GS4 Final

INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS
INSIGHTSIAS
IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION

MAINS 2020
GS- IV
APRIL 2020
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NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are
NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content
that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you extra points
in the form of background information.

Table of Contents
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions;
dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. ........................................................ 7
Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian
society. Discuss.(250 words) .......................................................................................................... 7
Explain how ethics can help in improving the declining values of media today?(250 words)........... 8
Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable examples, discuss
the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How can these issues be
resolved?(250 words) .................................................................................................................. 10
Name and describe the theories of right action.(250 words) ........................................................ 13
Critically assess the claim that people are free to make moral decisions.(250 words)................... 15
‘The weaknesses of Virtue Ethics outweigh its strengths.’ Discuss. (250 words) ........................... 16
What may be expected from the media in the development of a policy aiming at the improvement
of ethical conduct in the public sector? Elaborate. (250 words) ................................................... 18
Ethics are less a goal than a pathway, less a destination than a trip, less an inoculation than a
process. Illustrate. (250 words). ................................................................................................... 20
Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values. ......................................... 21
”Gandhi’s ecological intelligence warned us of making a cult of materialism that will recoil on itself
and have what we consume, consume us.” Elaborate. (250 words) ............................................. 21
Discuss the relevance of Gandhian principles of swadeshi, swachhata and sarvodaya in the
contemporary times.(250 words) ................................................................................................. 23
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral
and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. .................................................................. 26
“Our future cannot hinge on on the government alone. The eventual way out lies in the attitudes
and the actions of the citizens of the country”. Analyse.(250 words) ........................................... 26
Social and religious norms play a dominant role in influencing behaviour in India. How these
norms have been used in the implementation of various schemes by the Government?
Elaborate.(250 words) ................................................................................................................. 27
Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and
governance. .................................................................................................................................... 30
Discuss the Skills that are required to become emotionally intelligent while highlighting the
advantages of developing emotional intelligence for administration.(250 words) ........................ 30
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world. ......................................... 31
“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” Discuss the
statement with focus on the importance of leadership in administration.(250 words) ................. 31
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns
and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as
sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and
moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; ........................... 33

What do you understand by ‘civic virtue’ in public life? What are the challenges in practicing it in
today’s time? How can these challenges be overcome? Elaborate. (250 words) ........................... 33
What are clinical trials? What are the issues with respect to conducting clinical trials in India?
Present the ethical issues involved. (250 words) .......................................................................... 35
Case Studies on above issues. .......................................................................................................... 37
You are working as an Execution officer (EO) in a Zilla. You have been given Responsibility to
measure MGNREGA works undertaken by 3 Gram Panchayats. You have authority to give
administrative sanctions to all MGNREGA works. In one of these Panchayats you notice that your
predecessor had wrongly measured many works, and in many cases he had approved works that
never existed. One day few elected members of that Panchayat with bundle of job cards come to
you to seek ‘sanction’ for the works done by them. When enquired, they reveal that they were
contractors who had completed works under MGNREGA. When you reject their demand, they
threaten you and tell you that the previous EO was made to quit his job because he didn’t listen to
them. This is your first job and is very important to sustain your family. There have been
precedents in the past that some officials were beaten to death in some parts of the Zilla. What
will you do in this situation? Explain in detail citing rules from MGNREGA Act. (250 words) ......... 37
You are traveling in a government bus to attend a very important job interview. In one hour you
should be present at the interview venue. The bus is very congested. Luckily you are seated. From
your seat you observe that a middle aged man standing next to a girl is touching and trying to
molest her. The girl is silently resisting and trying to move away from him. But the man is
continuing his actions. As the bus is congested, nobody is noticing this except you. In this
situation, what will you do? Explain. If you do not do anything, which values will you be
compromising? Explain their importance.(250 words) ................................................................. 39
Aparna recently landed a well-paying software job in a reputed company in Bangalore. She has an
ambition to become a civil servant. She is working hard towards it. Recently she wrote the
entrance for Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF) and got selected as its
Fellow. Though she received better salary in the present job, she wanted to accept the PMRD
Fellowship and work for it. She will be posted in a faraway state from her present location. The
district where she will be posted is a sensitive region severely affected by Naxal problem. Few
days ago, few civil servants and policemen were killed by Naxals in an ambush. Aparna’s parents
do not want her to leave the present job. She thinks that this fellowship would equip her with
skills needed to work as an IAS officer in case she gets selected in future. If you are in Aparna’s
place, what decision will you take? Give reasons.(250 words) ...................................................... 41



Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics

in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.
Value education empowers a person to confront the myriad challenges of
contemporary Indian society. Discuss.(250 words)
Reference: Ethics by Lexicon Publications
Why this question:
The question is based on the significance of value education in one’s life.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the importance of value education, bring out in what way it helps and empowers a person to
confront the myriad challenges of contemporary Indian society.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly define what value education is.
Body:
Explain value education and its importance; Values are generalized preferences to lead a particular
kind of life or to attain a particular end state, like compassion, integrity, rule of law etc. Since values
are learned through socialization, therefore education must help inculcate appropriate values like
harmony, peace, compassion, humility, respect for human dignity & human rights and respect for the
environment.
Describe how it can help in dealing with contemporary challenges in the Indian society –
Contemporary Indian society has been facing the problem of declining values due to multi-
dimensional forces such as globalization, materialism, consumerism, commercialization of education,
environmental degradation, violence, religious fundamentalism and terrorism.
Suggest how to deal with the above challenges with the right value education.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of it.
Introduction:
Value-education is a many sided endeavour and in an activity during which young people are
assisted by adults or older people in schools, family homes, clubs and religious and other
organisations, to make explicit those underlying their own attitudes, to assess the effectiveness of
these values for their own and others long term well-being and to reflect on and acquire other
values which are more effective for long term well-being.
Body:
According to C. V. Good —” Value-education is the aggregate of all the process by means of which a
person develops abilities, attitudes and other forms of behaviour of the positive values in the society
in which he lives.”
The National Policy on Education of 1986 has very strongly recommended the need for value-
education due to the following reasons:
 Tremendous advance in science and technology’ has resulted in a complete change in the
lifestyle of the people.

 Science and technology is being used to produce weapons of mass destruction endangering the
very existence of the human race instead of using it for the betterment of human life.
 Erosion of traditional values.
 Life in the future is going to be faster and more complex. The student of today have to face such
moral situations in future, in which, instead of depending on others, they may be required to
take their own decision.
 The present youth has special problems. It has started to question the conduct of elders —
especially political leaders. They do not see the relevance of the values preached.
Importance of value education:
 True learning happens when the student builds, often gradually, coherent conceptual schemes
about how the world works and is able to use these concepts to understand, explain and act in
unfamiliar situations. Such learning is rarely ever a product of rote. It is, more often than not, a
result of learning to cooperate, think critically, and experiment with diverse situations.
 Education is not limited to a classroom or a school only. It is considered to be a lifelong process,
where all the experiences, knowledge and wisdom that an individual acquires at different stages
of one’s life through different channels are termed as education.
 The broader view considers education as an act or experience that has formative or additive
effect on the personality of an individual. It is believed that education is not only an instrument
of social change, but also an investment in national development.
 Such a view of education encompasses all life experiences, as there is a shift in emphasis from
individual development to national development.
 The broader meaning of education implies the process of development, wherein the individual
gradually adapts himself/herself to various ways to his/her physical, social and spiritual
environments.
Critical thinking, empathy and dialogue are key aspects of such a learning process. Our schools and
teachers need to become adept at encouraging students to question the conventional and to
discover the meaning of the personal and civic values that promote well-being. As in the case of
academic subjects, questioning and understanding values and the learning that results are crucial for
our children’s future. The future of our society, too, depends on it.
Conclusion:
Value-education influences all aspects of a person’s growth and development. Thus, value-
education consequently, is an integral part of education which cannot be separated from the
educational process. Value-education has to be placed, therefore, at the centre of the educational
endeavour.
Explain how ethics can help in improving the declining values of media today?(250
words)
Why this question:
The question is based on the premise of declining values of media in the current times.
Explain the role that ethics can play in improving the declining values of media in the current times.
Directive:

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the
particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with
relevant associated facts.
Introduction:
Introduce by writing the relation between ethics and values. Ethics are set of rules that govern the
behaviour or person or group and values refers to the belief of a person. Though different but both
ethics and values share a strong correlation.
Body:
Talk about the declining values of media; Despite growth in massive growth of media and emergence
of new forms of media, such as digital media, Social media, we also see the problem of decline in
values such as – fake news, fabricated media, Corporatization of media, paid news, unwarranted
sting operations etc. Explain how ethics can contribute in improving the declining values.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of ethics and values in ensuring ethical media.
Introduction:
Media acts as a watchdog of public interest in a democracy. It plays an important role in a

democracy and serves as an agency of the people to inform them of the events of national and
international significance. Media is considered as “Fourth Pillar” in democratic countries along with
Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. Its importance in influencing readers can be gauged by the role
it played during the freedom struggle, politically educating millions of Indians who joined the leaders
in their fight against the British imperialism.
Body:
Importance of Media in today’s India:
 Journalism is a profession that serves. By virtue, thereof it enjoys the privilege to ‘question’
others.
 The fundamental objective of journalism is to serve the people with news, views, comments and
information on matters of public interest in a fair, accurate, unbiased: and decent manner and
language.
 The press is an indispensable pillar of democracy. It purveys public opinion and shapes
it. Parliamentary democracy can flourish only under the watchful eyes of the media. Media
not only reports but acts as a bridge between the state and the public.
 With the advent of private TV channels, the media seems to have taken over the reins of human
life and society in every walk of life.
 The media today does not remain satisfied as the Fourth Estate, it has assumed the foremost
importance in society and governance. While playing the role of informer, the media also takes
the shape of a motivator and a leader.
 Such is the influence of media that it can make or unmake any individual, institution or any
thought. So all pervasive and all-powerful is today its impact on the society. With so much power
and strength, the media cannot lose sight of its privileges, duties and obligations.
Declining values of Media in contemporary times:
 The issues of paid news, media trial, non-issues being presented as real news while the real
issues are sidelined, the news is being doctored and fact distortion for profits and political
favour, fake news, yellow journalism are important concerns which are influencing public and

