Ethics: January 2025 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Q1: You are posted as the District Development Commissioner (DDC) in a region which has high rates of child mal-nourishment. For last few months, you have been receiving complaints regarding poor quality of food given under Midday Meal Scheme. Responding on the complaints, you found that most of the meals served failed the calorie test as per the criterion under the scheme. Some vendors supply poor quality deliberately as it is more profitable but many others don’t have the right knowledge of which food contains what nutrients. Calorie knowledge is also less among children and teachers. Special instruments are required for exact calorie counts which are not available in abundance. Also limited suppliers are there and blacklisting them would completely stall the process. Analyze the problem and explain various repercussions of it. Also explain what steps you can take in order to effectively resolve this problem. (250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: Analysis of the Problem
The issue of poor-quality food under the Midday Meal Scheme (MDMS) in my district is multi-faceted. Key problems include:

• Nutritional Deficiency: The meals do not meet the prescribed calorie and nutrient requirements, affecting children’s health and cognitive development.
• Deliberate Malpractices: Some vendors supply substandard food to maximize profit, violating scheme norms.
• Lack of Awareness: Many suppliers, teachers, and students lack knowledge about balanced nutrition.
• Limited Infrastructure: The absence of instruments for calorie testing makes monitoring difficult.
• Supplier Shortage: Blacklisting defaulting vendors might disrupt the entire food supply chain.

Repercussions of the Problem

• Health Impact: Poor nutrition leads to malnourishment, stunted growth, and lower immunity in children.
• Educational Impact: Malnourished children face concentration issues, reducing academic performance.
• Trust Deficit: Parents may withdraw their children from schools, defeating the scheme’s purpose.
• Corruption & Inefficiency: If unchecked, unscrupulous vendors will continue exploiting the system.

Steps to Resolve the Problem

• Strict Monitoring & Surprise Inspections: Regular food quality checks at preparation sites with surprise visits.
• Capacity Building: Organizing training programs for vendors and school staff on nutrition and hygienic food preparation.
• Community Involvement: Setting up a School Meal Monitoring Committee with parents, teachers, and local officials.
• Nutritional Awareness Programs: Conducting workshops for students and teachers on balanced diets and healthy eating habits.
• Technological Solutions: Using mobile-based calorie estimation apps and low-cost food testing kits for approximate assessments.
• Diversifying Suppliers: Encouraging more vendors through transparent tendering and local sourcing.
• Legal & Financial Deterrents: Imposing heavy penalties on vendors supplying substandard food while providing incentives for quality adherence.

Q2: Sexual abuse of Children today has become one of the most pervasive social problems faced by Indian society, especially in urban areas. Its impact is profound because of the sheer frequency with which it occurs and because of the trauma brought to the lives of the children who have experienced this crime. Even though most of these crimes happen randomly and are distinct from each other, there are certain commonalities. Most abused children belong to poor families who live in slums. Families of abused children and also the culprits are largely people who have migrated to the cities for better job opportunities. Analyze the problem and explain: (250 words, 20 marks) 
(a) What behavioral problems migrants face when they come to city and how these problems lead to anti- social behaviour? 
(b) What steps can be taken to increase the respect of law among people and stop this heinous crime against children.
Ans: 
Sexual Abuse of Children in Urban India: An Analysis
The sexual abuse of children has become a major social issue in India, particularly in urban areas. The increasing cases of such crimes have a severe psychological and emotional impact on young victims. While these crimes occur in various contexts, there are some underlying socio-economic patterns that contribute to the problem. Many abused children belong to marginalized communities, often residing in slums, where socio-economic hardships and lack of awareness exacerbate their vulnerability. Additionally, many perpetrators and victims come from migrant backgrounds, facing multiple behavioral and psychological challenges due to displacement and urban stress.

(a) Behavioral Problems Faced by Migrants and Their Link to Anti-Social Behavior
Migrants moving to cities in search of better livelihoods often face cultural shocks, economic struggles, and social alienation. These challenges can lead to several behavioral problems:

• Economic Struggles and Frustration – Low income, unemployment, and financial instability create stress, leading some individuals to vent frustration through criminal behavior.
• Social Alienation and Lack of Emotional Support – Migrants often live in poor housing conditions with limited social support, which can contribute to loneliness, depression, and aggression.
• Exposure to Crime and Weak Law Enforcement – Slums and unauthorized settlements have weak law enforcement, making them hotspots for criminal activities. Exposure to crime normalizes deviant behavior.
• Substance Abuse – Economic distress and lack of family structure often push migrants towards alcohol and drug addiction, increasing the likelihood of engaging in anti-social activities, including abuse.
• Lack of Awareness and Education – Many migrants come from rural backgrounds with limited education and awareness about laws, gender sensitivity, and child rights, leading to behavioral issues.

