Ethics 2026 QA

                                                    Section A

Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity.  2026

Accountability

·         Self Accountability

·         Using AI vs Dependence on AI

·         AI – Hidden bias; Errors

Integrity

·         Professional Integrity

·         Consistency – Paucity of time

·         Confidentiality

AI as an Assistant not as Master

A business house is working on a project that could displace a forest community from their habitat. As the administrative officer of that district, what ethical challenges are you likely to face? 2026

Conflict between Economic Growth and Social Welfare

Ethical Challenges

·         Employment Opportunities and Right to livelihood and habitat

·         Costs and Benefits of development (Vulnerable vs Powerful)

·         Environmental Ethics – Forest, biodiversity

·         Procedural Formality vs Meaningful Conversation

·         Integrity – Temptations and Pressure

EIA and SIA; Transparency and Participatory

An endangered tribe has developed a severe skeletal deformity. A university researcher has identified a mineral supplement as a possible remedy, though clinical trials are yet to be conducted. Should the District Magistrate (DM) use this research on the tribe? Discuss from the perspective of medical and administrative ethics.

·         Beneficence

·         Non-maleficence

·         Informed Consent

·         Autonomy

·         Bureaucrats - Established Procedure

Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights.

National Security

·         What? - Country is safe, independent, stable and capable of protecting it people and national interest; Protection from internal and external threats

·         How? - Preventive detention, Biometrics, Surveillance, Internet restrictions, Restrictions on public assemblies, Border Controls etc

Human Rights – Freedom of movement; Right to privacy, Freedom of speech and expression

·         Not necessarily Contradictory

·         Restrictions  - Only when it is necessary; remove it as early as possible

·         Restrictions – Problem and benefits

·         Security Agencies – External Accountability –Judiciary

·         Data – Prevent Hacking; Misuse

·         Ethical use of Power

Security and Liberty

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing ‘anarchy’. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience movements that aim to promote social justice against genuine concerns?

Civil Disobedience

·         What? - Deliberate and peaceful violation of certain laws;

·         Why? - Perceived injustice

·         How? – Protest on railway tracks, blocking highways, Non-cooperation to authorities, etc

Modern Democracy’s Approach

Protestors

·         Grievances – Legislators, Executives, Courts, Social Media, Elections etc

·         Grievances – Serious injustice vs Personal benefit

·         Method – Peaceful, avoid destructions (life/property), Respect others’ rights

Government

·         No blind acceptance or suppression

·         Empathy, Objectivity, Negotiation

·         Ensure Consistency, Impartiality

Right to dissent and Law and order

In what ways can an Indian Administrative Officer apply Gandhi’s notion of ‘trusteeship’ to ensure fairness in governance?

Trusteeship – Power/wealth/resources – welfare of stakeholders

Public Masters vs Public Servants – Public interest

·         Equality and Equity

·         Transparency

·         Participatory

·         Impartiality

·         Accountability

·         Simple Life

Shakespeare in Henry IV says, “The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just”. What ethical implications does this have in governance?

Power/Coercive authority – Legitimate and just purpose vs Self-interest; interest of powerful

·         Armed forces – weapons – defend the country

·         Police - Lathi charge/tear gas –Mob attacks innocent people (black magic)/Protestors damaging public property, attack on police

·         Not to use – To punish peaceful protestors, influence voters etc

Intentions - Means - End

Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for medication. Explain the concepts of paternalism and beneficence by analysing the doctor’s action.

·         Paternalism – I know what is best for you, interference in others autonomy

·         Beneficence – Do good, Patient’s welfare

·         Patient – Competent?

·         Complete information – risks, benefits, alternatives; Discussions; Consent

·         Beneficence and Autonomy

Efficiency is doing things right, while effectiveness is doing the right thing. How do you strike a balance between the two to enhance productivity?

·         Proper planning

·         Competent Authorities

·         Resources Allocation – Impartiality and Equity

·         Transparency and Participation

·         Technology utilization

·         Feedback

·         Evaluation – Money spent vs Outcomes

·         Continuous Evaluation

Usually schools, working in remote areas, do not fully comply with government regulations. However, if the rules are enforced strictly, it would lead to most schools closing down. How should an administrator strike a balance between enforcement of rules and educational rights of children?

Strict enforcement of law vs Protection of Children’s educational rights

·         Govt schools or private schools…?

·         Violations…? – building safety, fire safety, toilets, libraries, vacancy, attendance, permissions

·         Why? – Funding, resource persons, travel etc.

·         Consequences…? – Quality of education, dropouts, child labour, child marriage, etc..

Strict Enforcement – Schools close down - Maleficence

·         Nature of violations – Serious or Minor; Negligence vs lack of resources

·         Stakeholder Consultation – Community participation

·         Gradual Compliance

·         Technical and Financial Support

·         Flexibility within the law

·         Accountability

Procedural Justice and Substantive Justice

Strict on standards, sensitive to circumstances, and commitment to quality education

In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective.