impacting national security. For instance, fear mongering through media has led to mob
lynchings, attacks on the migrant population.
 The absence of objective journalism leads to the false presentation of truth in a society which
affects the perception and opinions of people. As observed in the case of Cambridge Analytica
case, the biased news coverage on social media platform affected the Presidential elections in
the U.S.
 The chase for sensationalism and higher TRP rates as observed in the coverage of 26/11
terrorist attacks in India risked the internal security of the nation. The sensationalism-driven
reporting compromised the identities of rape victims and survivors despite SC guidelines.
 Trial by media does not follow the due process of law and can reduce the public trust in
institutions of governance like the judiciary.
 Paid news and fake news can manipulate public perception and can instigate hatred, violence,
and disharmony among the various community within society.
 With the advent of social media, technological changes, the reach of media has grown
profoundly. Its reach and role in impacting public opinion have made it even more important to
ensure its objectivity, non-partisanship calls for the enforcement of journalistic ethics.
Measures to inculcate ethics in media:
 It is therefore important that for the media to carry out their important role effectively and
efficiently, the media should operate within a well-defined code of ethics while maintaining their
freedom and editorial independence.
 Media should be impartial and free from the propaganda mechanisms. It should provide
balanced account to the people.
 Since irresponsible journalism invites restriction, robbing off the media its freedom, professional
conduct and ethical practice are vital to safeguarding freedom of the media and ensuring that
public trust invested in the media is sustained.
 Ensuring the objective presentation of news and fair and unbiased comment, to promote the
advancement of education and culture.
 Raising and maintain high standards of decency and decorum in all programmes.
 Providing programmes for the young which, by variety and content, will inculcate the principles
of good citizenship.
 Promoting communal harmony, religious tolerance and international understanding.
 Treating controversial public issues in an impartial and dispassionate manner.
 Respecting human rights and dignity.
Marketing has become a crucial link in the success of a business. With suitable
examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service. How
can these issues be resolved?(250 words)
Reference: Marketing Schools
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of ethical marketing.
Discuss the ethical issues involved in marketing of a product or service and suggest measures to
resolve these issues.
Directive:

Introduction:
Briefly underline the importance of marketing and therein the importance of ethical consideration.
Body:
Marketing refers to activities of a company associated with buying and selling a product or service.
Marketing through advertising, selling and delivery of products to potential customers, is vital for the
success of any business. Since it has the potential to influence attitudes, behaviors and priorities;
ethical considerations are part and parcel of marketing. Then discuss the ethical issues with examples
for greater clarity. Then explain the need for self-regulation, ethical codes and legal aspects to
resolve unethical marketing practices.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction:
The rampant growth of Information, Communication and Technology, the penetration of Smart
phones and mobile internet has brought the consumer and corporate companies closer. The
platforms of advertisement ranging from billboards to public transport to social media, news
channels and even mobile phones. Marketing which includes advertisements play a major role in
influencing, decision making of the people.
Body:
Ethical marketing is less of a marketing strategy and more of a philosophy that informs all marketing
efforts. It seeks to promote honesty, fairness, and responsibility in all advertising. Ethics is a
notoriously difficult subject because everyone has subjective judgments about what is “right” and
what is “wrong.” For this reason, ethical marketing is not a hard and fast list of rules, but a general
set of guidelines to assist companies as they evaluate new marketing strategies.
In a bid to capture the market, attract the consumers to their products, Companies are on an
advertising spree. There are catchy slogans, tall claims, distortion of facts, comparison with
competitor products through advertisements.
Types of advertising:
 Surrogate Advertising: In certain places there are laws against advertising products like
cigarettes or alcohol. Surrogate advertising finds ways to remind consumers of these products
without referencing them directly.
 Exaggeration: Some advertisers use false claims about a product’s quality or popularity. A Slogan
like “get coverage everywhere on earth” advertises features that cannot be delivered.
 Puffery: When an advertiser relies on subjective rather than objective claims, they are puffing up
their products. Statements like “the best tasting coffee” cannot be confirmed objectively.
 Unverified Claims: Many products promise to deliver results without providing any scientific
evidence. Shampoo commercials that promise stronger, shinier hair do so without telling
consumers why or how.
 Stereotyping Women: Women in advertising have often been portrayed as sex objects or
domestic servants. This type of advertising traffics in negative stereotypes and contributes to a
sexist culture.

 False brand comparisons: Any time a company makes false or misleading claims about their
competitors they are spreading misinformation.
 Children in advertising: Children consume huge amounts of advertising without being able to
evaluate it objectively. Exploiting this innocence is one of the most common unethical marketing
practices.
There are some ethical issues present in marketing arena:
 Lack of honesty and integrity: The hollowness and even false claims by advertisements too woo
more customers. Example: Fairness creams, hair-growth oils, weight-loss pills.
 Lack of Transparency: The hiding of information by showing half of information. Example: The
case of Maggi containing Mono-Sodium Glutamate was not indicated on the products.
 Promoting Sexism: The ads which promotes sexist attitude goes against human dignity by
affecting equality amongst sexes. Example: Hero Honda Pleasure – Why should boys have all the
fun?
 Promoting Patriarchy: In most ads the women are shown subjugated to men or doing household
chores, objectification of women. Example: Dishwash bars, Washing powders etc.
 Promoting Racism: Comparisons between the dark-skinned, fair skinned people to promote the
products. Example: Beauty soaps, Fairness creams
 Brand Ambassadors’ ethics: The lack of responsibility towards society on part of brand
ambassadors harms the consumers who buy products based on former’s credibility.
 Conflict of Interest: The ambassadors like Cine artists, sportspersons, etc. may not be using the
product they endorse in their personal lives. But they may be forced to do so for a living.
 Increased Consumerism: The materialism and consumerism is increasing in the people by blindly
following the advertisements. It has effects on children who value materials more than
humanism and rationalism.
Way forward:
 False claims, wrong facts by brands should be punishable.

 Brand ambassadors should be aware and responsible of the products they endorse.
 The Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act 2018 has provisions to indict the endorser too now
as part of consumer rights protection.
 Regulatory bodies like Advertising Standards Council of India(ASCI) should be made statutory
and given more teeth to regulate the fake ads.
 Efficient grievance redressal mechanism must be made available for consumers to make
companies accountable.
 The consumers on their parts should be responsible to verify the product’s claims and then buy
it.
 Education and awareness can be spread about the consumer rights and its protection.
 However, on the other hand these regulations must not violate the freedom of speech of the
companies.
 Above measures if enforced in a proper manner would resolve the above ethical issues in
commercial advertisements.
Best Practices: The best companies are striving to meet those expectations. A few years ago,
Domino’s Pizza decided to post comments in real time from its customers on a billboard in New
York’s Times Square. The company did not filter the reviews, allowing people to see exactly what
was being said about its products. It was an amazing example of transparency. In the same vein,
online retailer Zappos gives people complete access to details about its vendors.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, it boils down to how much, as a company, it values truth and honesty. Advertisements
should be an ethical dimension of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Name and describe the theories of right action.(250 words)

Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of ‘Right Action’.
Explain in detail the various theories relating to the concept of right action in ethics.
Directive:
Describe – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
Introduction:
Right actions are the ones that produce the greatest satisfaction of the preferences of the affected
persons.
Body:
To start with, explain the significance of right action. Name the different theories propounded by
ethical and moral thinkers. Explain – Utilitarian Theory of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, Duty
Ethics of Kant etc. Discuss that Right actions are the ones that produce the greatest satisfaction of
the preferences of the affected persons. Highlight the advantages and disadvantages.
Conclusion:
Conclude with relevance of such a concept even in contemporary times.
Introduction:
Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that involves questions about morality and the
perception of good and evil, of right and wrong, of justice, virtue, and vice. Right actions are the
ones that produce the greatest satisfaction of the preferences of the affected persons.
Body:
Descriptive Ethics:
 Descriptive ethics deals with what people actually believe (or made to believe) to be right or
wrong, and accordingly holds up the human actions acceptable or not acceptable or punishable
under a custom or law.
 However, customs and laws keep changing from time to time and from society to society.
 The societies have structured their moral principles as per changing time and have expected
people to behave accordingly.
 Due to this, descriptive ethics is also called comparative ethics because it compares the ethics or
past and present; ethics of one society and other. It also takes inputs from other disciplines such
as anthropology, psychology, sociology and history to explain the moral right or wrong.
Normative Ethics:
 Normative Ethics deals with “norms” or set of considerations how one should act.
 Thus, it’s a study of “ethical action” and sets out the rightness or wrongness of the actions.
 It is also called prescriptive ethics because it rests on the principles which determine whether an
action is right or wrong.

