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

Q1: You are District magistrate of a district. There is an ancient temple in your district, where only men are allowed to visit. This tradition has been continuing since ancient time. However, recently, various women organizations and social activists have demanded to allow the entry of women in the temple. But, this demand is being severely opposed by elder male members of the district, as well as nearby districts. The women groups have decided to lead a campaign to enter the temple on next Sunday. However, there are threats to this campaign from various quarters of the society. 
(a) What are the various ethical issues involved in the case? 
(b) What will you do as District Magistrate, to control the situation? (250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: (a) Ethical Issues Involved:

• Gender Equality vs. Religious Tradition: The core ethical dilemma arises between upholding the constitutional right of gender equality and respecting age-old religious customs that restrict women’s entry.
• Freedom of Religion vs. Fundamental Rights: While religious communities have the right to practice and preserve their traditions, these should not infringe upon individual rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
• Right to Equality and Non-Discrimination: Denial of entry to women solely based on gender is a form of discrimination, violating Article 14 and Article 15 of the Constitution.
• Law and Order vs. Democratic Protest: There is a need to balance the right to peaceful protest by women’s groups with the responsibility to maintain public order amid potential backlash.
• Cultural Sensitivity vs. Social Reform: The situation demands sensitivity towards the sentiments of local communities while simultaneously advancing progressive change.

(b) Steps as District Magistrate:

• Dialogue and Mediation: I will initiate dialogue between temple authorities, women’s groups, and community elders to seek a peaceful and mutually respectful solution. Involve respected mediators and civil society members to reduce tension.
• Legal Consultation: I will seek legal advice on the applicability of constitutional provisions and relevant court judgments (like the Sabarimala case), and convey the same to all stakeholders to ensure informed decision-making.
• Security Arrangements: I will ensure robust security deployment on Sunday to prevent any violence or unlawful activities. Separate routes, designated protest areas, and preventive measures will be planned to maintain law and order.
• Communication Strategy: Issue public appeals promoting peace and harmony. Use local media and social platforms to discourage inflammatory statements and misinformation.
• Contingency Planning: Prepare for all possible scenarios, including medical facilities, quick response teams, and legal enforcement if required.

My priority will be to uphold the Constitution, ensure peace, and protect the rights and safety of all citizens without bias.

Q2: An officer of middle level marketing and sales management of a public sector oil company receives frequent complaint about adulteration of diesel and petrol by some retailers of the area under his jurisdiction, despite his warnings in the past against such wrongdoing. Subsequently one day, he goes for an inspection of one such retailer who is known for his political connections as well as local bullies. While trying to carry out his official duty, he was first prevented from entering into the premises of the retailer and when he insisted he was allowed to enter. He was offered bribe for not carrying out his duty but he declined .Undeterred, he insisted that as the marketing officer he should be allowed to carry out his duties in the interest of the government firm which he represents. The musclemen of the retailer started abusing and roughing him up when he tried to inspect the facilities to ascertain adulteration. A brawl ensued. He was badly beaten up and fatally wounded. He lost his life while being taken to hospital. In context of above situation, answers the following questions: 
(a) Despite his noble intention and dutifulness of the highest order, do you think that the officer handled the case immaturely? 
(b) Had you been in his place, how would have you proceeded to carry out your duty? 
(c) What could be the solution for such problems of adulteration on long term basis? (300 words, 25 marks)
Ans: (a) While the officer demonstrated commendable integrity, courage, and dedication to duty, it may be said that his approach lacked strategic maturity. Dealing with well-connected and potentially dangerous individuals, especially those with known political links and criminal elements, requires careful planning and institutional backing. He chose to confront the situation alone, without adequate security or legal preparation. In such high-risk environments, a collaborative and legally sound approach involving law enforcement and higher authorities is essential. His noble intent is beyond question, but his method exposed him to grave personal danger and unfortunately cost him his life.
(b) Had I been in his position, I would have taken a more pragmatic and structured approach. First, I would document all complaints and warnings issued to the concerned retailers. I would then inform my superiors and request support to initiate a joint inspection with law enforcement officials and representatives from the legal department. This would ensure the safety of the inspection team and provide legal teeth to the operation. In addition, I would involve local media or independent observers to enhance transparency and reduce the possibility of coercion or violence. Acting within a coordinated institutional framework would not only protect me as an officer but also ensure the action carries greater impact and credibility.
(c) Long-term solutions to the problem of fuel adulteration must be multi-pronged. Firstly, stricter enforcement through technology such as GPS tracking, automated fuel quality sensors, and tamper-proof seals at distribution points can help. Secondly, policy reforms to strengthen penalties for adulteration and hold both retailers and officials accountable can serve as a deterrent. Thirdly, whistleblower protection laws and incentivizing honest reporting can help uncover malpractice early. Lastly, public awareness and citizen vigilance through apps or helplines can create societal pressure against such unethical practices. An integrated approach involving technology, policy, enforcement, and civic participation is essential to curb adulteration sustainably.

