inspecting team's observation?

CS-5[20m] You are Vice Principal of a degree college in a middle-class town; the Principal has retired and the management may promote you. During the annual examination, the university's flying squad catches two students using unfair means red-handed, helped personally by a senior lecturer who is close to the management. One student is the son of a local politician who got the college affiliated to the reputed university; the other is the son of a local businessman who donated the maximum funds. You inform the management, which tells you to "resolve the issue with the flying squad at any cost", saying the incident would tarnish the college's image and that the politician and businessman are very important; you are hinted that your promotion to Principal depends on resolving this. Meanwhile, student-union members protest at the gate demanding strict action against the defaulters. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved. (b) Critically examine the options available to you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why?

CS-6[20m] Sunil, a young civil servant known for competence, integrity and relentlessness, is posted to a tribal-dominated district notorious for illegal sand mining — rampant excavation from river belts, transport by truck and black-market sale, run by a mafia of local functionaries and tribal musclemen who bribe and intimidate poor tribals. Sunil grasps the modus operandi, finds some of his own office employees colluding, and launches stringent raids on the trucks. The rattled mafia turns hostile: musclemen threaten him with dire consequences, and his family (wife and old mother) are stalked and kept under virtual surveillance, causing mental torture. The situation escalates when a muscleman comes to his office and threatens that his fate will be no different from a predecessor killed by the mafia ten years ago. (a) Identify the options available to Sunil. (b) Critically evaluate each option. (c) Which would be most appropriate for Sunil and why?

CS-1[20m] Migrant workers have long remained at the socio-economic margins, serving as the instrumental labour force of urban economies; the pandemic brought them into national focus. On the announcement of a countrywide lockdown, very large numbers decided to move from their places of employment to their native villages. The non-availability of transport, the fear of starvation, and inconvenience to families compounded their plight; they demanded wages and transport to return. Their agony was accentuated by sudden loss of livelihood, possible lack of food, and inability to reach home in time for the rabi harvest, while some districts gave an inadequate response on essential boarding and lodging along the way. You learnt many lessons when tasked to oversee the District Disaster Relief Force. In your opinion, what ethical issues arose in the migrant crisis? What do you understand by an ethical care-giving state? What assistance can civil society render to mitigate the sufferings of migrants in similar situations?

CS-2[20m] Parmal is an underdeveloped district with rocky terrain unsuitable for agriculture; poor connectivity (a trunk railway line 50 km away) deters industry, and the state offers a 10-year tax holiday to new industry. In 2010 Anil set up Amria Plastic Works (APW) in Noora village (20 km from Amria), hiring and training key labour at local skill centres, which made them loyal. Production began in 2011 with labour fully from Noora; villagers were happy with employment near home and met high-quality targets. APW's large profits were partly used to improve Noora — by 2016 a greener village and renovated temple; Anil got more bus services; the government opened a primary health centre and school in APW-built buildings; CSR funds set up women's SHGs, subsidised children's education and bought an ambulance. In 2019 a minor fire was quickly contained (safety protocols existed); investigation revealed the factory had used electricity in excess of authorised capacity, soon rectified. During the lockdown, with production down for four months, Anil paid all employees regularly and employed them to plant trees and improve the village. APW earned a reputation for high quality and a motivated workforce. Critically analyse the story of APW and state the ethical issues involved. Do you consider APW a role model for the development of backward areas? Give reasons.

CS-3[20m] You are a municipal commissioner of a large city, reputed as honest and upright. A huge multipurpose mall is under construction, employing many daily-wage earners. One monsoon night, a chunk of the roof collapses, instantly killing four labourers (including two minors) and seriously injuring many. A government enquiry is instituted. Your preliminary enquiry reveals poor-quality material, an unauthorised additional basement (only one was permitted) overlooked during inspections, and that the mall was cleared despite encroaching on areas earmarked for a green belt and slip road in the Zonal Master Plan. The permission was granted by the previous Municipal Commissioner — your senior, professional acquaintance and good friend. Prima facie there is a widespread nexus between corporation officials and the builder. Colleagues pressure you to go slow; the rich, influential builder (a close relative of a powerful cabinet minister) offers you a fortune to hush it up, and hints that if it is not resolved in his favour, someone in his office is waiting to file a case against you under the PoSH Act. Discuss the ethical issues involved. What options are available to you? Explain your selected course of action.