 The Golden rule of normative ethics is “doing to other as we want them to do to us “.
Utilitarianism:
 It focuses on the purpose of each action and whether there is an intention or meaning for the
action.
 It deals with the consequences of an action.
 It involves examining past experiences in order to figure out the results of present actions.
 The most common forms of Consequentialism are the various versions of utilitarianism, which
favours actions that produce the greatest amount of happiness.
 An example of act utilitarianism is a pharmaceutical company releasing a drug that has been
governmentally approved with known side effects because the drug is able to help more people
than are bothered by the minor side effects. Act utilitarianism often shows “the end justifies the
means” mentality.
Duty or Deontological Ethics:
 Deontological (duty-based) theories are of the view that morality of an action is solely
dependent on the quality of action. i.e., whether it follows a rule, irrespective of the
consequences of that action. Consequences do NOT matter.
 It is an approach to ethics that addresses whether the motives behind certain actions are right or
wrong instead of focusing on whether the results of the action are right or wrong.
 It is based on each individual’s duty or obligation towards each other, all living things, and the
environment based on moral beliefs and values.
 It teaches about always acting in good faith and adheres to the Golden Rule to treat others the
way you want to be treated by them.
 Morality depends only on the intension behind the act.
 An example of deontological theory is Kant’s Duty Ethics proposed by Immanuel Kant (1724-
1804).
 According to him, the morality of an action is based on the rightness or wrongness of the action
itself, not on the consequence of the action. As rational beings we must follow certain maxims
and rules.
Virtue Ethics:
 Virtue Ethics (or Virtue Theory) are normative ethical theories which emphasize virtues of mind,
character and sense of honesty.
 It is an approach to Ethics that emphasizes an individual’s character as the key element of ethical
thinking, rather than rules about the acts themselves (Deontology) or their consequences
(Consequentialism).
 For example, it is virtuous to be courageous when faced with physical confrontation. But an
excess courage will tend to make a person reckless whereas a total lack of it makes him a
coward.
Meta Ethics:
 Meta Ethics or “analytical ethics” deals with the origin of the ethical concepts themselves.
 It does not consider whether an action is good or bad, right or wrong. Rather, it questions –
what goodness or rightness or morality itself is?
 It is basically a highly abstract way of thinking about ethics.

 The key theories in meta-ethics include naturalism, non-naturalism, emotivism and

prescriptivism
Applied Ethics:
 Applied ethics deals with the philosophical examination, from a moral standpoint, of particular
issues in private and public life which are matters of moral judgment.
 This branch of ethics is most important for professionals in different walks of life including
doctors, teachers, administrators, rulers and so on.
 There are six key domains of applied ethics viz. Decision ethics {ethical decision making process},
Professional ethics {for good professionalism}, Clinical Ethics {good clinical practices}, Business
Ethics {good business practices}, Organizational ethics {ethics within and among organizations}
and social ethics.
 It deals with the rightness or wrongness of social, economic, cultural, religious issues also. For
example, euthanasia, child labour, abortion etc.
Conclusion:
Right action is when the right people do right thing for right reasons at the right time. That about
sums up success – Roberta Shaler.
Critically assess the claim that people are free to make moral decisions.(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is based on the ability of people to freely make moral decisions.
One must assess the claim that people are free to make moral decisions and provide opinion with
suitable justifications.
Directive:
Critically assess – When asked to assess, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of
the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary. When
‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and
give a fair judgment.
Introduction:
Briefly explain the context of the question.
Body:
Often, it seems that we make moral decisions almost automatically, and there are occasions when
we need to make moral decisions more carefully. It may be because the choices before us involve
conflicting values, uncertainty or doubt, peer pressure, or possible negative consequences. Discuss
opinions of various scholars, ethical and moral thinkers in this regard. Present examples and suggest
your viewpoints.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a fair and balanced opinion.
Introduction:
At its simplest, ethics is a system of moral principles that determines how people make decisions
and lead their lives. Ethics is concerned with what is good for individuals and society and is also
described as moral philosophy. The term is derived from the Greek word ethos which can mean
custom, habit, character or disposition.
Body:

Ethics deals the following dilemmas:
 how to live a good life?

 our rights and responsibilities
 the language of right and wrong
 Moral decisions – what is good and bad?
People’s freedom to make moral decisions will fail during the following situations:
 Lack of free will: The relationship between human freedom and moral behaviour is a crucial one
since it is mostly accepted that our freedom to perform a morally good action or to refrain from
a bad one, is a vital part in the way we evaluate an action.
 Situations and contexts: In everyday life, we may not notice that our morals are context-
dependent since our contexts tend to stay the same daily. However, under new circumstances,
we may find that the moral rules we thought we’d always follow are actually quite malleable
 Ignorance: Ignorance is the absence of knowledge, the state of being unaware. If an act is done
through ignorance, it goes out of the realm of judgment of ethics. For instance, a foreigner who
is unaware of the societal laws and norms, if violated the norms through such ignorance, the
action is not a human action.
 Passion: Passions are powerful emotions of anger, grief, love, hatred or greed. Some passions
precede an act of the will and cause the will to act. As per moral thinkers, it is human will and
reason that holds human passions under check. However, when overpowered by emotions, such
as a sudden rage or a fit of anger, it destroys the use of reason, an individual loses control over
his will, thus also destroy the voluntariness of the action.
 Violence: Violence is the external physical force exerted on a person. When a person offers all
the resistance he can, actions done in these circumstances are involuntary and therefore, not
human actions. For instance, a man may be driven into involuntary acts under the threat of
violence against himself or his loved ones. In a case of bank robbery if the robber holds the gun
to the cashier’s head and the cashier parts with money, evidently the cashier’s act is involuntary.
He incurs no guilt for the act, though he did hand over the cash physically.
 There are also some other impediments to human actions like habit, temperament, and
psychological states (such as mental illness, psychoneurosis, psychosis, schizophrenia, etc.),
substance abuse (actions under the intoxication of drugs or alcohol) that may sometimes
interfere with voluntariness, in that they blur knowledge and weaken the will. However, though
they lessen the voluntariness of actions, but never destroy it.
Conclusion:
Since all human actions occur at a certain time and at a certain place, the circumstances must always
be considered in evaluating the moral quality of any human act. Meanwhile, it must be understood
that ‘a morally good act requires the goodness of the object, of the end, and of the circumstances
together’. If any one of the three is evil, then the human act in question is evil and should be avoided
‘The weaknesses of Virtue Ethics outweigh its strengths.’ Discuss. (250 words)
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of virtue ethics and its fallacies.
Explain in what way The weaknesses of Virtue Ethics outweigh its strengths. Discuss with examples.
Directive:

Introduction:
Briefly define virtue ethics.
Body:
Virtue Ethics is one of the three approaches of normative ethics and is attributed to its founding
fathers, Plato and Aristotle. Its emphasis is on a person’s individual character when it comes to
ethical thinking as opposed to consequences and actions. Present the strengths of virtue ethics in
general and then the weaknesses. Critics of virtue ethics say that this theory lacks focus when it
comes to determining the types of actions that are morally acceptable and permitted from the ones
that should be avoided. Instead, it concentrates more on the qualities an individual has to enhance or
improve in order to become a good person etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with the justification of the statement in question.
Introduction:
Virtue Ethics (or Virtue Theory) are normative ethical theories which emphasize virtues of mind,
character and sense of honesty. It is an approach to Ethics that emphasizes an individual’s character
as the key element of ethical thinking, rather than rules about the acts themselves (Deontology) or
their consequences (Consequentialism). For example it is virtuous to be courageous when faced with
physical confrontation.
Body:
A virtue is generally agreed to be a character trait, such as a habitual action or settled sentiment.
Specifically, a virtue is a positive trait that makes its possessor a good human being.
Significance of Virtue ethics:
 Virtue ethicists discuss the nature and definition of virtues and other related problems.
 The Virtue Ethical theories hold that ethical value of an individual is determined by his character.
The character refers to the virtues, inclinations and intentions that dispose of a person to be
ready to act ethically.
 The Virtue Ethical Theories are based on the notion that developing a sound character is what
the life is all about. The character builds a substantive moral foundation for one’s actions.
Strengths:
 Examines the moral agent unlike many other ethical theories.

 It holds human relationships in high regard unlike others such as Kant, who sees close bonds
as morally dangerous.
 Human emotions and responsibilities are important. This separates Virtue Ethics from most
other ethical theories as they regard emotions as illogical and therefore dangerous.
 Allows the moral agent to make ethical decisions based on his or her moral well-being, not
just based on what is legally right. Acknowledges that morality is complex and so rejects
simplistic maxims as a basis for moral truth.
 It does not claim to be a miracle solution for every problem but tries to equip us so as to
deal with the problems.

 It places virtues at the centre of morality.
Weakness:
 Virtue Ethics is focused on the individual; it neither resolves nor attempts to resolve big moral
dilemmas. It may help make the moral agent virtuous but it does not give any answers relating
to an ethical crisis.
 Virtual Ethics focuses on a small number of traits that make the individual virtuous but ignores
the big picture. Society today is far too big and complex to take note of a moral theory that only
focuses on the small things. Modern governments (except those of which are Dictatorships)
cannot make ethical decisions on the basis of individual character traits, they need to look at the
consequences of actions on the population as a whole.
 Virtue ethics cannot be universally applied to all people in all situations. Truth and honesty are
good individual traits, but you cannot be truthful and honest with a kidnapper who is searching
for a hiding victim.
Conclusion:
Despite virtue ethics having its own set of limitations like self-centeredness, failure of practicality
and lack of lawfully guided principles, the constant self-awareness, self-development and knowledge
building that a person inculcates as a result of virtue ethics cannot be overlooked. Emotional
intelligence along with practicality where required will make a wholesome combination for an
individual’s growth and help her/him contribute essentially to the society.
What may be expected from the media in the development of a policy aiming at the
improvement of ethical conduct in the public sector? Elaborate. (250 words)
Why this question:
The question is amidst rising incidences of media influencing the policy development in negative
ways.
Explain what may be expected from the media in the development of a policy aiming at the
improvement of ethical conduct in the public sector.
Directive:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Introduction:
In short explain the context in question.
Body:
To start with, Press is playing an efficient institutional role in the field of ethics. Moreover, it became
clear that civil servants in general are resentful of the press, in spite of the fact that virtually all major
scandals were investigated as a result of denunciations by the press. This reaction seems to stem
from a perception that the press is responsible for the current deterioration of the public image of the
public sector. From their standpoint, the role of the press during the past few years has been one of
denunciation. Rampant competition in the media has caused irresponsible denunciations, based on
insufficient investigation, unreliable sources, and distortion of facts. As a result, public institutions
have been discredited, according to the prevailing opinion of the participants. A cooperative posture
of the press, although desirable, is overshadowed by its tendency to highlight negative facts and
ignore positive ones whenever the public sector is concerned.