Q3: You are district commissioner of a Hilly district of the country. One day you got an advisory from the State disaster Management Authority (SDMA) regarding the prediction of heavy rain falls in the coming weeks. As per the advisory note you have 7 days in hand to prepare for the coming crises. Along with the note, SDMA directs you to furnish the disaster preparedness of the district and specialization required thereof. 
(a) Discuss the ethical perspective involved in this case? 
(b) Explain your course of action regarding the upper mentioned case?  (250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: (a) Ethical Perspective: As the District Commissioner, I hold a fiduciary duty towards the safety and welfare of the citizens under my jurisdiction. From an ethical standpoint, this situation invokes the principles of responsibility, accountability, transparency, and public service. Being forewarned about the possibility of a natural disaster brings a moral obligation to act promptly, efficiently, and compassionately to prevent loss of life and property. Ethical governance requires not only reacting to crises but proactively preparing for them, especially when prior warnings are issued. Ignoring or delaying action would constitute negligence, violating the ethical principles of beneficence (doing good) and non-maleficence (preventing harm).
(b) Course of Action: Upon receiving the advisory, my first step would be to convene an emergency preparedness meeting with key stakeholders—district-level officials from police, health, PWD, irrigation, education, and disaster management teams.
Preparedness Plan:

• Mapping Vulnerable Zones: Identify landslide-prone, flood-prone, and inaccessible villages using past data and GIS tools.
• Stockpiling Essentials: Ensure storage of food, medicine, fuel, and clean water in strategically located relief centers.
• Evacuation and Shelter: Arrange transportation and temporary shelters for people in high-risk zones. Special attention to vulnerable populations—elderly, disabled, women, and children.
• Medical Readiness: Mobilize medical teams, ambulances, and temporary health camps with trauma care.
• Communication Systems: Establish a 24x7 control room and community warning systems using mobile alerts, sirens, and local radio.
• Coordination with Army/NGOs: Seek support from local military units and NGOs for logistics and relief operations.

A detailed report including district preparedness, gaps, and resource needs would be submitted to SDMA. Ethical and timely leadership can prevent disaster from turning into a catastrophe.

Q4: You are District Magistrate of a district. You get a report regarding, increasing drugs addiction cases among youth of your district. This has also lead to increase in number of crimes. You are also informed regarding the nexus between drug traffickers and some local politicians.
(a) What steps will you take to eliminate the drug menace from your district? 
(b) How can you motivate youth to participate in more productive work? (250 words, 20 marks) 
Ans: As District Magistrate, addressing the rising drug addiction and its associated criminal activities in the district is of utmost priority. A comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy is essential to effectively combat the menace.
(a) Steps to Eliminate Drug Menace: 

• ​Strengthening Law Enforcement: I will direct police and excise departments to intensify surveillance, conduct targeted raids, and dismantle drug trafficking networks. Special anti-narcotics units will be formed, and anonymous tip-off mechanisms will be promoted to involve citizens.
• Crackdown on Political Nexus: A confidential report will be sent to higher authorities and relevant agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau and Election Commission to investigate political links. Simultaneously, administrative vigilance will be enhanced to prevent misuse of political influence.
• Border and Transit Monitoring: If the district is near borders or highways, checkpoints and CCTV surveillance will be intensified at vulnerable routes to prevent inflow of drugs.
• Rehabilitation and De-addiction: I will collaborate with health departments and NGOs to expand de-addiction centers, ensure availability of counselors, and create community support systems for recovering addicts.
• Awareness Campaigns: Mass awareness programs in schools, colleges, and rural areas using street plays, social media, and community meetings will be launched to educate about the harmful effects of drugs.