Strategic interest of nations…? – Welfare of citizens, sovereignty and security; Economy, Energy, Technology, global image etc

Ethical Considerations – Human rights, Non-violence, care for refugees, Environmental protection etc…

Ethical Dilemmas

·         Maintaining trade relations with the countries involving in war

·         Military operations – Death, injury and displacement of civilians

·         Border Security – Refugee concerns

·         Arms sale - Violence

Solutions

·         Diversify energy source; Encourage peace talks

·         More specific targets

·         Co-ordinate Effort

·         Monitor end use

Narrow nationalism – Unconditional Idealism – Ethical grounded realism

On the request of his Personal Assistant (PA), the District Magistrate (DM) stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who takes private tuition for his daughter diagnosed with learning disability. In this context, discuss the aspects of empathy versus compliance with rules.

Empathy

·         DM – PA and his daughter; she needs special care;

·         Builds loyalty of PA; Emotional commitment towards org

·         Allowing exception – Favoritism; Public trust-deficit

Rules

·         Uniform approval of rules – All schoolteachers

·         It brings fairness and objectivity

How to deal?

·         Administrative Integrity

·         Are there any exceptions?

·         Alternative support mechanism for the child?

Some moral philosophers argue that spending some of your resources—without significantly affecting your financial stability—to help other people who badly suffer is our moral duty and not merely a matter of charity. Justify this claim by explaining the distinction between duty and charity.

Duty and Charity

·         Duty - Obligation; Consequences not violation of duty

·         Charity – Voluntary assistance; Choice

Examples

·         Food to the hungry person

·         Helping flood victims

·         Education of an underprivileged child

Justification

·         Humanity - Every person deserve basic standards of life

·         Moral Responsibility – Little sacrifice – great benefit

·         Self Respect – Helping others

·         Beneficence – Do good

·         Aristotle – Golden Mean

·         Good of an individual contained in the good of all

·         Sarvoday; Antyoday; vasudaiva kutumabakam; Talisman

 

Lucknow - 2026

Email – gsrinivasa6@gmail.com

 

Terminologies

Basic Terminologies

·         Ethics

·         Integrity

·         Aptitude

 

·         Personal Ethics and Professional Ethics

·         Environmental Ethics and Bioethics

·         Constitutional Morality and Customary Morality

·         Ethical Competence and Professional Competence

Conscience

·         Moral Intuition

·         Moral Reasoning

·         Voice of Conscience

·         Moral Courage

·         Moral Corruption

·         Crisis of Conscience

Ethical Principles of Welfare

·         Beneficence

·         Non-maleficence

·         Paternalism

·         Autonomy

Major Ethical Frameworks for Moral Decision Making

·         Utilitarianism

·         Virtue Approach

·         Justice Approach

·         Common Good Approach

·         Rights Approach

 

Thinkers and Philosophers

·         Patanjali - Yoga Philosophy

·         Buddhism – Noble Truths

·         Jainism – Mahavrata

·         Charvaka Philosophy

·         Gandhi – Talisman, Seven Social Sins, 11 Promise

·         Socrates – Socratic Method

·         Plato – Cardinal Virtues

·         Aristotle – Golden Mean

·         Max Weber – Bureaucracy Model

·         Kant – Categorical Imperative

Miscellaneous

·         Golden Rule of Ethics

·         Anti-natalism

·         Amir Khan - Education

Examples

·         Odanthurai –TN

·         Piplantri – Raj

·         Keedu Paaka - AP

Personalities

·         Satish Dawan – SLV

·         Satyendra Dubey – IES

·         Narendra Kumar – IPS

·         Sai Pallavi

·         Dasharat Manjhi

·         Jadhav Payeng

·         Baba Amte and Prakash Amte

What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one uphold constitutional morality?

Values and principles derived from the constitution

ž  Educate ourselves

ž  Participate in democratic process

ž  Challenge unconstitutional practice

ž  Support institutions and individuals

It is our moral responsibility to uphold CM – Whichever the role that we are playing

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing ‘anarchy’. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience movements that aim to promote social justice against genuine concerns?

Civil Disobedience

·         What? - Deliberate and peaceful violation of certain laws;

·         Why? - Perceived injustice

·         How? – Protest on railway tracks, blocking highways, Non-cooperation to authorities, etc

Modern Democracy’s Approach

Protestors

·         Grievances – Legislators, Executives, Courts, Social Media, Elections etc

·         Grievances – Serious injustice vs Personal benefit

·         Method – Peaceful, avoid destructions (life/property), Respect others’ rights

Government

·         No blind acceptance or suppression

·         Empathy, Objectivity, Negotiation

·         Ensure Consistency, Impartiality

Right to dissent and Law and order

 

PYQs - Ethics in International Relations

  

Section A

 

·         At the international level, bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tension between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples. 2015

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·         Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate. 2017

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·         ‘The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.’ Examine this statement in the context of international relations. 2020

 

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·         “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.” Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society. 2021

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 ·         Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair. 2022

 

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·         International aid is an accepted form of helping resource-challenged nations. Comment on ethics in contemporary international aid. Support your answer with suitable examples. 2023

 

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·         “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? 2024

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·         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. 2025

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·         Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights. 2026

 

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·         In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective. 2026

 

Section B

2020 – Ethical Issues - Sell Arms to Foreign Governments

The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was addressing the nation on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He subconsciously nodded in agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed BML’s journey in the past two decades. BML had admirably progressed from producing first-generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to designing and producing state of the art ATGM weapon systems that would be the envy of any army. He sighed in reconciliation with his assumptions that the government would probably not alter the status quo of a ban on the export of military weaponry.