Conclusion:
So, the press should act as a watchdog and whistleblower but in a competent, accurate and
responsible manner. Positive facts and information relevant to society must also be published. The
agenda of the press and the agenda of the government must be kept separate.
Introduction:
Media acts as a watchdog of public interest in a democracy. It plays an important role in a

democracy and serves as an agency of the people to inform them of the events of national and
international significance. Media is considered as “Fourth Pillar” in democratic countries along with
Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. Its importance in influencing readers can be gauged by the role
it played during the freedom struggle, politically educating millions of Indians who joined the leaders
in their fight against the British imperialism.
Body:
Importance of Media in today’s India:
 Journalism is a profession that serves. By virtue, thereof it enjoys the privilege to ‘question’
others.
 The fundamental objective of journalism is to serve the people with news, views, comments and
information on matters of public interest in a fair, accurate, unbiased: and decent manner and
language.
 The press is an indispensable pillar of democracy. It purveys public opinion and shapes
it. Parliamentary democracy can flourish only under the watchful eyes of the media. Media
not only reports but acts as a bridge between the state and the public.
 With the advent of private TV channels, the media seems to have taken over the reins of human
life and society in every walk of life.
 The media today does not remain satisfied as the Fourth Estate, it has assumed the foremost
importance in society and governance. While playing the role of informer, the media also takes
the shape of a motivator and a leader.
 Such is the influence of media that it can make or unmake any individual, institution or any
thought. So all pervasive and all-powerful is today its impact on the society. With so much power
and strength, the media cannot lose sight of its privileges, duties and obligations.
Media’s role in the development of a policy aiming at the improvement of ethical conduct in the
public sector:
 Anticipating problems in advance of public officials.

 Alerting the public to problems on the basis of official warnings.
 Informing the public of the stakes the competing groups had in solving problems.
 Keeping various groups and the public abreast of competing proposals.
 Contributing to the content of policy.
 Deciding the tempo of decision making.
 Helping lawmakers decide how to vote.
 Alerting the public to how policies are administered.
 Evaluating policy effectiveness.
 Stimulating policy reviews.
Conclusion:
In each stage of policy process, the mass media perform functions, although the functions seem
more important in relaying information than in influencing the policy process. It is therefore
important that for the media to carry out their important role effectively and efficiently, the media
should operate within a well-defined code of ethics while maintaining their freedom and editorial
independence. Since irresponsible journalism invites restriction, robbing off the media its freedom,
professional conduct and ethical practice are vital to safeguarding freedom of the media and
ensuring that public trust invested in the media is sustained
Ethics are less a goal than a pathway, less a destination than a trip, less an inoculation
than a process. Illustrate. (250 words).
Reference : Ethics by Lexicon
Why this question:
The question is about evaluation of Ethics as a subject more of a process than mere end.
The answer must discuss in detail the evolution of “Ethics” as a process and not mere end.
Directive:
Illustrate – means use examples; data, diagrams and charts to make it clearer (clarify by giving an
example).
Introduction:
In a few introductory lines define what you understand by Ethics.
Body:
The answer needs to be a narrative of examples justifying that ethics doesn’t just mean the final end
but the process that takes one to the end. Bring in philosophies of moral thinkers, ideologies that
justify means are equally important as that of ends. Students must appreciate the answer mainly
through a good set of examples in such questions.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of Ethics in general.
Introduction:
Ethics is the study of what is right or wrong in human conduct. This is a branch of Philosophy which
studies moral principles.
Body:
Ethics is considered as a set of principles by which to live; a code of conduct for our relationships
with all whom we come in contact. Ethics encompasses social mores, usually expressed today as
good manners; our behaviour towards our fellow humans and fellow creatures; and trust.
Ethics should be a process and not mere end in itself. For instance, in case of administration, if only
achieving the result becomes important, then process might take a backseat thereby giving more
discretion to bureaucrats resulting in abuse of power or corruption to tweak the process.
Similarly, if just following rules becomes end in itself, then results will not be achieved resulting in
inefficiency. Thus, ethics should be not just of following rules and sticking to process, but achieving
goals by following process. Example: Determining eligibility of a poor old woman for pension despite
lack of documents
Ethics is a requirement for human life. It is our means of deciding a course of action. Without it, our
actions would be random and aimless. There would be no way to work towards a goal because there
would be no way to pick between a limitless number of goals.

Another instance can be a student should be ethical in facing examination like not cheating, sticking
to the time limits etc. however, it should not be an end in itself. He/she should also try to give their
best and top the exam.
The process where the duty or actions matter and as important as ends itself is in the branch of
Deontological ethics. Even Gandhiji always emphasized on how the means are as important as the
ends. He always followed the path of truth and non-violence as evident through his decision to
immediately call of Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922 soon after the Chauri-Chaura incident.
Conclusion:
Thus, we can conclude that Ethics is a means of life and following the means will help us achieve the
end in itself. Ethics is not a burden to bear, but a prudent and effective guide which furthers life and
success. Any flaw in our ethics will reduce our ability to be successful in our endeavours.
Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers
and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in
inculcating values.
”Gandhi’s ecological intelligence warned us of making a cult of materialism that will
recoil on itself and have what we consume, consume us.” Elaborate. (250 words)
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why this question:
The question is based on the article that brings us insights on the way Mahatma Gandhi handled
such Pandemics in the past with limited resources and different conditions.
One has to explain in detail the relevance of Gandhian ecological intelligence in today’ times.
Directive:
facts.
Introduction:
Briefly set the context of the question.
Body:
To start with, explain how in times of a health crisis, Mahatma Gandhi showed exceptional care and
extreme sternness. Quote the examples of South African plague that he handled. Explain that
Gandhi’s ecological intelligence warned us of making a cult of materialism that will recoil on itself
and have what we consume, consume us. That is staring us in the face today. It is challenging us to
see its logic and adopt it. Greed — market-created, market-driven, market-manipulated — cares
little for hygiene, for the callous zoonotic origins of sickness that experts such as Srinath Reddy have
been warning about for years. That greed has got us by the throat now.
Conclusion:
Conclude with the need to recognise significance of Gandhian ecological intelligence and necessarily
apply it.
Introduction:
Mahatma Gandhi lived in a time when concerns of the environment were not really the biggest
worries that people had. He still had real foresight about what we would experience today like air

pollution or water pollution. He understood the concerns of the environment and its protection and
talked about sustainable development and self-sufficiency.
Body:
Gandhi’s experience of epidemics went back to his days in South Africa when, as he records, the
plague hit an area near Johannesburg where miners lived. This was in February 1904. He writes in his
autobiography that one night, 23 miners returned to their quarters with “an acute attack of the
plague”.
Gandhiji and his ecological sensibility:
 He was not an environmentalist in the modern sense. His name is associated with political
movements of defiance against British rule as well as social reform campaigns, but it is striking
that he never explicitly initiated an environmental movement.
 But prominent environmentalists of the post-Gandhian era acknowledge that they were inspired
in large part by Gandhiji.
 Gandhiji was remarkably silent on the relationship of humans with their external environment,
but his whole life was his message and a lesson on environment for the whole of mankind.
 The word “ecology” does not appear in his voluminous writings, but he saw all spheres of human
life in an integrated manner, which exemplified the human ecological perspective.
 The Mahatma was no naturalist. But his views on nature are scattered throughout his writings.
But he never wrote about a waterfall or an imposing Himalayan peak; even his autobiography is
silent on his experience of the ocean, over which he undertook several journeys. However, his
entire life and work form an environmental legacy for humanity.
 On industrialization:
 Gandhi criticized the modern civilization as ‘Satanic’ and also observed that ‘Machinery
is the chief symbol of modern civilization; it represents a great sin.’
 If the trend of the modern civilization is not arrested and an appropriate alternative to it
provided Gandhi believed, it will play havoc with nature.
 As early as in 1909 in his book, Hind Swaraj, he cautioned mankind against unrestricted
industrialization and materialism.
 On recycling:
 Gandhiji was a practitioner of recycling decades before the idea caught on in the West,
and he initiated perhaps the most far-reaching critiques of the ideas of consumption and
that fetish of the economist called “growth”.
 On wildlife conservation and man and animal conflict:
 A British writer, Edward Thompson, once told Gandhi that wildlife was rapidly
disappearing in India. Gandhi paused and replied, ‘Wildlife is decreasing in jungles, but it
is increasing in the towns.’
 On relation with nature:

 Gandhi’s views on the relationship between humankind and nature were influenced by
the Vedic perceptions about the Earth being a home of a very large family of living
organisms.
 He emphasized: ‘It is an arrogant assumption to say that human beings are lords and
masters of the lower creatures.
Conclusion:
He was not an environmentalist who analyses the causes and consequences of depletion in the
ozone layer or the increase in global warming. He never used the word environment protection, but
what he said and did make him an environmentalist. He belonged to the school which believes in
remedy rather than cure.
Mahatma Gandhi’s life and work form an environmental legacy for humanity. He combined social,
economic, environmental, equity, and ethical imperatives for obtaining political independence and
economic salvation through rural development for the teeming millions of India.
Discuss the relevance of Gandhian principles of swadeshi, swachhata and sarvodaya in

the contemporary times.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
The article presents the relevance of Gandhian principles of swadeshi, swachhata and sarvodaya in
the contemporary times. Thus the question.
Explain the relevance of Gandhian principles of swadeshi, swachhata and sarvodaya in the
contemporary times with suitable examples.
Directive:
Introduction:
Briefly explain in what way COVID-19 is a wake-up call for the postmodern world.
Body:
To start with, first explain the Gandhian principles of swadeshi, swachhata and sarvodaya. The
question is pretty much straightforward and there isn’t much to deliberate, students must present
suitable examples to justify the relevance of Gandhian principles in the current times.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting significance of these principles.
Introduction
21st century is the era of globalization. New economic policy of globalization moves on to make the
world a global village. New challenges and problems have emerged before youth. The belief that all
emergent problems – ecological, social, economical, political and moral-could be resolved by
discoveries and technological innovations persists, filatures in the past notwithstanding.
What is happening today is in line with what Gandhi almost predicted in Hind Swaraj as he
prepared its manuscript in 1908.Gandhi put forward four main goals before youth for humanity, so
as to move towards its destiny. These are Swaraj, Non-violence, Swadeshi and Sarvodaya.
Body

Swadeshi
Gandhi applied meaning of swadeshi in multiple ways.
 Political dimension: The application of swadeshi in politics calls for the revival of the indigenous
institutions and strengthening them to overcome some of its defects.
 Gandhi pleaded the need for internal governance (swaraj) as early as 1909 in his noted
booklet Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule.
 He wanted to empower the people through political self governance. His vision of
decentralized political system was Panchayati Raj by which the innumerable villages of
India were governed.
 Religious dimension: Swadeshi in religion teaches one to measure the glorious past and re-enact
it in the present generation. The pandemonium that is going on in Europe shows that modern
civilization represents forces of evil and darkness, whereas the ancient, i.e., Indian civilization,
represents in its essence the divine force.
 Economic dimension: Gandhi was convinced that the deep poverty prevailing among masses
was mainly due to the ruinous departure from the path of swadeshi in the economic and
industrial life.
 Gandhi advocated that one who follows the spirit of swadeshi should use only things that
are produced by our immediate neighbours and serve those industries by making them
efficient, and strengthen them in areas where they are found deficient.
 During the time of India’s struggle for independence Gandhi realised that the economic
salvation of India consists in encouraging and reviving indigenous industries.
 Gandhi found khadi as the necessary and most important corollary of the principle of
swadeshi in its practical application to society.
Relevance
 Self-sufficiency is an important aspect that India as a nation has struggled with, and over the
years this has been exhibited in various forms in varied arenas.
 More comprehensively, rather than indulging in a globalised lifestyle, we should endeavour to
respond to Gandhiji’s call for putting into practice a unique variant of “glocalisation” — learning
to experience the entire world within the precincts of our immediate village or neighbourhood.
 The recent Make in India campaign is also a re-imagined modified version of the swadeshi
movement.
 Now during the time of Covid-19 pandemic, most airlines have been suspended, halting the
global supply chain. This calls for a need for indigenous capacity building based on self-reliance.
Swacchata
Mahatma Gandhi said “Sanitation is more important than independence”. He made cleanliness and
sanitation an integral part of the Gandhian way of living. His dream was total sanitation for all.
Cleanliness is most important for physical well-being and a healthy environment. It has bearing on
public and personal hygiene. It is essential for everyone to learn about cleanliness, hygiene,
sanitation and the various diseases that are caused due to poor hygienic conditions.
Relevance
 In the current situation of coronavirus outbreak, regular cleaning and sanitizing our hands have
been touted as foremost preventive measure.
 Practice excellent personal hygiene, promote and ensure community sanitation, and
restrict ourselves to our localities, avoiding long-distance travel and attendance at public
assemblies.
 Indeed in following his dictum “Be the change you want to see in the world” through “simple
living and high thinking”, each of us can make our contribution towards redeeming humanity
and Planet Earth and thereby, pay homage to the Mahatma.
 Keeping our surroundings clean will help in preventing most infectious diseases from
contaminated water, oral fecal route etc.
Sarvodaya
 Sarvodaya is a term meaning ‘Universal Uplift’ or ‘Progress of All’.
 The term was first coined by Mohandas Gandhi as the title of his 1908 translation of John
Ruskin’s tract on political economy, “Unto This Last”, and Gandhi came to use the term for the
ideal of his own political philosophy.
 It can be summed up as follows:
 That the good of the individual is contained in the good of all.
 That a lawyer’s work has the same value as the barber’s in as much as all have the same
right of earning their livelihood from their work.
 That is a life of labour, i.e., the life of the tiller of the soil and the handicraftsman is the life
worth living.
Relevance
That Sarvodaya is an agency of Service for Common Welfare Sarvodaya sets its face squarely against
the politics of power and exploitation. It lays great emphasis on moral and spiritual values. It seeks
to create new social and economical values. The concept of possession yields place to the concept of
trusteeship. People will work for the good of all and family feeling will animate the entire
community. There will be fullest scope for freedom, fellowship and equality.
 Later Gandhian, like the Indian nonviolence activist Vinoba Bhave, embraced the term as a name
for the social movement in post-independence India which strove to ensure that self-
determination and equality reached all strata of India society. Eg: Bhoodan Movement
 Ayushmaan Bharat, that aims to eventually provide near universal health care starting with the
lowest strata of the population exudes the principle of Sarvodaya or upliftment of people
through health for all.
 Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan aims for a true people led development. This is a precursor for
Sarvodaya through Gram Rajya.
Conclusion
With modernity’s shining gloss getting unmasked as a deceptive mirage, it is dawning on us that our
globalized lifestyle has made us weaker than ever (from a Gandhian perspective morally as well as
physically). Now is the right time to rethink the Gandhian Principles of swachhta for protection from

pandemic, swadeshi for self-reliance and self-sufficiency and finally Sarvodaya for betterment of all
lives, particularly in India.
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and
behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
“Our future cannot hinge on on the government alone. The eventual way out lies in the
attitudes and the actions of the citizens of the country”. Analyse.(250 words)
Reference: Ethics by Lexicon publications
Why this question:
The question aims to evaluate the role of citizens; their attitudes and actions on the future of the
country. And in what way the government alone cannot change the future.
Explain the role of citizens in sculpting the future of the country.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Introduction:
Briefly explain the role of society in sculpting the future of the country.
Body:
Discuss the concept of active citizenship; Active citizenship means people getting involved in their
local communities and democracy at all levels, from towns to cities to nationwide activity. Active
citizenship can be as small as a campaign to clean up your street or as big as educating young people
about democratic values, skills and participation.
Active citizenship is a combination of knowledge, attitude, skills and actions that aim to contribute to
building and maintaining a democratic society.
Active Citizenship supports democratic cooperation that is based on the acceptance of universal
human rights and the rule of law, values diversity and includes the whole community.
Explain then why it is important along with the efforts of the govt.
Quote a case study to justify better.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance.
Introduction:
“No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that
continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts
off its youth severs its lifeline.” – Kofi Annan
A citizen of a country is an individual recognized under the custom or law as being a legal member of
a sovereign nation or allegiance to a government in exchange for its protection, whether at home or
abroad. A citizen is one of the dominant pillars of the country. They are entitled to enjoy all the legal
rights and privileges granted by a state to the people encompassing its constituency and are
obligated to obey its laws and to attain his or her duties as called upon. We are all a citizen of our
country and retain several rights and responsibilities towards our community, state, and country.
Body:

Active citizenship means people getting involved in their local communities and democracy at all
levels, from towns to cities to nationwide activity. Active citizenship can be as small as a campaign to
clean up your street or as big as educating young people about democratic values, skills and
participation. Active citizenship is one of the most important steps towards healthy societies
especially in new democracies like India.
Active citizenship is a combination of knowledge, attitude, skills and actions that aim to contribute to
building and maintaining a democratic society. Active Citizenship supports democratic cooperation
that is based on the acceptance of universal human rights and the rule of law, values diversity and
includes the whole community.
Active citizenship has a crucial role to play in this context to allow citizens to interrogate real
solutions to problems rather than indulging in scapegoating, discrimination and other tactics
peddled by extremists.
However, such attitudes do not develop spontaneously. While we might learn some them at home
or in our community, a crucial role should be played by the education system. Our schools and
colleges need to foster young people to become active citizens protecting and upholding
fundamental rights, which are at the basis of democracy.
Educational programs need to be developed to improve competencies like co-operation and

communication as well working to increase critical ability, reduce prejudice and build tolerance,
understanding, empathy, and an openness to diversity.
Conclusion:
The future of this form of government is dependent on the possibility for the young to participate in
the democratic process or, paraphrasing Kofi Annan, to include young people from birth. This is
directly connected to the capacity of the education system to nurture young people who are aware
of their rights and responsibilities as citizens, take action for social and environmental justice, hold
their governments accountable and stand up for other people’s rights.
Social and religious norms play a dominant role in influencing behaviour in India. How
these norms have been used in the implementation of various schemes by the
Government? Elaborate.(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is premised on the fact that behaviour of people in India is largely influenced by Social
and religious norms.
Explain the possible influence of Social and religious norms on the behaviour of people in the country
and in what way such linkages can be used in the better implementation of government schemes.
Directive:
facts
Introduction:
Briefly define what influences behavior of an individual in general.
Body:
To start with, explain that the Religion is probably the strongest belief system that has existed for
thousands of years. In many ways, it is a code of Conduct, a rule book that allows believers to