CS-4[20m] Rampura, a remote tribal district, is marked by extreme backwardness and abject poverty; subsistence agriculture on tiny holdings dominates, with little industry or mining, and even targeted welfare has inadequately reached the tribals. Youth migrate to other states to supplement income. Minor girls are particularly affected: labour contractors persuade parents to send them to work on the Bt Cotton farms of a nearby state (their "soft fingers" suited to plucking cotton), where inadequate living and working conditions cause serious health issues. NGOs in both the home district and the cotton farms appear compromised and have not effectively addressed child labour or area development. You are appointed District Collector of Rampura. Identify the ethical issues involved. Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate the conditions of the minor girls and to improve the overall economic scenario in the district?

CS-5[20m] The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) reflects on its journey from first-generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to state-of-the-art ATGM systems, assuming the government would not alter the ban on exporting military weaponry. To his surprise, the Director General (Ministry of Defence) calls to discuss increasing BML's ATGM production for possible export to a friendly foreign country, and two days later the Defence Minister announces an aim to double weapons-export levels within five years to finance indigenous development, noting that indigenous arms-manufacturing nations have a good record in international arms trade. As Chairman of BML, give your views: (a) As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical issues involved in arms trade? (b) List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign governments.

CS-6[20m] Rajesh Kumar, a senior public servant reputed for honesty, heads the Budget Division in the Finance Ministry, busy organising budgetary support to states (four going to polls this financial year). The annual budget allotted Rs 78,300 crore for the National Housing Scheme (NHS), a centrally sponsored social-housing scheme for weaker sections (Rs 775 crore drawn till June). Meanwhile, the Cabinet approved an SEZ in a southern state (to boost exports) and a PSU's natural-gas processing plant in a northern state (for the regional gas grid, vital to energy security; the project allotted to MNC M/s XYZ Hydrocarbons, with the first tranche due in December). The Finance Ministry is asked to allocate an additional Rs 6,000 crore for these two projects, to be re-appropriated entirely from the NHS allocation; the file comes to Rajesh's division. He realises this may delay the much-publicised NHS, while non-availability of funds would cause financial loss in the SEZ and national embarrassment over the delayed international payment. Seniors convey that this politically sensitive matter must be processed immediately; Rajesh realises diverting NHS funds could raise difficult questions in Parliament. (a) Discuss the ethical issues in re-appropriating funds from a welfare project to developmental projects. (b) Given the need for proper utilisation of public funds, discuss the options available to Rajesh Kumar. Is resigning a worthy option?

CS-1[20m] In recent times there has been increasing concern in India to develop effective civil-service ethics, codes of conduct, transparency measures, integrity systems and anti-corruption agencies. There is a felt need to focus on three specific areas directly relevant to internalising integrity and ethics in the civil services: (1) anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity; (2) strengthening the ethical competence of civil servants; and (3) developing administrative processes and practices that promote ethical values and integrity. Suggest institutional measures to address the above three issues.

CS-2[20m] In a district of a frontier state, the narcotics menace has been rampant — resulting in money laundering, mushrooming poppy farming, arms smuggling and the near-stalling of education; the system is on the verge of collapse. The situation is worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians and some senior police officers are giving surreptitious patronage to the drug mafia. At this point, a woman police officer known for her skill in handling such situations is appointed Superintendent of Police to restore normalcy. If you are that officer, identify the various dimensions of the crisis and suggest measures to deal with it.

CS-3[20m] In a modern democratic polity, elected representatives form the political executive and the bureaucracy the permanent executive; ministers frame policy and bureaucrats execute it. In the initial decades after independence, their relationship was marked by mutual understanding, respect and cooperation without encroaching on each other's domain. In subsequent decades the situation changed: the political executive insists the permanent executive follow its agenda, respect for upright bureaucrats has declined, and there is an increasing tendency for the political executive to intervene in routine administrative matters like transfers and postings — a definite trend towards the "politicization of bureaucracy". Rising materialism has also impacted the ethical values of both. What are the consequences of this "politicization of bureaucracy"? Discuss.

