APSC Mains Q 4127: A democratically elected govt is entrusted with the duty to protect both national integrity and the rights of individuals. In this context, discuss the ethical dilemmas a public servant may face while implementing eviction drives and land reclamation efforts in areas affected by alleged illegal infiltration. How should values like justice, empathy, and rule of law guide administrative actions in such sensitive matters? GS 4

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APSC Mains Q 4123: “In a democracy, political parties are expected to be the custodians of constitutional values, but in practice, they often act as instruments of electoral expediency and power consolidation.”Critically examine the ethical dimensions of political party functioning in India. Suggest measures to promote integrity, internal democracy, and ethical conduct in party politics. GS 4

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APSC Mains Q 4097: The ancient Indian concept of Saptanga Theory outlines seven essential elements of a well-governed state: Swami (king), Amatya (ministers), Janapada (territory and people), Durg (fort), Kosa (treasury), Danda (law and order), and Mitra (ally). In the context of public administration ethics, how can the principles derived from the Saptanga Theory guide ethical governance in contemporary India? Illustrate with examples. GS 4

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APSC Mains Q 4057: Preventive arrests and custodial interrogation are often seen by law enforcement as necessary tools to maintain law and order. However, such practices raise important questions about ethics, civil liberties, and rule of law. In the context of the recent ‘Status of Policing in India 2025’ report highlighting Assam Police practices, critically analyse the ethical dimensions of preventive arrests and harsh custodial methods using deontological and consequentialist ethical theories. GS 4

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APSC Mains Q 4042: Tamulpur Development Block’s recognition as the top performer under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Programme highlights the role of committed public servants in bringing transformative change at the grassroots level. In this context, discuss the ethical values and leadership qualities essential for effective governance at the grassroots. Illustrate with suitable examples. GS 4

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APSC Mains Q 4017: The ancient Indian ethical philosophy emphasized the ideals of “Dharma”, “Satya” (truth), and “Ahimsa” (non-violence), which guided individuals in both personal conduct and governance. In the modern context, where administrative efficiency, political expediency, and personal ambition often dominate public life, how can these ancient values be meaningfully integrated into contemporary civil service practice? GS 4

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APSC Mains Q 3982: “Ethical progress in science and technology must harmonize with cultural wisdom and civilizational values.”In light of India’s ancient contributions like Vedic mathematics and its potential role in modern fields such as Artificial Intelligence, critically examine how integrating traditional knowledge systems can promote ethical innovation in contemporary technology. GS 4

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APSC Mains Q 3959: Govt of India has initiated the implementation of the UNESCO-supported Readiness Assessment Methodology to evaluate the country’s preparedness in adopting Artificial Intelligence ethically and sustainably. As a member of the national team constituted for this purpose, you are representing the civil services and are expected to ensure that the assessment remains unbiased, inclusive, and ethically sound. Ethics

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APSC Mains Q 3946: You are posted as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Dhubri district, Assam. The Chief Minister has publicly announced a “shoot-at-sight” order in response to rising communal tensions following the alleged desecration of a temple. The directive includes action against illegal activities, including stone-pelting. You are instructed to implement this order immediately and arrest all “tainted criminals.” Ethics

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Case Study: Embryo Mix-Up in Australia (Ethics in Medical Practices)

Context:A woman in Australia unknowingly gave birth to a stranger’s baby after receiving another patient’s embryo due to a human error at an IVF clinic. Similar rare incidents have occurred in the US, UK, Israel, and Europe. Ethical Issues Involved: Medical Negligence: Lack of due diligence in handling sensitive reproductive procedures. Breach of professional responsibility … Continue reading Case Study: Embryo Mix-Up in Australia (Ethics in Medical Practices)

Trolley Problem – Ethics Notes

The Trolley Problem is a moral thought experiment in ethics and psychology. First introduced by Philippa Foot in 1967 and later expanded by Judith Jarvis Thomson. It presents a moral dilemma involving a decision where one must choose between two harmful outcomes. The Classic Scenario A runaway trolley is headed toward five people tied to … Continue reading Trolley Problem – Ethics Notes

Q 3766: The increasing use of AI tools to generate art in the style of famous human creators raises questions about originality, intellectual property, and fairness. Discuss the ethical implications of using AI to replicate human creativity. In your opinion, how can ethical governance ensure a balance between technological advancement and the protection of human dignity and livelihood in the creative sector?(150 words)

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Q 3634: Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist working for a reputed biotechnology company known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals. Dr. Srinivasan is heading a research team working on a new drug aimed at treating a rapidly spreading variant of a new viral infectious disease. The disease has been rapidly spreading across the world and the cases reported in the country are increasing.There is huge pressure on Dr. Srinivasan’s team to expedite the trials for the drug as there is significant market for it, and the company wants to get the first-mover advantage in the market.During a team meeting, some senior team members suggest some shortcut for expediting the clinical trials for the drug and for getting the requisite approvals. These include manipulating data to exclude some negative outcomes and selectively reporting positive results, foregoing the process of informed onsent and using compounds already patented by a rival company, rather than developing one’s own component. Dr. Srinivasan is not comfortable taking such shortcuts, at the same time he realises meeting the targets is impossible without using these means.

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Q 3633: With the summer heat being exceptionally severe this year, the district has been facing severe water shortage. The District Collector has been mobilizing his subordinate officials to conserve the remaining water reserves for preventing the district from plunging into acute drinking water crisis. Along with an awareness campaign for conserving water, strict measures have been taken for stopping the over-exploitation of ground-water. Vigilance teams have been deployed to tour the villages and find the farmers who are drawing water from deep borewells or from the river reservoir for irrigation. The farmers are agitated by such action. A delegation of farmers meets the District Collector with their issues and complains that while they are not being allowed to irrigate their crops, big industries located near the river are drawing huge amounts of water through deep borewells for their industrial processes. The farmers allege that their administration is anti-farmer and corrupt,being bribed by the industry. The district needs to placate the farmers as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, the District Collector has to deal with the water crisis. The industry cannot be closed as this would result in a large number of workers being unemployed.

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Q 3632: Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in-charge of the new super-speciality center that the hospital is building with state-of-the art equipment and world class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother’s company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favoritism against her and tarnish her image The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers.

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 Q 3630: Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which needed his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group, was a matter of grave concern. It was noted that unemployment was relatively high in the state. The problem of unemployment amongst graduates and those with higher education was much more grave. Thus they were vulnerable and soft targets.

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Q 3629: There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder of this company. The fast technological improvements have raised worries among environmental activists, regulatory authorities, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario. You confront substantial issues about the business’s environmental footprint. In 2023, your organization had a significant increase of 48% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the levels recorded in 2019. The significant rise in energy consumption is mainly due to the surging energy requirements of your data centers, fuelled by the exponential expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-powered services need much more computational resources and electrical energy compared to conventional online activities, notwithstanding their notable gains. The technology’s proliferation has led to a growing concern over the environmental repercussions, resulting in an increase in warnings. Al models, especially those used in extensive machine learning and data processing, exhibit much greater energy consumption than conventional computer tasks, with an exponential increase. Although there is already a commitment and goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, the challenge of lowering emissions seems overwhelming as the integration of AI continues to increase. To achieve this goal, substantial investments in renewable energy use would be necessary. The difficulty is exacerbated by the competitive environment of the technology sector, where rapid innovation is essential for preserving market standing and shareholders’ worth. To achieve a balance between innovation, profitability and sustainability, a strategic move is necessary that is in line with both, business objectives and ethical obligations. Case Study

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Q 3625: “In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the vears Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their officiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity. GS 4

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Q 3607: “It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it.” In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today’s international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts? GS 4

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