Q1 20M 150w Compulsory critically examine AI in administrative decision-making and dimensions of ethics
(a) The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. 10 (Answer in 150 words)
(b) "Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour." Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context. 10 (Answer in 150 words)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'critically examine' in part (a) demands balanced analysis with both merits and demerits, while part (b) requires 'explain' and 'discuss' for dimensions and professional application. Allocate ~75 words to part (a) covering AI's promise versus ethical risks (algorithmic bias, transparency, accountability), and ~75 words to part (b) identifying 3-4 ethical dimensions (normative, descriptive, meta-ethics, applied) with brief professional context. Structure: brief intro acknowledging debate → balanced body for (a) → concise dimensions for (b) → integrated conclusion on human-AI ethical complementarity.
- Part (a): AI's administrative utility (speed, data processing, pattern recognition) versus ethical limitations (black-box problem, bias in training data, lack of accountability, dehumanization of decision-making)
- Part (a): Specific ethical concerns—procedural fairness, distributive justice, and erosion of administrative discretion/wisdom
- Part (b): Identification of key ethical dimensions: meta-ethics (nature of moral judgments), normative ethics (standards of right/wrong), applied ethics (practical application), and virtue ethics (character)
- Part (b): How dimensions shape professional decisions—normative ethics providing rules, applied ethics contextualizing dilemmas, virtue ethics emphasizing integrity in civil service
- Synthesis: Need for human-AI collaboration preserving ethical judgment rather than replacement, referencing AI ethics guidelines (NITI Aayog, UNESCO)
Q2 20M 150w Compulsory evaluate Peace, war ethics and climate change ethics
(a) "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? 10 (Answer in 150 words)
(b) Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment? 10 (Answer in 150 words)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'evaluate' requires judgment-based analysis with reasoning. For part (a), spend ~75 words examining ethical obligations of powerful nations regarding arms trade and conflict perpetuation; for part (b), use ~75 words assessing solutions for climate equilibrium. Structure: brief context for each → ethical analysis → concrete measures → synthesized conclusion.
- Part (a): Identifies ethical duties of powerful nations—non-maleficence, responsibility to protect, and jus ad bellum principles—regarding arms export controls and conflict mediation
- Part (a): Critiques military-industrial complex influence on foreign policy and the moral hazard of profiting from perpetual wars
- Part (b): Recognizes anthropogenic climate change as collective action problem requiring intergenerational justice and ecological citizenship
- Part (b): Proposes concrete equilibrium mechanisms—circular economy, climate reparations, sustainable development goals implementation, and nature-based solutions
- Cross-cutting: Demonstrates tension between state sovereignty and global ethical obligations, suggesting cosmopolitan ethics as framework
Q3 20M 150w Compulsory elucidate Quotations of great thinkers
Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context?
(a) "Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others." — Swami Vivekananda
(Answer in 150 words)
(b) "Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work." — Sardar Patel
(Answer in 150 words)
(c) "In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so." — Immanuel Kant
(Answer in 150 words)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'elucidate' demands clear explanation with illumination of underlying meaning. Structure as: brief interpretive introduction (20 words), three parallel sections of ~45 words each for quotations (a), (b), and (c) respectively—each unpacking core philosophy and contemporary relevance—followed by a synthesizing conclusion (20 words) that connects the three thinkers to ethical governance. Allocate time evenly: ~5 minutes per sub-part including recall and drafting.
- For (a): Explains selective adaptation vs blind imitation; cites India's syncretic culture (e.g., yoga globalization, constitutional borrowings) without losing civilizational identity
- For (b): Distinguishes faith as conviction/vision from strength as capacity/execution; links to Patel's own integration of princely states or modern infrastructure projects
- For (c): Contrasts legal minimalism (actus reus) with ethical maximalism (mens rea); applies to preventive ethics in public service, corruption intent vs act
- Demonstrates interconnection: all three converge on ethical autonomy—Vivekananda's self-cultivation, Patel's action-oriented integrity, Kant's internal moral compass
- Contemporary relevance: technology adoption (a), administrative will (b), Lokpal vs conscience (c)
- Avoids reducing quotations to platitudes; shows philosophical depth in 150-word constraint
Q4 20M 150w Compulsory examine Justice and administrative discretion
(a) "The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today's context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice."