CS-4[20m] An apparel manufacturing company with a large number of women employees was losing sales and hired a reputed marketing executive who quickly increased sales. Unconfirmed reports emerged of his sexual harassment at the workplace. A woman employee formally complained to management against him; faced with the company's indifference, she lodged an FIR with the police. Realising the gravity, the company called her to negotiate, offering her a hefty sum to withdraw the complaint and the FIR and to give in writing that the marketing executive was not involved. Identify the ethical issues involved in this case. What options are available to the woman employee?

CS-5[20m] Honesty and uprightness are the hallmarks of civil servants and the backbone of any strong organisation. In the line of duty they make various decisions, and at times some become bonafide mistakes. As long as such decisions are not taken intentionally and do not benefit the officer personally, the officer cannot be said to be guilty; yet such decisions may sometimes lead to unforeseen adverse consequences. Recently, a few instances have surfaced where civil servants have been implicated, prosecuted and even imprisoned for bonafide mistakes, greatly rattling the moral fibre of the civil services. How does this trend affect the functioning of civil services? What measures can be taken to ensure that honest civil servants are not implicated for bonafide mistakes? Justify your answer.

CS-6[20m] You are heading rescue operations in an area hit by a severe natural calamity; thousands are rendered homeless and deprived of food, drinking water and basic amenities. Rescue work is disrupted by heavy rainfall and damaged supply routes, and local people are seething with anger at the delayed, limited rescue. When your team reaches the affected area, the people heckle and even assault some team members, one of whom is severely injured. Faced with this crisis, some team members plead with you to call off the operations, fearing threats to their lives. In such trying circumstances, what will be your response? Examine the qualities of a public servant required to manage the situation.

CS-1[20m] Edward Snowden, a computer expert and former CIA administrator, released confidential government documents to the press revealing the existence of government surveillance programmes. Many legal experts and the US Government held that this violated the Espionage Act (which treats leaking state secrets as treason). Yet Snowden argued he had a moral obligation to act, justifying his "whistle-blowing" by a duty "to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them"; the government's violation of privacy, he said, had to be exposed regardless of legality since substantive issues of social action and public morality were involved. Many agreed; a few argued he broke the law and compromised national security and should be held accountable. Do you agree that Snowden's actions were ethically justified even if legally prohibited? Why or why not? Make an argument by weighing the competing values in this case.

CS-2[20m] Dr X is a leading medical practitioner who has set up a charitable trust to establish a super-speciality hospital — a boon for a long-neglected region. You head the regional tax investigation agency. An inspection of his clinic finds some major irregularities (substantial, resulting in considerable withheld tax) and certain other deficiencies that are purely technical in nature. Dr X is cooperative and undertakes to pay the substantial tax immediately. Pursuing the technical defaults would divert his time and energy to non-serious matters and, in all probability, hamper the hospital coming up. Two options: (1) take a broader view — ensure substantial tax compliance and ignore merely technical defaults; (2) pursue the matter strictly on all fronts, substantial or technical. As head of the tax agency, which course will you opt and why?

CS-3[20m] A big corporate house manufacturing industrial chemicals on a large scale sought to set up an additional unit; many states rejected it for its detrimental environmental effect, but one state government acceded and permitted it close to a city, brushing aside opposition. Set up 10 years ago and in full swing until recently, the unit's effluents polluted land, water and crops and caused serious health problems for humans and animals, sparking agitations by thousands and a law-and-order situation requiring stern police action. Following the public outcry, the State ordered the factory's closure — rendering unemployed not only its workers but also those in ancillary units, and badly affecting industries dependent on its chemicals. As a senior officer entrusted with handling this issue, how will you address it?

CS-4[20m] In a State where prohibition is in force, you are newly appointed Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor, which causes many deaths (reported and unreported) and a major problem for the authorities. The approach so far has been to treat it purely as a law-and-order problem — raids, arrests, police cases and criminal trials — with only limited impact; the problem remains as serious as ever. Your inspections show that the parts where distillation flourishes are economically, industrially and educationally backward; agriculture is hit by poor irrigation; and frequent inter-community clashes boost distillation. No major initiatives have come from the government or social organisations to improve people's lot. Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem under control?

