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Subject: Ethics

  • influencing continuation of number of wars influencing continuation of number of wars “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.

    Ethics is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct. It acts as a ‘moral compass’ for individual and organisational conduct.

    Dimensions of Ethics Guiding Individuals

    Normative Ethics (The “Ought” Dimension)- This is the prescriptive side of ethics. It includes

    Deontology (duty-based). Eg- Respecting human dignity

    Utilitarianism (consequence-based). Eg- guides policy for “greatest good for the greatest number”

    Meta-Ethics (The “Meaning” Dimension)- It deals with the origin of moral principles. Helps solve dilemmas in emerging issues like AI ethics, ethics of biotechnology etc

    Descriptive Ethics (The “Observation” Dimension)- It provides the empirical data on “what is” rather than “what should be.”

    Virtue Ethics (The “Character” Dimension)- helps in inculcating virtues like courage, honesty, and temperance. Eg- Mahatma Gandhi cultivated the virtue of Ahimsa as a personal habit.

    Applied Ethics – Helps apply ethical principles in real life situations. Eg- Compassionate capitalism in corporate governance, Stewardship principle in environmental ethics.

    “Ethics of Care” – emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and compassion.

    Dimensions of Ethics Guiding Organizations

    The Justice Dimension ensures fairness in both outcomes and processes.

    Distributive Justice- Focuses on the fair allocation of rewards and burdens. Eg- Equal Remuneration Act

    The Accountability Dimension – promotes “fiduciary duty” towards stakeholders and prevents the “systemic rot” caused by secrecy. Eg- Infosys whistleblower policy

    The Sustainability and Stewardship Dimension – Moving from a “profit-only” model to the Triple Bottom Line. Eg- IKEA’s “People & Planet Positive” strategy

    Solving the “Loyalty vs. Truth” dilemma – the Normative dimension provides the duty to the truth, while the Virtue dimension provides the courage to speak it.

    Builds consistency, predictability and smooth-functioning system based on stable, universal principles. Eg- Zomato’s menstrual leave policy

    These dimensions ensure that human actions are not impulsive but reasoned. As Jane Addams said, “Action indeed is the sole medium of expression for ethics.”

  • “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 to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity.

    From just 11.2% of total IAS officers in 2011, the number of women has risen to nearly 15% in 2022.

    “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

    Women in Indian Culture

    Shakti- primordial source of power, energy.

    Ardhanarishvara Philosophy

    Matrushakti- Governance as caretaking.

    Women like Gargi and Maitreyi as public intellectuals and decision-makers in Sabhas.

    Gender-Specific Challenges Faced by Female Public Servants

    The “Double Burden” Syndrome- Time Use Surveys show Indian women spend nearly 5 hours/day on unpaid care work vs. 30 minutes for men.

    Glass Walls in Postings- Systematic “pigeonholing” into departments like Education, Health, or Social Welfare, while being kept away from Finance, Home, or Infrastructure.

    The “Old Boys’ Club” Exclusion- Informal networking and decision-making often happen in “after-hours” social settings that are less accessible to women.

    Under-representation at senior levels (“glass ceiling” effect)

    Infrastructure Gaps in Field Postings- Lack of functional toilets or secure overnight accommodation in remote blocks.

    Perception of “Weakness”- Subordinates or local political leaders in patriarchal pockets resist taking orders from a female officer.

    Safety and Harassment- Subtle forms of workplace sexism and the threat of physical harm in law-and-order roles.

    The Mobility Penalty- Frequent transfers are harder for women leading to “deputation” requests

    Taking maternity leave is often viewed as a “loss of productivity,” affecting seniority or key assignments.

    Tokenism- appointed to committees merely to fulfill a “gender quota” rather than for expertise.

    Internalized Bias- The pressure to over-perform to prove “toughness,” which can lead to excessive stress and burnout compared to male peers.

    Measures to Increase Efficiency and Maintain Probity

    Institutionalizing Hybrid Work- Following global best practices (Scandinavia)

    Strict POSH implementation with real enforcement – Functional ICCs, time-bound inquiries, protection from retaliation.

    Establishing civil services board for transparent transfers (2nd ARC)

    Mandatory Crèche Facilities at every Secretariat and District Collectorate.

    Gender-sensitive infrastructure – Eg- Standardised “safe field deployment” norms for night duty

    Creating networks like the “IAS Women’s Association” to provide juniors with strategies to handle political pressure and maintain probity.

