VAJIRAM & RAVI
MAINS SUPPORT PROGRAM 2024
GENERAL STUDIES
Subjective Assessment
Test - 16 (Ethics - Case Studies)
Time allowed: 90 minutes Maximum Marks: 120
ADMIN. NO.:
NAME:
MOBILE NO.:
EMAIL.: Batch No.:
SUBMISSION
DATE:
QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions:
There are SIX questions printed in ENGLISH. All the questions are compulsory.
The number of marks carried by a question/ part is indicated against it. Word limit in questions, wherever
specified, should be adhered to. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer
Booklet must be clearly struck off.
Q No. Marks
Q1 /20
Q2 /20
Q3 /20
Q4 /20
Q5 /20
Q6 /20
Total /120
Parameters Good Average Needs
Improvement
Conceptual Understanding
Understanding Demand of Question
Introduction
Structure
Body
Conclusion
Presentation-Illustrations, flowcharts,
diagrams, etc.
Language and Handwriting
No. of Questions Attempted
Adherence to Word Limit: Yes/No
Mentor’s Feedback
Evaluator/Reviewer Suggestions
👍 ☺ All the Best ☺ 👍
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
(Answer questions in NOT MORE than the word limit specified for each in
the parenthesis. Content of the answer is more important than its length.)
1. The Supreme Court has banned mining in the Aravalli Hills to stop degradation of
the forest cover and to maintain ecological balance. However, stone mining is still
prevalent in the border district of the affected State with the connivance of certain
corrupt forest officials and politicians. Young and dynamic SP who was recently
posted in the affected district promised to himself to stop this menace. In one of his
surprise checks with his team, he found a truck loaded with stone trying to escape the
mining area. He tried to stop the truck but the truck driver overran the police officer,
killing him on the spot and thereafter managed to flee. Police filed an FIR but no
breakthrough was achieved in the case for almost three months. Ashok who was the
Investigative Journalist working with leading TV channel, suo moto started
investigating the case. Within one month, Ashok got breakthrough by interacting
with local people, stone mining mafia and government officials. He prepared his
investigative story and presented it to the CMD of the TV channel. He exposed in his
investigative report the complete nexus of the stone mafia working with the blessing
of corrupt police and civil officials and politicians. The politician who was involved
in the mafia was no one else but local MLA who was considered to be very close to
the Chief Minister. After going through the investigative report, the CMD advised
Ashok to drop the idea of making the story public through electronic media. He
informed that the local MLA was not only the relative of the owner of the TV
channel but also had unofficially 20 percent share in the channel. The CMD further
informed Ashok that his further promotion and hike in pay will be taken care of in
addition the soft loan of 10 lakhs which he has taken from the TV channel for his
son’s chronic disease will be suitably adjusted if he hands over the investigative
report to him.
a. What are the options available with Ashok to cope up with the situation?
b. Critically evaluate/examine each of the options identified by Ashok.
c. What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ashok?
d. Which of the options, do you think, would be the most appropriate for Ashok to
adopt and why?
e. In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for police
officers posted to such districts where stone mining illegal activities are
rampant?
(20 marks, 250 words)
1
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
2
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
3
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
3
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Presentation
Marks:
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
2. You are the District Collector (DC) of a district that shares a border with a
neighbouring country undergoing severe political instability. The situation has led
to a massive influx of illegal migrants crossing into your district, seeking refuge
from violence, political persecution, and economic collapse. These migrants
include families with young children, elderly individuals, and those with
significant medical needs.
The district is already grappling with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and
limited access to basic services such as education and healthcare. The sudden
arrival of thousands of migrants has strained the district’s resources and
infrastructure. Local communities are beginning to express frustration and fear,
concerned that the migrants might take away jobs, increase crime rates, and
change the social fabric of the area.
The national media has highlighted the crisis, with coverage that often focuses on
the potential security risks posed by the migrants. Simultaneously, human rights
organizations are pressuring your administration to provide adequate care and
protection for the migrants.
a. What are the options that you have in this situation? Evaluate the merits/
demerits of each option and finally suggest the best course of action giving
reasons.
b. What are the values that should guide a civil servant to reconcile national
security concerns with the human rights of illegal migrants?
(20 marks, 250 words)
5
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
6
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
7
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
3
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Presentation
Marks:
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
3. PrecisionTech Ltd. is a mid-sized, well-established IT services company,
gearing up to secure a massive multi-year government contract to modernize
public sector IT infrastructure. The project is critical to the company’s
growth strategy, and securing the contract would position it as a leader in
the industry. In preparation for the bid, PrecisionTech hires Clearview
Consultants, a respected firm, to conduct an audit of its financial and
operational systems, ensuring the company’s readiness to deliver on such a
large contract.
Rahul, a senior consultant at Clearview Consultants, is tasked with leading
the audit. Known for his integrity and meticulous approach, Rahul begins a
thorough examination of PrecisionTech’s financial records, project delivery
history, and resource capabilities. During his audit, he uncovers a concerning
issue: significant delays and cost overruns in the company’s recent
government projects, as well as unexplained expenses in the company’s
financial statements that suggest misallocation of project funds.
As Rahul prepares to present his findings, the CEO and senior management
of PrecisionTech meet him. They acknowledge the past challenges but insist
that these issues have been resolved. They emphasize the importance of a
clean audit report to secure the government contract and insist that exposing
these historical problems will jeopardise PrecisionTech's future. They assure
Rahul that the company is in a strong position to deliver on the upcoming
contract and that the financial discrepancies are minor administrative errors
that can be fixed internally.