CS-5[20m] As a senior officer in the Ministry, you have advance access to important policy decisions and upcoming announcements such as road-construction projects. The Ministry is about to announce a mega road project whose drawings are ready, with planners having minimised private land acquisition (using government land), finalised compensation per rules, and minimised deforestation. Once announced, real-estate prices around the area are expected to spurt. The concerned Minister insists you realign the road to bring it closer to his 20-acre farmhouse, and suggests he would facilitate the purchase of a big plot in your wife's name at the prevailing (very nominal) rate near the project, even promising to supplement your savings if you lack funds, arguing there is "no harm as he is buying the land legally". The realignment would, however, require acquiring much agricultural land (a considerable burden on the government and displacement of farmers) and cutting down a large number of trees. Faced with this, what will you do? Critically examine the various conflicts of interest and explain your responsibilities as a public servant.

CS-6[20m] Rakesh, a responsible and honest district-level officer, is entrusted with identifying beneficiaries under a healthcare scheme for senior citizens. The criteria are: (a) 60 years of age or above; (b) belonging to a reserved community; (c) family income below Rs 1 lakh per annum; (d) post-treatment prognosis likely to be high, making a positive difference to quality of life. An old couple — lifelong residents of a village, with no children to support them — applies; the husband has a rare condition causing intestinal obstruction and severe abdominal pain that prevents physical labour. An expert surgeon will operate free, but the couple must bear about Rs 1 lakh in incidental charges (medicines, hospitalisation). They fulfil all criteria except (b); any financial aid would significantly improve their quality of life. How should Rakesh respond to the situation?

CS-1[20m] You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) in a government department, aware that the RTI Act 2005 envisages transparency and accountability and has checked arbitrary administrative behaviour. However, you observe that some citizens file RTI applications not for themselves but on behalf of stakeholders who want information to further their own interests, and that some "RTI activists" routinely file applications and attempt to extort money from decision-makers. This type of RTI activism has adversely affected administration and possibly jeopardises the genuineness of applications essentially aimed at getting justice. What measures would you suggest to separate genuine and non-genuine applications? Give the merits and demerits of your suggestions.

CS-2[20m] A building permitted for three floors, while being extended illegally to six floors by a builder, collapses. As a consequence, a number of innocent labourers, including women and children, die; these labourers are migrants from different places. The government immediately announces cash relief to the aggrieved families and arrests the builder. Give reasons for such incidents taking place across the country. Suggest measures to prevent their occurrence.

CS-3[20m] You are the manager of a spare-parts company A negotiating a highly competitive, critical deal with the manager of a large manufacturing company B over dinner. Afterwards, B's manager offers to drop you to your hotel in his car; on the way he hits a motorcyclist, injuring him badly — you know he was driving fast and lost control. A law-enforcement officer comes to investigate and you are the sole eyewitness. You are aware that, given strict road-accident laws, your honest account would lead to the manager's prosecution and likely jeopardise the deal, which is of immense importance to your company. What are the dilemmas you face? What will be your response to the situation?

CS-4[20m] You are the head of the Human Resources department of an organisation. One day a worker dies on duty, and his family demands compensation. However, the company denies it because investigation revealed he was drunk at the time of the accident. The workers go on strike demanding compensation for the deceased's family. The Chairman of the management board asks for your recommendation. What recommendation would you provide the management? Discuss the merits and demerits of each recommendation.

CS-5[20m] You are aspiring to become an IAS officer and, having cleared various stages, have been selected for the personal interview. On the day of the interview, on the way to the venue, you see an accident in which a mother and child — who happen to be your relatives — are badly injured and need immediate help. What would you have done in such a situation? Justify your action.

CS-6[20m] You are an honest and responsible civil servant who often observes the following: (a) there is a general perception that adhering to ethical conduct may cause difficulties for oneself and one's family, whereas unfair practices may help reach career goals; (b) when the number of people adopting unfair means is large, a small minority with a penchant for ethical means makes no difference; (c) sticking to ethical means is detrimental to larger developmental goals; (d) while one may not indulge in large unethical practices, giving and accepting small gifts makes the system more efficient. Examine the above statements with their merits and demerits.