    Sensitization- Mandatory behavioral training through Mission Karmayogi to foster professional respect.

    Gender Budgeting in Administration- For the professional development and safety requirements of female staff within departments.

    The “highest perfection” in public service can only be achieved when the workforce is truly representative

  • Gobal 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 ?

    The crisis of climate change is fundamentally a crisis of values. It is the product of pursuing material progress by disregarding planetary boundaries.

    Global Level- Systemic Harmonization

    Decarbonization of Global Trade- Eg- taxing products imported from high-pollution regions

    Climate Finance Mobilization- Fulfilling the $100 billion annual commitment by developed countries

    Protection of global commons – Eg- early finalization of Global Plastic Treaty to protect oceans

    Government Level- act as the “Architect of Sustainability”

    Rights of Nature Legislation- Formally granting legal personhood to major rivers, mountains, and forests. Eg- Ganga in india

    Energy Transition under Panchamrit Targets- 500 GW from non-fossil sources by 2030.

    Green Urban Planning- Developing “Sponge Cities” with permeable pavements and urban wetlands to manage flooding and “Heat Island” effects.

    Business Level

    Adopting Net-Zero Roadmaps- Measuring and reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions

    Product Stewardship- Designing products that can be easily repaired or recycled

    ESG Integration in investment decisions, recognizing that “Sustainability is a Competitive Advantage.”

    Supply Chain Decarbonization- ensuring that raw materials are sourced ethically and without deforestation.

    Bio-Inclusive Boardrooms- Eg- “Ecological Representative” or “Voice for Future Generations” on corporate boards

    Society Level- Cultural Re-engineering

    Mainstreaming “Environmentalism of the Poor”- Eg- Chipko or Appico movements where local tribes are the primary guardians of forests.

    Moving from “Environmental Science” to “Environmental Ethics” in school and college curricula

    Community-Led Restoration- Eg- volunteer movements for cleaning coastlines or planting “Miyawaki” urban forests.

    Citizen Level- LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement

    Mindful Consumption through ethical restraint

    Switching from a “throwaway culture” to one of repair and reuse

    lifestyle of “Enoughness”-voluntarily limiting consumption

    “Pro-Planet” dietary Shift to protect water and soil. Eg- millet-based diets

    Energy Citizenship- Transitioning to rooftop solar and adopting energy-efficient appliances (LEDs/BLDC fans).

    Waste Segregation at Source- helps 100% composting or recycling at the municipal level.

    Green Mobility- Preferring public transport, cycling, or Electric Vehicles (EVs)

    By applying the Precautionary Principle to our technology and Intergenerational Equity to our economy, we can move to the trajectory of “Great Restoration.”

  • Q6 (a) It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place?

    An ethical work culture is the collective mindset and behavior of an organization that prioritizes moral principles over mere profit or procedure.

    Importance of a Code of Ethics

    Uniformity and consistency in decision-making based on values

    Building Public Trust- Eg- Tata Group

    Ensures Legal and Regulatory Compliance in spirit rather than letter

    Employee Pride and Retention- Eg- Patagonia’s employee turnover rate due to commitment to the environment.

    Prevention of Corruption- Eg- PepsiCo’s code provides specific dollar limits for business gifts

    Institutionalizing Accountability based on principles like trusteeship and fairness

    Safeguarding Reputation- Acts as a shield during crises

    Promoting Inclusivity- Eg- HanesBrands’s “Excellence through Diversity” principle.

    Stakeholder Protection through transparency. Eg- H&M publishes 98.5% of its supplier addresses

    Conflict of Interest Control. Eg- US Federal Ethics disclosure system.

    Measures

    Value-Based Measures

    Ethical Leadership- Leaders must “walk the talk.” Eg- Narayana Murthy following simple living to set a culture of austerity and integrity.

    Participative Value Formulation- Involving employees in drafting the code to create ownership.

    Ethical Training- Eg- Kellogg Company uses interactive quizzes and ” grain farm” themed storytelling to teach ethics.

    Integration into Appraisals- Rewarding “how” a goal was met, not just “what” was achieved. Eg- adding an “Empathy Score” to their performance reviews.

    Psychological Safety- Eg- Microsoft’s “Growth Mindset” culture encourages learning from failures rather than hiding them.