Examine the above statement with suitable examples.
(Answer in 150 words)
(b) "Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent."
Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.
(Answer in 150 words)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'examine' requires critical investigation of both statements with evidence and balanced assessment. Allocate ~75 words to part (a) on contextual justice and ~75 words to part (b) on form versus substance, with a brief integrated conclusion. Structure: introduce the tension between stability and change in justice for (a); body with examples showing how societal evolution redefines justice; transition to (b) with administrative law principles; illustrate with cases where literal interpretation caused injustice; conclude on the civil servant's role as justice-oriented interpreter.
- For (a): Explanation of how justice is historically and socially constructed, not absolute—e.g., Section 377 decriminalization, triple talaq abolition, or evolving rape laws showing yesterday's 'just' becoming today's 'unjust'
- For (a): The mechanism of scrutiny—judicial review, legislative amendment, public interest litigation—as safeguards against miscarriage when contexts shift
- For (b): Distinction between formal legality and substantive justice; how rigid adherence to procedure defeats legislative intent
- For (b): Administrative law examples—Benami Transactions Act liberal interpretation, Supreme Court's purposive approach in tax cases, or welfare scheme implementation where form-based rejection excluded genuine beneficiaries
- Balanced synthesis: The perceptive civil servant exercises 'guided discretion'—neither arbitrary nor mechanical—anchored in constitutional morality and Article 14's evolving standards
Q5 20M 150w Compulsory suggest Code of Ethics and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
(a) "The 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance. (Answer in 150 words) 10
(b) The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'suggest' in part (a) demands a prescriptive, model-building response, while 'discuss' in part (b) requires analytical examination of the BNS philosophy. Allocate ~75 words to (a): briefly distinguish Code of Conduct from Code of Ethics, then propose a 3-tier model (legislative framework + institutional mechanisms + citizen engagement). For (b), use ~75 words: open with the shift from colonial punitive justice to restorative justice, cite specific BNS provisions (community service, decriminalization of petty offences), and conclude with how Indian ethos (dharma, nyaya) informs this transformation. Maintain parallel structure across both parts.
- Part (a): Clear distinction between Code of Conduct (rule-based, compliance-focused) and Code of Ethics (value-based, aspirational) in public administration
- Part (a): Proposed model for Code of Ethics covering at least two of: legislative backing, independent ethics commission, disclosure requirements, whistleblower protection, or citizen charters
- Part (b): Identification of the paradigm shift from IPC's colonial punitive framework to BNS's restorative and reformative justice approach
- Part (b): Specific BNS provisions illustrating the shift: community service as punishment (Section 4), decriminalization of attempt to suicide, removal of sedition (replaced with treason), or gender-neutral offenses
- Part (b): Connection to Indian cultural ethos: concepts of dharma, nyaya, restorative justice in traditional systems, or Gandhian trusteeship
Q6 20M 150w Compulsory examine Gender challenges in public service and Mission Karmayogi
(a) "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 years." Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity. (Answer in 150 words) 10
(b) Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level ? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'examine' in part (a) requires critical analysis of gender challenges with evidence, while part (b) demands explanation of how Mission Karmayogi enhances efficiency. Allocate ~75 words/5 minutes to each sub-part given equal 10 marks weightage. Structure: brief context for (a), enumerate 3-4 gender-specific challenges with measures, then for (b) explain iGOT Karmayogi platform's role in competency-building and grassroots service delivery. Conclude with integrated vision of ethical, efficient public service.
- For (a): Identify gender-specific challenges—work-life balance conflicts, patriarchal organizational culture, safety concerns in field postings, lack of mentorship networks, and glass ceiling in senior positions
- For (a): Suggest measures—flexible work arrangements, gender-sensitive training, safe transport/housing, childcare support, leadership mentoring, and zero-tolerance harassment mechanisms
- For (b): Explain Mission Karmayogi's core components—iGOT platform, competency-based HR, behavioural and functional training aligned with citizen-centric service
- For (b): Link to grassroots efficiency—decentralized learning, role-specific capacity building, ethical decision-making frameworks, and performance-linked career progression
- Integration: Connect both parts through the theme of 'ethical efficiency'—gender-inclusive workplaces and competency-based training together build probity and productivity
Q7 20M 250w Compulsory discuss AI expansion and environmental sustainability in tech company
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. AI 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.