(b) Motivating Youth Towards Productive Work:

• Skill Development: Vocational training centers will be established under schemes like Skill India and PMKVY to enhance employability.
• Sports and Cultural Activities: Organizing youth festivals, sports tournaments, and talent shows will channel youth energy constructively.
• Entrepreneurship Support: Startup incubators and credit facilities through schemes like MUDRA Yojana will be promoted.
• Community Engagement: Youth clubs and NSS/NCC units will be revitalized to instill leadership, social responsibility, and discipline among youth.

Through coordinated enforcement, community participation, and empowerment initiatives, the district can overcome the drug menace and guide its youth towards a brighter future.

Q5: There is an entrepreneur who has opened many factories in the rural areas for the manufacture of sanitary ware. His initiative is not only providing good employment opportunities to rural people, but also affordable sanitary products which are being used in construction of toilets. However there are some cases of under payment of wages and few cases of employment of children below 14 yrs. You are labour enforcement officer of the area and in course of your routine inspection, you noticed these discrepancies. In this context, answer the following questions: 
(a) What are the options available to you? 
(b) Discuss the pros and cons of each option and finally choose the option which you consider best with suitable justifications.(250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: As the Labour Enforcement Officer, my primary responsibility is to ensure compliance with labour laws while maintaining a balanced approach that encourages ethical entrepreneurship and safeguards workers' rights.
(a) Options Available:

• Issue Legal Notice and Initiate Penal Action under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and Minimum Wages Act.
• Give a Warning and Time-bound Opportunity to the entrepreneur to rectify discrepancies.
• Engage Higher Authorities and initiate a formal investigation.
• Facilitate Dialogue and Compliance through persuasion and awareness about legal obligations.

 (b) Pros and Cons of Each Option:​

Legal Action:

• Pros: Upholds the law, deters future violations, protects vulnerable workers.
• Cons: May disrupt employment, affect the entrepreneur’s motivation, harm local economy.

Warning and Rectification Window:

• Pros: Gives chance for voluntary compliance, maintains industrial peace, avoids sudden job losses.
• Cons: May be seen as leniency, risk of non-compliance if not followed up strictly.

Escalation to Higher Authorities:

• Pros: Ensures transparency and checks political or economic pressure.
• Cons: Slower process, may result in bureaucratic delays, creates adversarial environment.

Facilitated Compliance through Dialogue:

• Pros: Builds cooperative relationship, promotes long-term ethical practices.
• Cons: May lack immediate legal deterrent, depends on entrepreneur’s intent.

Best Option: I would choose a balanced approach — first issue a formal warning with a time-bound directive to rectify violations, coupled with awareness and facilitation for legal compliance. Simultaneously, I would monitor closely and be ready to take legal action if violations persist.
Justification: This approach ensures the protection of child rights and fair wages while preserving the employment and developmental benefits of the entrepreneur’s initiative. It promotes lawful conduct without abruptly harming rural livelihoods

Q6: As medical representative for a friend who lies dying in a hospital, you are asked whether you want life support machine removed or not. Your friend could live indefinitely in a coma with support, but would die within 24 hours without it. Also no improvement in his health has been seen in the last 10 days. Hospital costs are Rs. 15000/day. You know that both you and several other friends are named in his will. Identify the dilemma you are facing in this case and what will your course of action? (250 words, 20 marks)
Ans: As a medical representative for a dying friend, I am facing a profound ethical and emotional dilemma. On one side, I must consider my friend’s dignity, suffering, and medical prognosis. On the other, there’s the possibility of financial bias—since I and others stand to inherit from his will, any decision to withdraw life support might be perceived as self-serving. The core dilemma is between respecting life at all costs versus ensuring a dignified and ethical end, especially when recovery is medically unlikely.
Course of Action:

• Seek Medical Consensus:
  I will first consult the medical team for a clear, evidence-based prognosis. If experts unanimously agree that there is no chance of recovery and that continued support merely prolongs a vegetative state, this forms the medical basis for further decisions.
• Check for Advance Directive or Living Will:
  If my friend has made any legally valid declaration regarding end-of-life decisions, it should guide the course of action.
• Involve Family and Neutral Parties:
  I would involve close family, if available, or request an ethics committee consultation at the hospital. This ensures transparency and prevents conflict of interest.
• Prioritize Friend’s Dignity and Wishes:
  In the absence of a directive, I would reflect on what my friend would have wanted—considering his values, dignity, and quality of life. If keeping him on support only prolongs suffering without hope, I would support withdrawal of life support with full procedural and ethical safeguards.

Justification: This course of action ensures that my decision is driven by compassion, medical facts, and ethics—not personal gain—honoring both my role and my friend's dignity.