    Compliance-Based Measures

    Robust Whistleblower Mechanism- Secure and anonymous channels for reporting.

    Appointment of a Chief Ethics Officer to oversee integrity initiatives.

    Regular Ethical Audits for monitoring of financial and behavioral conduct. Eg- “Social Audits” by Big Four accounting firms.

    Clear Disciplinary Protocols- Eg- The “Zero Tolerance” policy for sexual harassment in Goldman Sachs.

    Leveraging RegTech- Using technology to flag irregularities. Eg- AI-driven software to detect potential insider trading in real-time.

    Transparency in process. Eg- GeM portal in public procurement.

    Building ethical work culture requires a Symphonic Approach based on moral clarity through CoE, and robust systems for compliance.

    Corporate Governance

  • Q2 (a)Carl von Clausewitz once said, “War is a diplomacy by other means.” Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict.

    In his seminal work On War, Carl von Clausewitz suggests that war is not an end in itself but a rational instrument of statecraft used to achieve political goals when traditional diplomatic dialogue fails.

    War is diplomacy by other means

    Force used to extract political concessions. Eg-Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to block NATO expansion.

    War alters facts on ground to strengthen bargaining position. Eg-Control of Crimea and Donbas.

    Power signalling to deters rivals. Eg-China’s military exercises near Taiwan.

    War reshapes diplomatic alignments. Eg-Pakistan-China ‘all weather friendship’ after 1962 and 1965 wars

    Resource diplomacy -Control over energy and minerals via force.

    Negotiation through attrition -Prolonged fighting forces compromise. Eg-US withdrawl from Afghanistan

    Policy of ‘bait and bloodletting’. Eg- US support to Ukraine to weaken Russia

    Peace enforcement. Eg-NATO intervention in Kosovo.

    War is used as a tool for regime change. Eg- US intervention in Iraq

    Counter-argument- War is not diplomacy but its failure

    Humanitarian catastrophe violates utilitarian principle of ‘greatest happiness’. Eg- over 1.4 million Russian deaths in Ukraine war

    Rise of Non-State Actors- Groups like ISIS-K dont pursue war for diplomatic aims but for ideological and religious aims.

    War used to consolidate domestic political legitimacy rather than national interest. Eg-Wartime nationalism in Pakistan.

    Due to ‘complex interdependence’ war as a diplomatic means is not a rational choice. Eg- US-China relations

    War leads to breakdown of diplomatic negotiations channels for peaceful resolution. Eg- Security Council paralysis.

    While diplomacy is based on reason war is based on passion.

    The acute security dilemma and zero-sum mentality fosters diplomatic distrust and reduce possibility of diplomatic cooperation. Eg- India’s suspension of Indus water treaty.

    As per Deontological ethics, means of war cant justify any ends. As pointed out by Bertrand Russell, “War does not determine who is right – only who is left.”

    Attitude

  • Q1 (b)“Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law.” Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.

    Constitutional morality implies adherence to the core principles and spirit of the Constitution in a democracy.

    George Grote, in his History of Greece, described constitutional morality as a “rare and difficult sentiment” involving

    Paramount reverence for forms and procedures of the Constitution.

    Adherence to law while enabling open criticism of authority.

    Need for public reason, self-restraint, and trust in institutions.

    Significance in Promoting Good Governance

    Promoting Transparency – Open processes and access to information. Eg – The “Jan Soochna Portal” in Rajasthan

    Ensuring Responsiveness – CM treats the “Right to be Heard” as a fundamental right. Eg – grievance redressal through CPGRAMS

    Enhancing Effectiveness – Decisions aligned with public interest. Eg- DBT via JAM trinity

    Fostering Participation – Inclusion of stakeholders in decisions. Eg- The Nagaland “Communitisation” of Public Services

    Equity and inclusiveness – Fair distribution of resources and opportunities. Eg- Forest Rights Act

    Consensus orientation – Mediation and dialogue over coercion. Eg- The GST Council

    Strategic vision – Long-term constitutional goals guide policy. Eg- Sustainable development.

    Rule of Law – CM ensures that the law is applied impartially, preventing “Rule by Law.” Eg- Enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

    Role in ensuring accountability

    Legal accountability – Eg- Strictly following the D.K. Basu guidelines to prevent custodial torture.

    Political accountability – Responsiveness to elected representatives within limits. Eg- Parliamentary questions.