function in a non-primitive or cultured manner. Explain the use of social and religious norms in the
Government schemes. Quote examples from the schemes that use these social and religious norms
and tendencies of people towards them.
Conclusion:
It is important to note here that although, religious beliefs may play a causal role in some of the
actions, and it is not the only factor that influences behaviour. Rather, it’s an important factor in a
pool of other factors like genetics, Environment, parenting, drives, and needs that determine our
behaviour.
Introduction:
India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, social norms play a very important role in shaping the
behaviour. This can be utilized to effect behavioural change. Mahatma Gandhi proposed Seven Sins
theory to influence people’s behaviour towards positive social change. Programmes such as Swachh
Bharat Mission, Jan Dhan Yojana, GiveItUp Campaign for LPG subsidy, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,
Khelo India Campaign provide testimony to the potential for behavioural change in India.
Body:
It can help in enhancing public participation in policies such as gender equality, reducing crime and
corruption, waste management, environmental concerns, animal welfare, road safety, building
human capital, enhancing health and education parameters, etc.
These norms have been utilized to achieve policy objective of welfare programmes:
 Swachh Bharat mission: Bringing behavioural change towards sanitation. The Open Defecation
Free Campaign has led towards a desired outcome.
 National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS) 2018-19 found that 96.5% of the rural
households that had access to a toilet, used them. The NARSS also re-confirmed the ODF status
of 90.7% of villages.
 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) to raise awareness about increasing Child sex ratio and
educating Girl Child. BBBP have brought positive results leading to improvement in the child sex
ratio in Haryana, a state known for skewed sex ratio.
 It used ‘social norm’ in its ‘Selfie with Daughter’ initiative to celebrate the birth of girl child.
 GiveItUp Campaign lead to voluntarily giving up of LPG subsidy by the affluent class and thus
large savings to the public money that could be utilised for providing free LPG connections to the
poor under Ujjwala Yojana.
 Success of Jan Dhan Yojana (JDY) through dedicated government efforts and mass media
campaign to increase financial inclusion and thus influencing people to increase their savings.
 Use of socially and culturally identifiable names for various recent schemes like Namami Gange,
Ujjawala, Poshan Abhiyan among others has helped to build the affinity of the people for the
scheme.
Conclusion:
While several Indian programmes have applied these principles using behavioural economics, there
is still ample scope for leveraging these insights to enhance the efficacy of programmes in India.
If these norms can be pulled into the realm of Behavioural economics and implemented diligently
then Indian policymaking will be transformed from BBBP to BADLAV (Beti Aapki Dhan Lakshmi Aur
Vijay Lakshmi), from Swachh Bharat to Sundar Bharat, from “GiveItUp” for the LPG subsidy to “Think
about the Subsidy”, from tax evasion to tax compliance and the dream of New India can be realised.


Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in

administration and governance.
Discuss the Skills that are required to become emotionally intelligent while highlighting
the advantages of developing emotional intelligence for administration.(250 words)
Reference: Ethics by Lexicon publications
Why this question:
The question is based on the concept of emotional intelligence from GS paper IV.
One has to elucidate upon the skill that are required to become emotionally intelligent and bring out
the advantages of developing emotional intelligence for administration.
Directive:
Introduction:
Define what EI is.
Body:
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and express our emotions to meet the
requirements of day-to-day living, learning, and relating to others. Briefly narrate the importance of
EI. Discuss the skills required – self-awareness, social skills, optimism etc. Highlighting the
advantages of developing emotional intelligence for administration.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reasserting importance of EI.
Introduction
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage one’s emotions as
well as emotions of others in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize
with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.
Studies have shown that a part of emotional intelligence ability is innate while another part can be
changed through learning and experience; this later part dominated by culture provides the
structures, guidelines, expectations, and rules to interpret behaviors.
Body
Skills needed to be emotionally intelligent
 Self-Awareness: Emotionally intelligent people are aware of how they feel, what motivates and
demotivates them, and how they affect others.
 Social Skills: Emotionally intelligent people communicate and relate well with others. They listen
intently and adapt their communications to others’ unique needs, including diverse
backgrounds. They show compassion.
 Optimism: Emotionally intelligent people have a positive and optimistic outlook on life. Their
mental attitude energizes them to work steadily towards goals despite setbacks.
 Emotional Control: Emotionally intelligent people handle stress evenly. They deal calmly with
emotionally stressful situations, such as change and interpersonal conflicts.
 Flexibility: Emotionally intelligent people adapt to changes. They use problem-solving to develop
options.

Advantages of Emotional Intelligence in administration
The chances of succeeding are skewed towards people who are better able to manage themselves
and others emotionally, one’s who are likeable and trustworthy. Research shows that more than
80% percent of success is due to skills in “human engineering,” personality and ability to
communicate, negotiate, and lead. Only 15 percent is due to technical knowledge. Additionally,
Nobel Prize winning psychologist, Daniel Kahneman, found that people would rather do business
with a person they like and trust rather than someone they don’t, even if the likeable person is
offering a lower quality product or service at a higher price.
 For instance, empathy is one such emotion which enables an administrator to understand the
pain and suffering of the people. It motivates them to work harder to provide respite to such
people and expedite the solutions.
 Impetus to act: Success requires a team and leaders, by definition, require followers. Leaders
can empower others in a variety of ways. They enable others by fostering collaboration and
building trust. Successful leaders share power, delegate well, and do what’s necessary to help
others perform.
 Inspire by words: In terms of emotional intelligence, there is a need of self-regard and
interpersonal skills to enable others to act. In order to build successful relationships, you need
the skills to engage and relate to others in a meaningful way.
 Composure: Good leaders don’t flare up or lose control under difficult circumstances.
 Encouragement: A key component of this practice involves recognizing the contributions of
others. Rewarding people for their participation goes a long way in motivating them to be part
of our team. Leaders who encourage others not only need to know how those people feel but
need to be capable of building relationships with them, as well.
It was Gandhiji’s compassion for the downtrodden and the oppresses in the African Colony that
motivated him to fight for their rights. He was receptive of their pain and suffering. It was his
empathetic view of their conditions which inspired him to open Tolstoy farm to house the
satyagrahis.
Conclusion
Emotional Intelligence is the key factor that spurs administrators into action and evaluate the
effectiveness of the measures on the people and providing them relief. Appropriate level of EI
demands capacity for appreciation of ‘interconnections’ of matters which are seemingly unrelated
but together influence the outcome of a public policy or project. Emotional Intelligence, thus, has to
be factored in administrative justice.
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” Discuss
the statement with focus on the importance of leadership in administration.(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is based on a quote by Martin Luther King and is based on the premise of significance of
leadership as a key skill in administration.

Explain the importance of consensus and the role of a leader in moulding the same amongst people..
Directive:
Introduction:
Briefly explain what ‘consensus’ means, why is it important?
Body:
Consensus, by definition, means “agreement.” In a corporate setting, this translates to an alignment
of purpose.
Setting common goals and working toward them brings a company into alignment. This has to be
done on a global level as well as on a department-level or on a project-by-project basis.
Measuring on common goals gives clear indicators when things are falling out of alignment. Good
leaders know how to set good goals and how to manage them so that their companies stay on-track.
Also explain the fact that those who disagree and who are not part of the “consensus” play a
valuable role, too. Consensus cannot be forced, and this is where the role of leaders comes into place.
Illustrate the quote with any relevant example to justify better.
Conclusion:
Conclude that Good leaders can mold consensus, through negotiation and demonstration and
through resisting anything contrary to the shared end-goal.
Introduction:
Leadership can be defined as the ability of the management to make sound decisions and inspire
others to perform well. It is the process of directing the behavior of others towards achieving a
common goal. In short, leadership is getting things done through others.
The above quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shows the importance of key qualities of leadership.
Body:
A leader doesn’t figure out where everyone is going and then jump to the front of the line. A leader
chooses a destination, convinces others of the merits of taking the trip, shows them how they can
get there, and then leads them on the journey. Molding consensus isn’t as easy as setting and
measuring goals, though. A very key piece of it is making sure that those around you have a voice in
the process.
As a leader, it’s one’s job to have a vision and share it with those with whom you work. And as a
leader, you must build consensus for that vision. If you stand around waiting to find consensus, then
you’re not leading anyone. The leader is out in front of the pack determining the proper path. At
times you’ll head the wrong way and need to reverse course. Other times, as the leader of the pack,
you’ll be the first to step into danger. But as a leader, you must be willing to take calculated risks.
When Dr. King made decisions on how to move the civil rights movement forward, he didn’t make
any decision – whether to march or not, whether to visit the White House again or not, etc. — in a
vacuum. He sought input from those around him, from his “team,” regularly. He molded consensus
through asking those around him to voice their positions and to provide solutions. Since they shared
common goals, they compromised on methods to reach them much more easily. Consensus is best
achieved through that commonality as a starting point.
That said, those who disagree and who are not part of the “consensus” play a valuable role, too.
Consensus cannot be forced.