(b) Steps to Increase Respect for Law and Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
To address this grave issue, multiple steps need to be taken at various levels:

• Strict Law Enforcement and Fast-Track Courts – Swift and strict punishment for offenders can act as a deterrent. Fast-track courts should ensure speedy justice.
• Community Policing and Surveillance – Increased police vigilance in slum areas, night patrolling, and community-based law enforcement can help curb crime.
• Public Awareness Campaigns – Conducting awareness programs in slums and low-income neighborhoods about child rights, legal consequences, and responsible parenting.
• Education and Skill Development for Migrants – Providing education and vocational training to migrants can improve employment opportunities and reduce frustration-driven crimes.
• Counseling and Rehabilitation for Offenders – Psychological intervention and counseling should be available for individuals showing aggressive and anti-social tendencies.
• Stronger Child Protection Mechanisms – Setting up more child protection committees, helplines, and shelter homes for vulnerable children.
• Stricter Regulation of Slums and Migrant Settlements – Ensuring better living conditions, reducing overcrowding, and improving sanitation can contribute to overall social well-being.

Addressing child sexual abuse requires a multi-dimensional approach that combines law enforcement, social awareness, education, and economic upliftment. Only a collective effort by society, government, and law enforcement agencies can ensure the safety and dignity of children in urban India.

Q3: Mr. Manish is heading the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion. A MNC specialized in making high end smart phones has approached his department to seek approval for importing second hand phones in India. The brand of MNC is very popular among the people, but due to its high cost, only few are able to buy it. Many from middle class dream to own this brand but are not able to do so. The demand for pre-owned phones is very high in India, but since the MNC is not directly dealing in pre-owned phones, most of the sale takes place in grey market without any certification. Overall conduct of MNC has been good with the government. Economically also, the decision to give approval seems correct but Environment Ministry, when asked for opinion, is raising concerns over import of such pre-owned certified phones. Based on this information, answer: (250 words, 20 marks) 
(a) Why environment ministry is raising concerns regarding import of second hand phones. 
(b) Analyze the conflict present in the situation between Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion and Environment Ministry. 
(c) Explain the course of action that Mr. Manish shall take in such situation
Ans: Approval for Import of Second-Hand Phones: A Policy Dilemma
The request from a multinational corporation (MNC) to import pre-owned certified smartphones presents a complex decision-making scenario for Mr. Manish, who heads the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP). While the proposal has economic benefits and aligns with consumer demand, it faces opposition from the Environment Ministry due to environmental concerns. Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is key in such cases.

(a) Reasons for Environmental Ministry’s Concerns

The Environment Ministry is likely raising objections due to the following reasons:

• E-Waste Generation – The import of second-hand phones will increase electronic waste (e-waste) in India, adding to an already severe e-waste management problem.
• Toxic Components – Mobile phones contain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can harm soil, water, and human health if not disposed of properly.
• Difficulty in Recycling – India lacks an efficient e-waste recycling system, and imported pre-owned phones will further burden existing waste management infrastructure.
• Shorter Lifespan of Devices – Used phones have a shorter lifespan, leading to quicker disposal and adding to waste accumulation.
• Potential Dumping by Developed Nations – There is a risk that such approvals could turn India into a dumping ground for electronic waste from developed countries.

(b) Conflict Between DIPP and Environment Ministry

The conflict arises due to the differing priorities of the two ministries:

• DIPP’s Perspective:

  • Boosts consumer affordability and demand, benefiting middle-class buyers.
  • Encourages foreign investment and strengthens economic ties with MNCs.
  • Generates employment in refurbishment, resale, and after-sales services.
  • Reduces grey market transactions by formalizing the sale of pre-owned phones.

• Environment Ministry’s Perspective:

  • Raises concerns over the environmental impact of increased e-waste.
  • Seeks to prevent India from becoming a dumping ground for used electronics.
  • Stresses the need for sustainable waste management before allowing such imports.
  • Advocates for stricter regulations on e-waste handling and disposal.