CS-1[25m] Saraswati, a successful IT professional in the USA, moved by a patriotic urge to do something for the country, returned to India and, with like-minded friends, formed an NGO to build a school providing the best quality modern education at nominal cost to a poor rural community. She soon discovered she had to seek permission from numerous government agencies; the rules and procedures were confusing and cumbersome, and what frustrated her most were delays, the callous attitude of officials and constant demands for bribes. Her experience, and that of many like her, has deterred people from taking up social-service projects. A measure of government control over voluntary social work is necessary, but it should not be exercised in a coercive or corrupt manner. What measures can you suggest to ensure that due control is exercised but well-meaning, honest NGO efforts are not thwarted?

CS-2[25m] ABC Ltd. is a large transnational company with diversified businesses and a huge shareholder base, continuously expanding and generating employment. In its expansion programme it decides to establish a new plant at Vikaspuri, an underdeveloped area; the plant uses energy-efficient technology saving 20% in production cost, fits the government's policy of attracting investment to such regions, and qualifies for a five-year tax holiday. However, the plant may bring chaos to the otherwise tranquil Vikaspuri — an increased cost of living, in-migration of "aliens", and disturbance of the social and economic order. Sensing protest, the company tried to educate the people about how its CSR policy would help; nonetheless protests begin, and some residents, their plea before the government having failed, decide to approach the judiciary. (a) Identify the issues involved in the case. (b) What can be suggested to satisfy the company's goal and address the residents' concerns?

CS-3[20m] You are a young, aspiring and sincere employee in a government office, working as assistant to the director of your department. Your superior is kind and ready to train you, intelligent and well-informed; you respect him and hope to learn much. He starts depending on you, and one day, due to ill health, invites you to his home to finish urgent work. Before ringing the bell you hear shouting; inside, while he explains the work, you are disturbed by a woman crying. Your inquiry does not satisfy you, and next day in office you learn that his behaviour at home is very bad — he beats his wife, who is simple and not well educated compared to him. Thus, though a nice person in office, he is engaged in domestic violence at home. You are left with the following options; analyse each with its consequences: (a) just ignore it, thinking it is their personal matter; (b) report the case to the appropriate authority; (c) your own innovative approach to the situation.

CS-4[20m] Suppose you are an officer in charge of implementing a social-service scheme to support old and destitute women. An old and illiterate woman comes to avail the benefits, but has no documents to show she fulfils the eligibility criteria. After meeting her and listening to her you feel she certainly needs support, and your enquiries confirm she is really destitute and living in a pitiable condition. You are in a dilemma: putting her under the scheme without the necessary documents would clearly violate the rules, but denying her the support would be cruel and inhuman. (a) Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma? (b) Give your reasons.

CS-5[20m] Land needed for mining, dams and other large-scale projects is acquired mostly from Adivasis, hill dwellers and rural communities. The displaced persons are paid monetary compensation as per legal provisions, but the payment is often tardy and in any case cannot sustain the families for long; lacking marketable skills, they end up as low-paid migrant labourers. Moreover, the benefits of development go to industries, industrialists and urban communities while the costs are passed on to these poor, helpless people — an unjust, unethical distribution of costs and benefits. Suppose you are entrusted with drafting a better compensation-cum-rehabilitation policy for such displaced persons: how would you approach the problem, and what would be the main elements of your suggested policy?

CS-6[20m] A fresh engineering graduate gets a job in a prestigious chemical industry; she likes the work and the salary is good. After a few months she accidentally discovers that a highly toxic waste is being secretly discharged into a nearby river, causing health problems to villagers downstream who depend on it for water. She mentions her concern to longer-serving colleagues, who advise her to keep quiet, as anyone who raises the topic is summarily dismissed. She cannot risk losing her job as she is the sole breadwinner supporting ailing parents and siblings. At first she thinks that if her seniors stay silent, why should she stick her neck out — but her conscience pricks her to act to save the river and the people. She feels the advice of silence is wrong though she cannot give reasons, and seeks your advice. (a) What arguments can you advance to show her that keeping quiet is not morally right? (b) What course of action would you advise her to adopt and why?