    Social accountability – Eg- MGNREGA Social Audits in Andhra Pradesh.

    Financial accountability – Prudent and transparent use of public funds. Eg- Audit of the 2G Spectrum and Coal Block Allocations.

    Professional and Administrative Accountability – CM ensures that the “Steel Frame” maintains institutional integrity. Eg- T. N. Seshan as CEC

    Future accountability – promotes “Intergenerational Equity.” Eg- EIA norms

    Moral Accountability – CM prevents the “Banalization of Evil,” where officers claim they were “just following orders.” Eg- Whistleblowing in the Vyapam Scam.

    Procedural accountability – Following due process and natural justice.

    Challenges

    Conflict with Social Morality- Eg- sabrimala

    Political Populism

    Legacy of Colonial Laws- Eg- Official Secrets Act

    Bureaucratic Inertia- A “Status Quo” mindset

    Lack of Incentives- Eg- “Yes-men” culture

    Weak Civil Education

    The “Neutrality vs. Commitment” Dilemma

    Constitutional morality serves as the “North Star,” ensuring that the ship of the state remains anchored in the values of human dignity and social justice.

    Applied Ethics

  • Q4 (a)“For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework.” Justify this statement with suitable examples.

    Social re-engineering refers to the deliberate attempt to transform social structures, behaviors, and cultural norms to achieve a more equitable society. Civil servants act as a “facilitator” of this change.

    Need for reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework for successful social engineering

    Diagnose real problems, not symptoms – Eg- Nutrition deficits need diet diversity, not only calories.

    Build public trust and legitimacy. Eg- Transparent DBT reduced leakage and improved targeting.

    Uphold constitutional morality over social morality. Eg- conditional cash transfer under “Kanyashree” scheme improved efficiency.

    Design context-specific solutions. Eg- Jal Jeevan Mission adapted to local water sources.

    Avoid one-size-fits-all policies. Eg- location specific housing designs under PM Awas.

    Prevent unintended harm. Eg- advising against loan waivers to avoid moral hazard.

    Balancing competing values. Eg- balancing efficiency and privacy in Aadhaar.

    Ensure bottoms up planning. Eg- fair, prior and informed consent of Gram Sabha under PESA.

    Prevent elite capture of policy. Eg- Social audits in MGNREGA.

    Promote behavioural change, not just compliance. Eg- Gandhigiri in SBM – giving flowers for open defecation.

    Ensure sustainability (intergenerational justice). Eg- PM-PRANAM to promote organic farming

    Protect rights while delivering welfare. Eg- Consent-based data use in health IDs.

    Social transformation requires critical reasoning to design effective interventions and ethical grounding to ensure justice, dignity and inclusion.

  • Q3 (b) “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” – William James (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)

    The above statement highlights the importance of attitude in shaping our behaviour, choices and outcomes. Quality of life is not determined by our circumstances but by interpretation of it.

    Key Values Involved

    Agency

    Optimism

    Growth Mindset

    Responsibility

    Altering life by altering attitude

    By altering the attitude from “victim” to “survivor,” individuals can reclaim their power. Eg- Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy suggest that meaning in life is needed for happiness

    By changing attitude towards duties and responsibilities, one can truly excel in life. Eg- Arjuna in Mahabharata.

    Professional Level- An attitude of curiosity rather than fear helps a person to navigate job losses or industry shifts. Eg- When Steve Jobs reinventing himself after getting fired from Apple

    By changing attitude towards citizens (from indifferent to compassionate), a civil servant can achieve personal fulfillment as well as professional excellence.

    Social Level- Effective social change happens only when ‘prejudice’ turns into ‘tolerance’ and ‘equality.’ Eg- changing attitude towards sanitation under SBM

    Educational Level- Students who view a difficult subject with a “growth mindset” perform significantly better than those who believe they “aren’t good at it.”

    Corporate Level- A company’s success depends on attitude of its employees toward innovation and failure. Eg- Satya Nadella transformed Microsoft by shifting the attitude from “know-it-alls” to “learn-it-alls.”

    Health and Wellness- Eg- Clinical trials consistently show that the Placebo Effect ( patient’s attitude toward a pill) can trigger actual physiological healing.

    The climate crisis requires a shift in attitude from “conquering nature” to “living in harmony with nature.” Eg- sustainable consumption under Mission LiFE.