The key challenge is to find a balance between economic benefits and environmental protection.
(c) Course of Action for Mr. Manish
To resolve this conflict, Mr. Manish should take the following steps:

1. Stakeholder Consultation – Arrange discussions between DIPP, the Environment Ministry, industry experts, and environmental NGOs to evaluate concerns and explore solutions.
2. Conditional Approval– Instead of outright approval, allow imports with strict conditions:
   • Phones must meet quality certification and environmental safety norms.
   • The MNC must take responsibility for proper disposal and recycling.
   • The import quota can be regulated to prevent excessive e-waste accumulation.
3. Strengthening E-Waste Management – Collaborate with the Environment Ministry to enforce e-waste recycling policies, making it mandatory for the MNC to set up collection and recycling centers.
4. Promotion of Refurbishment Industry – Encourage the MNC to invest in local refurbishment rather than direct imports, generating jobs and reducing waste.
5. Monitoring and Compliance – Ensure that imported second-hand phones adhere to international e-waste handling protocols, minimizing environmental risks.

By adopting a balanced approach, Mr. Manish can ensure economic benefits while addressing environmental concerns, leading to a sustainable and responsible policy decision.

Q4: You have been working as a chief medical officer in a rural district of Uttar Pradesh. The health department of the state has asked you to implement a family planning project which involves free distribution of contraceptive pills and condoms in your district which has seen a large rise of population in the last two decades. However, the district is marred with low literacy rate and use of contraceptive techniques is considered tabooed and irreligious by the local population. Your administrative staff which includes a substantial number of local residents is also not very optimistic about the success of the project. What steps you will take in order to motivate your staff and persuade local people for the successful implementation of the project. (250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: Implementing a Family Planning Project in a Rural District of Uttar Pradesh
As the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), my role is to ensure the successful implementation of the family planning project while addressing the socio-cultural barriers that hinder its acceptance. Given the district’s low literacy rate and strong societal taboos against contraceptive use, a well-planned and sensitive approach is required to motivate both the administrative staff and the local population.
(a) Motivating the Administrative Staff

• Awareness and Sensitization Programs – Conduct workshops for staff on the importance of family planning in improving maternal and child health, economic stability, and overall well-being.
• Incentivization and Recognition – Offer incentives such as performance-based rewards and public recognition for staff members who actively promote the initiative.
• Involvement of Local Influencers – Engage local staff as community leaders to spread awareness in their own social circles.
• Capacity Building – Train the administrative staff in communication and counseling skills to handle resistance effectively.
• Personalized Approach – Encourage staff to share success stories of family planning from nearby regions to boost their confidence.

(b) Persuading the Local Population

• Community Engagement – Organize discussions with village elders, religious leaders, and panchayat members to gain their support and approval.
• Health Camps and Counseling – Set up mobile health camps and involve doctors to explain the health benefits of family planning.
• Women-Centric Approach – Conduct awareness sessions through ASHA workers and self-help groups to educate women on reproductive health.
• Use of Folk Media and Local Language – Promote family planning through folk songs, street plays, and visual aids in the local dialect to make information more relatable.
• Anonymous Distribution and Helplines – Provide discreet access to contraceptives through health centers and helplines to overcome social stigma.
• Linking with Welfare Schemes – Connect family planning with financial incentives, such as improved maternal healthcare benefits, to make it more appealing.

By combining administrative motivation with grassroots-level community engagement, the project can be implemented successfully while respecting local sensitivities.

Q5: Amit is a second year student in an engineering college. He belongs to a poor family and is the only hope for a bright future for his family. A fight has broken out between two groups of students on some minor personal issue in the college. Amit along with his friends is part of one of these groups. The fight has led to the destruction of college property and has brought bad name to the reputed college. Amit has been caught red handed while damaging the college property by the administration but because of his good academic record has been offered a deal. If Amit admits his mistake and also becomes the witness against his friends, he will not be rusticated and only minor punishment will be given. However, severe punishment will be given to Amit’s friends who are the regular offenders and college administration is just looking for a chance to expel them from the college. What shall Amit do in this situation? Analyze different options which Amit has and what decision will be the most correct one in this situation? Give appropriate reasons for the choice Amit shall make? (250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: Ethical Dilemma Faced by Amit: Analyzing the Options
Amit faces a difficult moral and ethical choice where he must decide between loyalty to his friends and his own future. Given his poor financial background and the responsibility of supporting his family, this decision carries significant personal consequences.
Options Available to Amit