Molding consensus can seem difficult, but it can be relatively easy. A few steps to take are:
 Share your vision – so others know where you’re going

 Set context – so others understand what had influenced your vision and decision
 Seek targeted input – so you aren’t operating only from your own point of view, and therefore
potentially missing something important
 Engage change agents and champions – so that you have support and rallying agents for your
ideas and your direction
 Repeat as necessary
Conclusion:
A good leader always will bring end results back to one unified team and purpose, though. Molding
consensus involves acknowledging different inputs but also must make sure that anyone on the
“losing” end of a competitive atmosphere is always given another chance to succeed the next time
around.
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and

problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions;
laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;
accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values
in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding;
What do you understand by ‘civic virtue’ in public life? What are the challenges in
practicing it in today’s time? How can these challenges be overcome? Elaborate. (250
words)
Why this question:
The question is based on the concept of civic virtue and its importance in public life.
Explain what do you understand by ‘civic virtue’ in public life? What are the challenges in practicing it
in today’s time? How can these challenges be overcome.
Directive:
facts.
Introduction:
Civic virtue is morality or a standard of righteous behavior in relation to a citizen’s involvement in a
society. It is an underpinning of how a citizen relates to the society. As such, civic virtue has different
notions in different societies
Body:
To start with, Define the civic virtue and discuss different dimensions of civic virtue. Civic virtue lays
stress on communitarianism rather than individualism. Robert Putnam has defined three civic virtues:
active participation in public life, trustworthiness and reciprocity that is required through social
connectedness. Discuss the challenges faced by public while practicing it; Growing individualism,

Competition for limited resources, Lack of trust between public organizations and people, Difficulties
in bringing about changes in behaviour and attitude etc. Suggest what needs to be done to overcome
these challenges? – Promote civic education, Lead by Example, bring awareness about rights and
duties etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:
Civic virtues are a species of human virtue – specifically, they are those settled dispositions in human
beings that exhibit the excellences relevant to membership in a political community. Put another
way, civic virtue is simply the character of a good citizen. Closely linked to the concept of citizenship,
civic virtue is often conceived as the dedication of citizens to the common welfare of their
community even at the cost of their individual interests.
Body:
Importance:
 Civic virtue helps people understand their ties to the community and their responsibilities within
it. In many ways, an educated citizen who possesses civic virtue is a public good.
 Civic virtue is the moral underpinning of how a citizen relates to society.
 Without an understanding of civic virtue, citizens are less likely to look beyond their own
families, friends, and economic interests.
 They are less likely to help others in the community, to volunteer their time, to give money to
nonprofit organizations, or to participate in a group that benefits society
challenges in practicing Civic virtue in today’s time:
 Growing individualism
 Competition for limited resources
 Lack of trust between public organizations and people
 Difficulties in bringing about changes in behaviour and attitude
 Social media makes it harder to distinguish fact from fiction, accuracy from distortion.
Misinformation, hoaxes, and outright lies spread just as rapidly as the truth.
 Increasing polarization is likely exacerbating widespread voter irrationality.
 voters demonstrate motivated reasoning, cognitive bias, and sloppy thinking when they act
politically.
 Citizens today also have unprecedented access to information and new technologies that enable
mass mobilization and coordinated activity. Still, we should not ignore the real barriers that
hinder their ability to take part in democratic self-government.
Measures to overcome the challenges:
 In providing a civic education, it is imperative that the importance of philanthropy be stressed.

 To assist in this, schools can create a mission statement for their philanthropic endeavors and
reward classes that actively participate.
 In addition, teachers can organize philanthropic class projects that range from collecting clothing
for a family in need to taking a field trip to work at a local soup kitchen.
 In understanding civic virtue, it is important that students see the results of their philanthropic
efforts and their ties to the greater society.

What are clinical trials? What are the issues with respect to conducting clinical trials in
India? Present the ethical issues involved. (250 words)
Reference: Down to Earth
Why this question:
Three India-based organisations are involved in studies to find a vaccine against the novel
coronavirus disease (COVID-19). But none are being tested in here as the country does not have
animals suitable for such pre-clinical trials. Thus the context of the question.
Explain the concept of clinical trials; discuss the issues associated with special emphasis on the
ethical perspectives involved.
Introduction:
Briefly explain what clinical trials are, why they are required.
Body:
To start with explain briefly the various stages involved in a clinical trial. Then discuss the need for
clinical trials in general. Bring out the various challenges involved in the trials , take examples and
highlight the ethical dimensions involved and thus the concerns.
Conclusion:
Conclude with suggestions and measures to overcome and rule out the issues and concerns.
Introduction:
A clinical trial is a systematic study to generate data for discovering or verifying the clinical and
pharmacological profile (including pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic) or adverse effects of a
new drug on humans. It is the only way of establishing the safety and efficacy of any drug before its
introduction in the market for human use and is preceded by animal trials where the efficacy and
side effects are observed in animals and an estimated drug dose is established.
Body:
Issues with respect to conducting clinical trials in India:
 Three India-based organisations are involved in studies to find a vaccine against the novel
coronavirus disease (COVID-19). But none are being tested in here as the country does not have
animals suitable for such pre-clinical trials.
 The lack of suitable experimental animals is said to be the biggest reason that could delay the
research on vaccines.
 While India has hamsters; ferrets or the modified mice are not available.
 Animal testing in India is very difficult because of strict animal rights rules implemented by
CPCSEA. To avoid these, Pharma companies prefer to conduct them outside the country.
 Current clinical trials of vaccines developed in India are being carried out in University of
Wisconsin-Madison. The same is true for the vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India and
Codagenix, Inc. is also being tested in the USA.
 Experts fear that if clinical trials are outsourced, the resultant drugs and vaccines might not be
available easily in India.
Ethical issues involved in clinical trials:
 Lack of informed consent:
 In 2009, an international NGO had launched a $3.6 million human papillomavirus (HPV)
trial in India and tested two vaccines on 16,000 tribal girls in Andhra Pradesh and
Gujarat, apparently without informed consent from the girls’ parents.
 Principle of Utilitarian approach:
 more emphasis on maximum good to more number of people at the cost of individual
rights is followed.
 Corruption:
 Clinical trials in India have been accompanied by large-scale criminality as doctors,

officials and pharmaceutical companies understand that India is a cesspool of corruption
where clearances can be had with influence.
 Lack of adequate representation:
 There is an over-representation of low-income groups among trial subjects.
 Lack of volunteer honesty:
 Some volunteers lie about one’s medical history or enroll in multiple trials to maximise
one’s income. Unsafe drugs can make their way into the market as a result, or safe drugs
can get rejected.
 Lack of transparency:
 Trials done earlier where the drug has not been found to be effective are sometimes not
publicized.
 Monitoring issues:
 Numerous challenges associated with monitoring such as overlapping responsibilities,

communication gaps, and lack of standards are also some concerns
Way forward:
 The government is also exploring technologies such as organs-on-a-chip to reduce the harm to
animals. This would ensure that animals are used only when absolutely necessary.
 Landmark amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act in 2013 led to better protection of
vulnerable groups such as illiterate people, but more regulation is needed to ensure truly ethical
research.
 A National registry of trial volunteers which will alert a CRO when someone signs up for two
studies simultaneously is necessary without violating volunteer privacy.
 Ethics committees are the front line regulators for clinical trials. If they were functional, they
would be a major factor in preventing unethical trials.
 Encourage a wider cross-section of society to participate in research on human subjects.

Case Studies on above issues.

You are working as an Execution officer (EO) in a Zilla. You have been given
Responsibility to measure MGNREGA works undertaken by 3 Gram Panchayats. You
have authority to give administrative sanctions to all MGNREGA works. In one of these
Panchayats you notice that your predecessor had wrongly measured many works, and
in many cases he had approved works that never existed. One day few elected
members of that Panchayat with bundle of job cards come to you to seek ‘sanction’ for
the works done by them. When enquired, they reveal that they were contractors who
had completed works under MGNREGA. When you reject their demand, they threaten
you and tell you that the previous EO was made to quit his job because he didn’t listen
to them. This is your first job and is very important to sustain your family. There have
been precedents in the past that some officials were beaten to death in some parts of
the Zilla. What will you do in this situation? Explain in detail citing rules from MGNREGA
Act. (250 words)
Why this question:
The question is based on a case study from the perspective of ethical dimensions involved in it.
A student must discuss/deliberate the nuances in the case and suggest actions that a morally and
ethically right person would do suiting the situation and citing the rules in the ambit of MGNREGA.
Directive:
Introduction:
Briefly state the facts of the case.
Body:
To start with, explain the provision of social audit for MGNREGA. Discuss the possible events of
actions you would take as an EO;First warn the contractors of their ill-doings and that they will be
caught in future soon. Report such incidence to your higher authorities and seek police protection in
case your life is at risk. Throw light on the virtues of courage and uprightness and need for showing
these virtues.
Conclusion:
Conclude with suitable solution to address the issue at hand.
Introduction:
The above case study gives a glimpse of the possible challenges faced by execution officer at Zilla
level. It also shows the widespread prevalence of corruption by my predecessors, crony-capitalism
by allotting jobs to favoured contractors, fake billing by not completing the actual work and cheating
the exchequer. There are also instances of conflict of interest where in the elected panchayat
members have doubled as contractors. In the above case, the corruption is so deeply ingrained and
well oiled, that any hindrance to their wrongdoings would be eliminated by posing danger to life and
limb.
Body:
As an executive officer, my duties under the MGNREGA act are:

 Consolidate, after scrutiny, all project proposals received from GPs into the Block Plan and
submit before the Intermediate Panchayat by 15th September every year. Once approved
submit it to the District Panchayat for scrutiny and consolidation.
 Matching employment opportunities arising from works within the Block Plan with the demand
for work at each GP in the Block.
 Ensuring baseline surveys to assess work demand.
 Monitoring and supervising implementation of works taken up by GPs and other implementing
agencies within the Block.
 Ensuring prompt and fair payment of wages to all labourers and payment of unemployment
allowance in case employment is not provided on time.
 Maintaining proper accounts of the resources received, released and utilised.
 Redressing grievances in the Block within 7 days, as prescribed under Section 23(6) of the Act. In
case a complaint relates to a matter to be resolved by any other authority, the PO shall conduct
a preliminary enquiry and refer the matter to such authority within seven days under intimation
to the complainant.
 Sending monthly reports on complaints received and disposed to District Programme
Coordinator.
 Ensuring any other documents that the Social Audit Unit (SAU) requires to conduct the social
audit processes are properly collated in the requisite formats; and provided along with
photocopies to the SAU for facilitating conduct of social audit at least fifteen days in advance of
the scheduled date of meeting of the GS.
 Organise formal monthly meetings with civil society organisations (CSOs) involved in facilitating
MGNREGS implementation in the block.
 Ensuring display of report cards on local works, employment and funds at the Intermediate
Panchayat/ Programme Officer
In this situation, my actions would be as follows:
Immediate actions:
 As there is a threat posed to my life, I would keep my seniors updated about the same and ask
for police protection.
 I would put a temporary hold on the upcoming projects as there was favouritism and crony
capitalism involved in the past projects.
 The lack of accountability in the tracking of the jobs will be looked into immediately by asking
the contractors to submit the right bills.
 I would then go on field visits to check the authenticity of the submitted bills.
 Based on that, I would submit the reports to my superior.
 Despite this being my first job and importance of sustaining my family, I must be honest in my
work which will help me reach greater heights in my career.
Long term measures:
 To overcome the issues of corruption, I would make the process of bidding for projects more
transparent by using e-Technology.
 Further, accountability measures like the Gram Sabha meetings, Social audits would be
mandatorily conducted at intervals.
 As recordkeeping issues are found and fake bills are produced, usage of e-Certificates with
approval of the District authorities should be promoted.