(a) What is your immediate response to the challenges posed in the above case?
(b) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.
(c) Your company has been identified to be penalized by technological giants. What logical and ethical arguments will you put forth to convince about its necessity?
(d) Being a conscience being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between AI innovation and environmental footprint?
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'discuss' requires examining multiple perspectives with balanced reasoning. Allocate ~25% words to (a) immediate response, ~25% to (b) ethical issues, ~25% to (c) arguments against penalties, and ~25% to (d) conscience-based measures. Structure: brief situational intro → systematic treatment of all four sub-parts → integrated conclusion emphasizing sustainable innovation.
- (a) Immediate response: Crisis communication, transparent disclosure of emissions data, formation of rapid response task force, and interim mitigation measures like efficiency optimization in data centers
- (b) Ethical issues: Inter-generational equity (future generations bearing climate costs), corporate social responsibility vs shareholder primacy, technological determinism vs environmental stewardship, and distributive justice (Third World location implications)
- (c) Arguments against penalties: Reference to 'polluter pays principle' fairness, India's National Green Tribunal precedents on proportional liability, commitment to net-zero 2030 as good faith effort, and distinction between growth-phase emissions and negligent pollution
- (d) Conscience-based measures: Adoption of green AI/energy-efficient algorithms, investment in Indian renewable energy grid (solar parks like Bhadla), circular economy principles for hardware, and ethical AI governance framework inspired by UNESCO AI Ethics Recommendation
Q8 20M 250w Compulsory suggest Terrorist recruitment of unemployed youth and police response
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.
In the review meeting taken by him with senior officers of DIG Range and above, it came to light that a new terrorist group has emerged at the global level. It has launched a massive drive to recruit young unemployed people. Special focus was to pick young people from a particular community. The said organisation seemed to have the clear objective of utilising/using them for carrying out militant activities. It was also gathered that the said (new) group is desperately trying to spread its tentacles in his state.
A definite/reliable intelligence tip was received by the State CID and Cyber Cell that a large number of such unemployed youth have already been contacted by the terrorist outfit/group through social media and local communal organisations and other contacts. The need of the hour was to act swiftly and to check these elements/designs before they assume serious proportions.
Discrete inquiries made by the police, through the Cyber Cell, revealed that good numbers of unemployed youth are very active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. On an average, many of them were spending 6-8 hours each day, using electronic devices/internet, etc. It also came to light that such unemployed youth were showing sympathy and endorsing the messages received from certain persons, allegedly the contact persons of that global terrorist group. Their social media accounts revealed their strong affinity to such groups inasmuch as many of them started forwarding anti-national tweets on their WhatsApp and Facebook, etc. It seemed that they succumbed to their ploy and started propagating secessionist ideology. Their posts were hyper-critical of the government's initiatives, policies and subscribing to extreme beliefs and promoting extremism.
(a) What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation?
(b) What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state?
(c) In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence gathering mechanism of the police force?
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'suggest' requires actionable, well-reasoned recommendations across all three sub-parts. Structure your 250 words as: brief situational analysis (20 words), part (a) immediate tactical options for Raman (~80 words), part (b) systemic strengthening measures (~80 words), and part (c) intelligence enhancement plan (~70 words). Ensure each sub-part receives proportional attention with concrete, implementable suggestions rather than generic statements.