To his surprise, the very next day he got a telephone call from the Director-General, Ministry of Defence, asking him to discuss the modalities of increasing BML production of ATGMs as there is a probability of exporting the same to a friendly country. The Director-General wanted the Chairman to discuss the details with his staff in Delhi next week.

Two days later, at a press conference, the Defence Minister stated that he aims to double the current weapons export levels within five years. This would give an impetus to financing the development and manufacturing of indigenous weapons in the country. He also stated that all indigenous arms manufacturing nations have a very good record of the international arms trade.

As the Chairman of BML, what are your views on the following points?

a)      As an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical issues involved in arms trade?

b)      List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign governments.

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2022 - Infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighbouring country

Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after rendering 20 years of service. Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent children have also got admission in one of the best public schools of the town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department of the State, Ramesh got confidential report through intelligence sources that illegal migrants are infiltrating in the State from the neighbouring country. He decided to personally carry out surprise check of the border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts.

                 On further inquiry and investigation, it was found that after the migrants from neighbouring country infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card are also forged and they are made to settle down in a particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive report and submitted to the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he has summoned by the Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the report submitted by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He further cautioned him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential ort, he will not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State capital but his further promotion which is due in near future will also get in jeopardy.

(a)    What are the options available to Ramesh as the Director of the Home Department of the bordering State?

(b)   What option should Ramesh adopt and why?

(c)    Critically evaluate each of the options.

(d)   What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?

(e)    What policy measures would you suggest to combat the menace of infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighbouring country?

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2025 – Bleeding Civilians and Soldiers from Neighboring Country at the Border

Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the border districts of the North East State. A few years back, Military has taken over the neighboring country after overthrowing the elected civil government. Civil war situation is prevailing in the country especially in last two years. However, internal situation further deteriorated due to rebel groups taking over control of certain populated areas near own border. Due to intense fight between military and rebel groups, civilian casualties has increased manifold in recent past.

In the meantime, in one night Ashok got information from the local police guarding the border check post that there are about 200-250 people mainly women and children trying to cross over to our side of the border. There are also about 10 soldiers with their weapons in military uniform part of this group who wants to cross over. Women and Children are also crying and begging for help. A few of them are injured and bleeding profusely need immediate medical care. Ashok tried to contact Home Secretary of the State but failed to do so due to poor connectivity mainly due to inclement weather.

(a)    What are the options available with Ashok to cope with the situation?

(b)   What are the ethical and legal dilemmas being faced by Ashok?

(c)    Which of the options, do you think would be more appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?

(d)   In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the Border Guarding Police in dealing with soldiers in uniform? (250 words)

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2026 - Weapon Sales – National Interest with Ethical Considerations

Ajit has been recently promoted as the Head of the Department of Weapon Sales (DWS) in the Ministry of Defence Production (MDP). His charter of duties includes international sales of weapons produced domestically by MDP.

In two recent wars, MDP weapons have performed admirably, resulting in many countries showing interest in buying them, particularly long-range artillery and missiles. Country A and country B have asked for these weapons. However, production constraints restrict DWS to accept only one purchase order.

Country A is a developing nation with a sound technology base. MDP is planning R&D collaboration with it for the next generation of weapons. It is not part of any security alliance and needs weapons for protection from a troublesome neighbour. It seeks a large acquisition on a long-term loan.

Country B is also a developing nation. Military strength is its priority, with the military budget often ingressing into allocations for human resources and infrastructure development. It is in security alliance with a superpower who has a large military base there and periodically allots it financial grants. It is a member of an economic bloc with which the government is currently negotiating a free trade agreement. It is not a signatory of NPT but possesses smaller nuclear weapons and delivery systems. It supports some guerilla forces abroad. It has sought a smaller acquisition and is prepared to make some advance payment. It is currently negotiating arms purchases from another nation too.

Ajit discussed this case with his counterparts in the related departments. Therein, significant economic benefits, employment generation and stronger diplomatic relations arising from this sale were highlighted. It was also emphasized that refusing the deal could result in country B purchasing weapons from some other supplier.

Ajit was aware that in arms sales, due diligence at each stage was pivotal to ensure conformity to national policy and international treaties.

(a)   Discuss the options available to Ajit. Which option should he select and why?

(b)   How can Ajit balance nation’s economic and strategic interests with ethical considerations?

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