 Vigilance officer and mechanisms to curb corruption should be promoted.

 I would also make sure that the best practices followed will be noted down and made sure that
it is provided to others as well.
Conclusion:
MNREGA as a scheme was introduced to alleviate the poverty of the people by providing them
livelihood opportunities and create sustainable structures at rural areas. The corruption in these
projects would severely affect the poor people.
You are traveling in a government bus to attend a very important job interview. In one
hour you should be present at the interview venue. The bus is very congested. Luckily
you are seated. From your seat you observe that a middle aged man standing next to a
girl is touching and trying to molest her. The girl is silently resisting and trying to move
away from him. But the man is continuing his actions. As the bus is congested, nobody
is noticing this except you. In this situation, what will you do? Explain. If you do not do
anything, which values will you be compromising? Explain their importance.(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is based on the ethical instincts of an individual and morals of a society.
Explain the precepts of the case and suggest what actions you would take in such a scenario.
Directive:
Introduction:
Briefly discuss the case.
Body:
Explain the possible solutions available to you to address the situation and then present a detailed
evaluation of each option available to you. Discuss the importance of values that you as an individual
must uphold in such situations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with most apt solution which is ethically and morally sound to the situation.
Introduction
The case presents the vulnerability of women and glaring safety issues that exists today. The unsafe
environment is the major reason for low participation of women in the workforce. It has also
hindered true women empowerment. This case also represents the helplessness of a woman,
showing that everybody does not have an equal voice in the society.
Women’s Safety in Public Transport is one of the key challenges across the globe. It is very important
to understand the travel needs of men and women are very different. In developing countries, lots
of women forced to remain at home owing to lack of safe transportation option. Women are more
likely to travel shorter distances and to stop more frequently than men during their journey.
Ethical Values Involved

 Women safety and women empowerment

 Sexual Harassment in a public setting and victimization

 Violation of Bodily Integrity
 Objectification of women
 Male atrocity on the weaker sex
 Self-interest versus societal-interest
 Ignorance versus upholding the rights of a person
 Bringing the perpetrator to justice
Body
Action to be taken in the situation

 In such a situation I would apprise my fellow passengers/conductor and confront the
perpetrator. Before this I would validate if the man was making the girl uncomfortable through
his actions.
 I would also give my seat to the girl, to ensure the safety for the rest of the bus journey.
 If need be, would convince the girl to file a complaint against the man in the nearest police
station.
 It would also serve as a lesson to the perpetrator and may act as a deterrent for any such
detestable crime to be continued.
 For India to progress, it is important that even the “other half” is given equal voice and
protection. Removal of a hostile climate is the first step in the right direction.
If I would just ignore the incident, it would compromise my values of respecting women and our
fundamental duty of maintaining the dignity of the women and renounce practices that are
derogatory to the dignity of women. It is not only a moral duty but a civic duty to stop the
perpetrator from continuing the atrocious and disgraceful act. I would also be compromising upon
the principles to uphold righteousness, as a law-abiding citizen.
It is said that standing in silence is as good as supporting the shameful act of sexual harassment and
assault. In other words, “standing behind the perpetrators makes prey of us all”. For a society to
attain gender equality it is important that both men and women together work towards dispelling
injustice.
Conclusion
The society and the government has to create confidence in women so they could fearlessly travel in
public transport and para-transit. They must be committed to uphold the basic right of transport
passengers to live, work and travel in safety, free from assault or the threat of assault and all other
forms of behaviour that may compromise their security and safety.

Aparna recently landed a well-paying software job in a reputed company in Bangalore.

She has an ambition to become a civil servant. She is working hard towards it. Recently
she wrote the entrance for Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellowship (PMRDF)
and got selected as its Fellow. Though she received better salary in the present job, she
wanted to accept the PMRD Fellowship and work for it. She will be posted in a faraway
state from her present location. The district where she will be posted is a sensitive
region severely affected by Naxal problem. Few days ago, few civil servants and
policemen were killed by Naxals in an ambush. Aparna’s parents do not want her to
leave the present job. She thinks that this fellowship would equip her with skills needed
to work as an IAS officer in case she gets selected in future. If you are in Aparna’s place,
what decision will you take? Give reasons.(250 words)
Reference: case study
Why this question:
The question is premised on a situation involving ethical perspectives.
One must provide for a detailed examination of the case study and identify the ethical dimensions in
it and suggest suitable solution to address it.
Introduction:
Briefly explain the situation in question.
Body:
To start with, bring out the ethical dilemmas involved in the present case. Discuss the aspects of
personal ambition, family needs and wishes; in what way they may not all is in alignment with each
other. Explain the need to balance such a situation. Highlight the genuine concerns of the family,
wishes and aspirations of Aparna. Suggest how escaping from the situation may not be apt and that
there needs to be a concrete decision with respect to the situation.
Conclusion:
Suggest a fair and balanced opinion.
Introduction
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go” (TS Elliot)
In this case Aparna, as an aspiring civil servant is in an ethical dilemma of choosing between two
imperatives. The choice involves foregoing of personal safety and security but on the other hand
would also equip her to understand the ground realities of administration which will make her a
more resilient civil servant.
Body
Ethical Dilemma
 Personal safety versus ambition
 Pursuing aspiration versus going against wishes of parents
 Hardwork and pursuit that may transcend work life balance.
 Issue of loss of life.

Action #1: Decide against accepting the fellowship and continue in the same job.
Merits: It ensures safety and security of life. Aparna would be adhering to her parents’ wishes and at
the same time would have better financial security as the IT job has more remuneration.
Demerits: It is said that “Trust your own instinct. Your mistakes might as well be your own, instead
of someone else’s”. By foregoing of her aspiration to become a civil servant, Aparna may have
regrets that might overpower her thoughts in the future. She would be compromising with her goals
and ambition when she had the potential to achieve them and be successful. The feeling of
contentment would also not exist.
Action #2: Accept the fellowship and work towards becoming a civil servant
Merits: It is easier to accept failure than to live with a regret. By choosing to chase her dreams,
Aparna would be motivated to give her best in the fellowship. She would encompass the
foundational values of empathy, comapssion, tolerance and objectivity while working in the district.
She also gets an opportunity to work at the grassroots level, giving her a firsthand experience into
civil services. From her she can further choose to either go back to IT or take civil services exam.
Demerits: As the district is affected by naxal movement, her safety may be endangered. She would
also be antagonizing her parents by going against their wishes. Finally Aparna, may be even
discouraged to go into civil services by looking at the work environment in the future.
Decision taken: If I were in Aparna place, I would go with the second option and pursue the
fellowship. Because fear cannot be overcome without aiming for something and risking what you
have. Success also does not come without working for it. As the saying goes-- “The way to develop
self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you.
Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a
thing to be achieved.”
By choosing this path, I would have not backed out on my dream of becoming a civil servant. The
ground realities learnt during fellowship would strengthen my resolve and serve as motivation to
work hard for the examination.
As for my parents, I would convince them about the choice I would make. Make them understand
that this opportunity would be an eye opener for my future course of action.
Conclusion
One must have the right understanding of their abilities and set realistic goals to achieve. Once the
mind is made up, ensure, no path other than hard work as the only way to achieve the goal. It is hard
work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or
learning to do that is the key to achieving your dreams. Even if one falls short of their goals, one
must realize the immense experience and learning they have acquired through the process which
will help us in all our endeavors. The first step to this is, trying.



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INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

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Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics

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Importance of value education:

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Media acts as a watchdog of public interest in a democracy. It plays an important role in a

Importance of Media in today’s India:

Declining values of Media in contemporary times:

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Measures to inculcate ethics in media:

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There are some ethical issues present in marketing arena:

 False claims, wrong facts by brands should be punishable.

Name and describe the theories of right action.(250 words)

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 The Golden rule of normative ethics is “doing to other as we want them to do to us “.

Duty or Deontological Ethics:

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 The key theories in meta-ethics include naturalism, non-naturalism, emotivism and

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Ethics deals the following dilemmas:

 how to live a good life?

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Significance of Virtue ethics:

 Examines the moral agent unlike many other ethical theories.

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 It places virtues at the centre of morality.

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Media acts as a watchdog of public interest in a democracy. It plays an important role in a

Importance of Media in today’s India:

 Anticipating problems in advance of public officials.

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Gandhiji and his ecological sensibility:

 On wildlife conservation and man and animal conflict:

 On relation with nature:

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Discuss the relevance of Gandhian principles of swadeshi, swachhata and sarvodaya in

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Gandhi applied meaning of swadeshi in multiple ways.

 Sarvodaya is a term meaning ‘Universal Uplift’ or ‘Progress of All’.

 It can be summed up as follows:

 That the good of the individual is contained in the good of all.

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Educational programs need to be developed to improve competencies like co-operation and

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Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in

Skills needed to be emotionally intelligent