- For (a): Immediate options include coordinated cyber-surveillance operations, community engagement through respected local leaders, targeted deradicalization counselling for identified youth, and inter-state coordination with central agencies like NIA/IB
- For (a): Balanced approach combining hard policing (monitoring, legal action under UAPA where warranted) with soft interventions (skill training, employment linkage) to avoid alienation
- For (b): Strengthening existing setup requires multi-agency coordination (Police-Cyber Cell-Social Welfare-Education), community policing revival, counter-narrative social media campaigns, and grievance redressal mechanisms for educated unemployed
- For (c): Intelligence enhancement through dedicated cyber-forensics unit, social media sentiment analysis tools, human intelligence network in vulnerable communities, and real-time data sharing with MHA's Integrated Intelligence Grid
- Cross-cutting: Reference to preventive detention safeguards, proportionality principle, and protection of civil liberties while addressing security concerns
Q9 20M 250w Compulsory evaluate Naxalite operation and ethical dilemma for police officer
With multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments specially in the last few years, the naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of the country. However, there are a few pockets in certain states where naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to involvement of foreign countries. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) for the last one year, in one of the districts which is still affected by the naxalite problem. The district administration has taken a lot of developmental works in the recent past in the naxalite affected areas to win the hearts and minds of the people. Over a period of time, Rohit has established an excellent intelligence network to get the real time information regarding the movement of naxalite cadre. To instill confidence in the public and have moral ascendancy over the naxalites, a number of cordons and search operations are being conducted by the police. Rohit, who himself was leading one of the contingents got a message though his intelligence source that about ten hard core naxalites were hiding in a particular village with sophisticated weapons. Without wasting any time, Rohit reached the target village with his team and laid out a foolproof cordon and started carrying out a systematic search. During the search, his team managed to overpower all the naxalites along with their automatic weapons. However, in the meantime, more than five hundred tribal women surrounded the village and started marching towards the target house. They were shouting and demanding the immediate release of insurgents since they are their protectors and saviours. The situation on the ground was becoming very critical as the tribal women were extremely agitated and aggressive. Rohit tried to contact his superior officer, IG (Special Operations) of the state on the radio set and on mobile phone, but failed to do so due to poor connectivity. Rohit was in great dilemma since out of the naxalites apprehended, two were not only hard core top insurgents with prize money of ₹ ten lakhs on their heads, but were also involved in a recent ambush on the security forces. However, if he did not release the naxalites, the situation could get out of control since the tribal women were aggressively charging towards them. In that case, to control the situation Rohit might have to resort to firing which may lead to valuable loss of lives of civilians and would further complicate the situation.
(a) What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation?
(b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit?
(c) Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why?
(d) In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters?
(Answer in 250 words)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'evaluate' requires critical assessment of options with reasoned judgment. Structure: Brief context (20 words) → Part (a): Enumerate 3-4 options with trade-offs (60 words) → Part (b): Identify dilemmas using ethical frameworks—utilitarian vs deontological, duty vs consequence (50 words) → Part (c): Justify chosen option with reasoning—prefer graduated response prioritizing civilian safety while ensuring insurgents don't escape (70 words) → Part (d): Specific gender-sensitive protocols—women officers, community elders, non-lethal measures (50 words). Conclude with integrated approach balancing security and human rights.
- (a) Options: Release all and track later; release low-level cadre, retain hardcore; negotiate via community elders; call reinforcements and hold position; use non-lethal crowd control
- (b) Dilemmas: Duty to arrest dangerous criminals vs duty to protect civilian lives; legal obligation vs operational pragmatism; short-term security gain vs long-term trust erosion; professional oath vs moral responsibility
- (c) Preferred option: Graduated de-escalation—retain hardcore insurgents covertly, release others through negotiated settlement involving women representatives and elders; preserves moral ascendancy and intelligence gains
- (d) Precautionary measures: Deploy women constables in frontline; involve gram sabha women leaders; use tear smoke and water cannons before kinetic options; video documentation; medical standby; avoid night operations
- Integration: Link to Supreme Court guidelines on crowd control (2018), NHRC recommendations, and 'win hearts and minds' doctrine
- Ethical frameworks: Reference Rawls' veil of ignorance, utilitarian calculus, and IPS officers' moral code
Q10 20M 250w Compulsory suggest Conflict of interest in medical procurement
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 favouritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers.
(a) What should be Sneha's course of action?
(b) How would she justify what she chooses to do?
(c) In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?
(Answer in 250 words)
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'suggest' in part (a) demands prescriptive, action-oriented responses with ethical reasoning. Structure as: brief context (20 words) → part (a) course of action with justification (100 words) → part (b) ethical principles invoked (70 words) → part (c) analysis of compromised medical ethics (60 words). Ensure all three sub-parts receive coverage with (a) carrying slightly more weight as the decisional core.