The management subtly suggests that Rahul downplay the negative aspects
of the report and highlight the company’s capabilities to win the contract. In
return, they offer to refer Clearview Consultants for further consulting work
in the future and hint at long-term financial benefits for Rahul. They also
mention that a negative report could harm Rahul’s reputation in the
consulting industry, suggesting that it could be seen as an overreaction to
minor issues.
a. What are the ethical issues involved in the case?
b. What are the options available to Rahul in the given case?
c. Based on the given case, discuss various measures that can be taken to
improve ethical corporate governance in India.
(20 marks, 250 words)
9
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
10
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
11
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
3
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Presentation
Marks:
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
4. In 2024, a conflict erupted between two neighbouring countries, X and Y, over
disputed territorial claims. Both nations engaged in heavy military operations,
leading to the destruction of civilian infrastructure, displacement of hundreds of
thousands of people, and severe humanitarian crises. Hospitals, schools, and
civilian homes were bombed, violating international laws meant to protect non-
combatants. Reports emerged of human rights violations, including the use of
banned chemical weapons, indiscriminate bombings, and torture of prisoners of
war.
International humanitarian organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other non-governmental
organizations have made repeated appeals for ceasefire, adherence to the Geneva
Conventions, and the protection of civilians. However, both countries have
refused to fully cooperate, citing the strategic necessity of their actions.
Meanwhile, major world powers and responsible nations have been criticized for
their inaction, with some even accused of fueling the conflict by providing arms
and political support.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced investigations into
potential war crimes, but challenges remain in holding those responsible
accountable. Millions of civilians continue to suffer, with refugee camps
overcrowded, and lack of food, clean water, and medical supplies exacerbating
the humanitarian crisis. The situation has raised critical ethical and moral
questions about the conduct of war, the protection of human rights, and the
responsibility of the global community during such times of crisis.
a. In light of ethical issues involved in a war, discuss how military forces of
nations at war should balance the compelling interest of military necessity with
that of protecting civilian lives.
b. How should responsible nations balance their strategic interests with their
ethical obligations to promote peace?
c. What are the international conventions and treaties to deal with such situations?
(20 marks, 250 words)
13
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
14
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
15
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
3
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Presentation
Marks:
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
5. You are the District Collector (DC) of an aspirational district, which ranks low
in health and education indicators. The district has been grappling with
malnutrition, inadequate healthcare facilities, and a lack of quality education.
Government schemes are in place to address these issues, but progress is
sluggish.
A powerful MLA belonging to the ruling dispensation has recently asked the
district administration to organize a grand literature festival in the district. He
has also announced the same in the media. The event is expected to attract
prominent figures from media, literature, and Bollywood. The MLA envisions
this as a prestigious event that would not only showcase the district but also
help him build personal connections with influential celebrities.
However, due to a shortage of funds in the district, the MLA is suggesting to
organize the festival by diverting funds from two crucial sources: (1) election
preparedness funds, as the state is set to have elections in three months, and
(2) budget allocations meant for implementing vital education schemes in the
district. The MLA has justified the diversion of funds as presenting the festival
as a way to increase election awareness, voter participation and additional
funds from sponsorship which may help in the long-term economic
development of the district.
The announced festival is receiving significant media attention, and the MLA
has gained personal visibility. But the community, especially the
underprivileged, is being deprived of much-needed resources for education and
healthcare.
As the signing authority, you are being pressured to sanction the fund for the
same. You must decide how to handle this situation ethically and
professionally, balancing your duty to the district and your answerability to the
political executive.
a. What are the ethical dilemmas present in the case?
b. What are the options that you have in this situation? Evaluate the merits/
demerits of each option and finally suggest the best action giving reasons.
c. How should the government ensure accountability in the use of public funds?
(20 marks, 250 words)
17
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
18
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
19
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
3
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Presentation
Marks:
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
6. Ravi, a 32-year-old man, recently secured a position in a government
department after years of dedication and hard work. He had prepared rigorously
for competitive exams and fought against societal expectations to achieve this
milestone. For Ravi, this job represented not only financial security but also a
long-awaited professional accomplishment.
However, soon after joining the department, Ravi began facing a toxic work
culture. His superior often made unwanted remarks about his capabilities and
frequently assigned him excessive tasks without any support or training. On
discussing with his colleagues he found them to be in a similar situation. This
workload forced Ravi to work late hours, leaving little time for his family. As a
single father of two young children and a primary breadwinner at home, Ravi
found himself unable to balance his work and family life.
The hostile environment at work, compounded by the lack of support at home,
started affecting his mental and physical health. He experienced frequent
headaches, sleepless nights, and increased stress. His personal development,
something he had always valued, took a back seat as he struggled to even meet
his basic responsibilities.
Ravi, feeling trapped, contemplated whether to continue in this department.
Leaving the job would mean compromising years of hard work and financial
security, but staying in such a toxic environment seemed to be destroying his
peace, health, and family relationships. He felt his aspirations and dreams
slipping away in the face of the harsh work culture.
a. What are the ethical issues involved in this situation?
b. What are the options available with Ravi?
c. How should Ravi approach the situation to ensure his well-being without
compromising his career?
(20 marks, 250 words)
21
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
22
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
3
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
23
(Don’t write (Don’t write
anything in
this part) VAJIRAM & RAVI anything in
this part)
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Presentation
Marks:
Space for Rough Work
Space for Rough Work