    Technological Level- The impact of AI on society depends on whether we approach it with an attitude of “fear and replacement” or “augmentation and partnership.”

    National Level- Eg- Post-WWII Japan and Germany altered their national attitudes from militarism to industrial innovation, becoming global economic leaders within decades.

    Thus, Changing our attitude changes our actions, and changing our actions changes our life.

  • Q2 (b)Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.

    While national security is a non-negotiable sovereign duty, ecological health is a non-negotiable biological necessity. The ethical dilemma arises because both sides claim the “Right to Life” (Article 21).

    National security imperative

    All weather connectivity. Eg- Zojila or Sela tunnels

    Logistics and supply lines

    Surveillance and communication. Eg- Installing radar stations

    Rapid deployment capability

    Strategic deterrence. Eg- Great Nicobar Port in IOR

    Disaster response access

    Hearts and minds strategy. Eg- vibrant village program

    Ethical dilemmas related to environmental clearance

    Utilitarianism vs. Deontology/ right vs right dilemma – sacrificing a unique, irreplaceable ecosystem for the “greater good” of national security.

    Connectivity vs ecology – Highway projects degrade fragile ecosystems. Eg- Char Dham Pariyojana

    Anthropocentrism vs. Ecocentrism- Does a border road have more “value” than the extinction of an endemic species?

    National interest vs local rights – Eg- Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act 2023 exempts projects within 100km of borders from certain clearances.

    Speed vs scrutiny – Eg- Strategic exemptions from EIA.

    Secrecy vs transparency – Classified projects limit public accountability.

    Intergenerational justice dilemma – Immediate defence gains create long-term ecological vulnerability. Eg- Landslides due to hill cutting.

    Human safety vs wildlife protection – Eg- Border fencing affecting elephant movement.

    Development vs sustainability – Infrastructure improves access but undermines long-term ecological balance.

    Slippery Slope dilemma – extension of ‘national security exemptions’ to other projects in future

    Way Forward

    Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

    Green Engineering. Eg- “Eco-bridges”

    Independent Oversight Body comprising both military strategists and ecologists

    Restorative Compensation

    There is need to shift from “Environmental Clearance” to “Environmental Integration” for sustainable and “Sensitive” security paradigm.

    Ethics in IR

  • Q3 (a) “Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself.” – Thiruvalluvar (Answer in 150 words, 10 marks)

    Thiruvalluvar conveys that a person who remains calm, composed and mentally resilient in times of adversity gains the inner strength to overcome the adversity.

    Values Involved

    Equanimity (Samatvam)

    Fortitude

    Stoicism

    Emotional Intelligence

    Proactive Mindset

    Importance of calmness in adversity

    Improves decision-making – Eg- M.S. Dhoni’s allowed him to make tactical decisions that turned certain defeats into victories.

    Prevents panic-driven errors – Eg- Captain Sullenberger remained calm when his plane’s engines failed, allowing him to calculate a water landing on the Hudson River

    Builds public trust – Calm leaders inspire confidence during crises. Eg- Jacinda Ardern’s leadership during COVID 19

    Enhances problem-solving – Eg- ISRO successfully launching Chandrayan 3 after failure of Chandrayan 2

    Prevents escalation of conflict – Calm diplomacy avoids wars. Eg- Cuban Missile Crisis resolved through calm diplomacy.

    Supports mental health – Resilience reduces anxiety disorders.

    Prevents unethical shortcuts – Panic encourages corruption and dishonesty.

    Enables ethical judgement – Eg- Mahatma Gandhi withdrawing NCM after Chauri Chaura based on his struggle-truce-struggle strategy rather than emotions.

    Builds Long-term Resilience- Eg- Nelson Mandela used his 27 years in prison to cultivate a calm, forgiving spirit, leading to collapse of Apartheid regime

    When facing personal failure, those who remain calm can analyze their mistakes objectively and learn. Eg- Thomas Edison failed 1,000 times but ultimately invented “light bulb”

    Measures to build calmness

    Mindfulness and meditation – Improves emotional regulation.

    Experience and reflection – Learning from past crises.

    Emotional intelligence development – Recognising and managing emotions.

    Physical well-being – Sleep, exercise and nutrition regulate stress.

    Support systems – Peer and family support.

    Ethical grounding – Strong values provide inner stability.

    Calmness is not passivity but power. In a turbulent world, inner stability is the greatest strategic advantage.