- For (a): Sneha must recuse herself from the procurement committee or ensure transparent, competitive bidding with third-party evaluation; direct award to brother is unacceptable
- For (a): Alternative: full disclosure to hospital management with documented arm's-length process, possibly independent technical evaluation
- For (b): Justification through Rawlsian veil of ignorance, utilitarian harm-benefit analysis, and fiduciary duty to patients; reference to integrity and objectivity in Nolan Committee principles
- For (c): Medical ethics compromised through: compromised equipment quality (patient safety), inflated costs (justice/access), erosion of trust in institution (beneficence)
- For (c): Specific mention of how conflict of interest violates ICMR Code of Ethics 2017 and WHO guidelines on health technology procurement
Q11 20M 250w Compulsory discuss Water crisis and stakeholder conflict
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.
(a) Discuss all options available to the District Collector as a District Magistrate.
(b) What suitable actions can be taken in view of mutually compatible interests of the stakeholders ?
(c) What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas for the District Collector ?
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'discuss' requires presenting all options and viewpoints with balanced reasoning. Structure: Brief context-setting (20 words) → Part (a): Enumerate DM's legal/administrative options under CrPC, IPC, and Disaster Management Act (100 words) → Part (b): Propose stakeholder-compatible solutions like rotational water allocation, treated wastewater for industry, and crop diversification incentives (80 words) → Part (c): Identify dilemmas—public duty vs. political pressure, short-term relief vs. long-term sustainability, equity vs. economic growth (40 words) → Conclusion emphasizing Gandhian trusteeship and sustainable water governance (10 words).
- Part (a): Options under Section 144 CrPC (prohibitory orders), Section 133 CrPC (public nuisance), Essential Services Maintenance Act, Disaster Management Act powers, and negotiated settlement through district-level water committees
- Part (a): Administrative measures—rationing, pricing mechanisms, sealing illegal borewells under CGWA guidelines, and invoking Section 188 IPC for disobedience
- Part (b): Mutually compatible actions—treated industrial effluent recycling, crop insurance for farmers switching to less water-intensive crops, staggered industrial operations, and transparent water audit with public disclosure
- Part (b): Institutional mechanisms—revival of traditional water bodies under Jal Shakti Abhiyan, participatory groundwater management inspired by Pani Panchayat model (Maharashtra) or Sukhomajri model (Haryana)
- Part (c): Administrative dilemmas—rule of law vs. mass agitation, confidentiality of industrial negotiations vs. right to information, and career risk vs. public interest
- Part (c): Ethical dilemmas—utilitarian calculus (greatest good) vs. Rawlsian justice (protecting worst-off), fiduciary duty to farmers vs. contractual obligations to industry, and personal integrity vs. political expediency
Q12 20M 250w Compulsory examine Ethical shortcuts in drug trials and research
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 consent 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.
(a) What would you do in such a situation?
(b) Examine your options and consequences in the light of the ethical questions involved.
(c) How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large in such a scenario?
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'examine' requires critical inspection of options with evidence-based reasoning. Structure: Brief introduction acknowledging ethical dilemma → Part (a): State your course of action with justification (~80 words, 35%) → Part (b): Systematically examine 3-4 options with consequences using ethical frameworks (~90 words, 40%) → Part (c): Synthesise how data/drug ethics serve humanity (~60 words, 25%) → Conclusion on professional integrity. Ensure smooth transitions between parts.
- Part (a): Clear personal stance refusing shortcuts, prioritising patient safety over commercial pressure; cites duty as scientist and citizen
- Part (b): Examination of Option 1 (comply with shortcuts) showing consequences: harm to patients, legal liability under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, reputational damage; Option 2 (refuse and escalate) citing whistleblower protections, internal ethics committee; Option 3 (negotiate modified timeline) balancing innovation and safety
- Part (b): Application of ethical frameworks—deontology (Kant's categorical imperative against using humans as means), utilitarianism (long-term harm outweighs short-term benefit), virtue ethics (scientific integrity)
- Part (c): Data ethics—transparency, reproducibility, FAIR principles preventing pandemic of misinformation; Drug ethics—Helsinki Declaration, ICMR guidelines ensuring trust in public health systems
- Part (c): Connection to humanity—COVID-19 lessons where rushed trials (ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine misinformation) eroded trust; contrast with Oxford-AstraZeneca transparent data saving millions