Circular

Learnings

UPSC CSE Preparation

Circular Learnings · GS Paper IV

Ethics Case Studies

Current-affairs-based ethics case studies for UPSC Mains — attempt the question first, then check the model answer. PYQs included too.

Practice Case Studies Showing 1–20 of 23

Tribunal Order vs Local Distress: An Inter-State River Water Release Dilemma

Dark Patterns in E-Commerce: A Regulator’s Compliance Dilemma

Rationing Electricity in a Heatwave: Whose Need Comes First?

Land Compensation at an Outdated Rate: Legal but Unfair?

Anti-Doping and Strict Liability in Sports: The Responsibility of Athletes and Team Physicians

No Paper, No Land: A Forest Rights Officer’s Evidence Dilemma

Liberty or Law: A Judge’s Bail Dilemma After a Decade in Custody

Whose Grain Gets Bought First: An MSP Procurement Officer’s Dilemma

Railway Safety Officer’s Dilemma: The Unreported Near-Miss

Digital Banking Fraud: Balancing Regulatory Compliance with Ethical Responsibility

Genuine Gift or Hidden Payment: A Hospital Committee’s Organ Donation Dilemma

Security Zone or Someone’s Home: A District Magistrate’s Eviction Dilemma

Concealed Conflict of Interest and Integrity in Public Procurement

Ethical Decision-Making in Disaster Resource Allocation During a Flood Emergency

Reporting a Mentor for Corruption: A Police Officer’s Dilemma

Exam Paper Leak: Fairness for Millions vs Justice for a Few

Balancing Elderly Autonomy, Protection, and Capacity in Maintenance Tribunal Proceedings

The Angioplasty Target: When Healing Becomes a Sales Quota

Ninety Days Short: A Gig Worker’s Fight for Recognition

Coexistence at the Edge: A Tiger Reserve’s Breaking Point

Previous Year Questions 18 PYQs

Consented to Laparoscopy, Woke Up Without a Uterus: A Doctor’s Consent Dilemma

AI Predictive Policing Accused of Bias: An SP’s Community Trust Dilemma

Touts Controlling Land-Use Approvals: A DC’s Corruption Network Dilemma

Biometric Failures Denying Ration to the Poor: A DC’s Technology Gatekeeper Dilemma

Ethnic Violence Between Two Communities: A New DM’s Neutrality Test

Choosing Between Two Arms Buyers: A Defence Official’s Ethics vs Economics Dilemma

Leadership under Crisis: Reconciling Public Responsibility with Personal Obligations

Clearing Forest Land for Housing the Poor: Can Deforestation Ever Be Ethical?

Insider Land Deals and a Minister’s Nephew: A PWD Secretary’s Twin Pressure Test

Balancing Career Aspirations with Integrity and Rule-Based Governance

Restoring Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance in MGNREGA Implementation

Refugees and Armed Soldiers at the Border: A Divisional Commissioner’s Midnight Dilemma

AI’s Energy Cost: A Tech CEO’s Emissions and Net-Zero Dilemma

Terrorist Recruitment of Unemployed Youth: A New DG’s Counter-Radicalisation Plan

Captured Naxalites and 500 Protesting Tribal Women: An SP’s Crowd Control Dilemma

Her Brother’s Bid: A Hospital Procurement Manager’s Conflict of Interest

Farmers vs Industry During a Water Crisis: A District Collector’s Balancing Act

Faking Clinical Trial Data for a Faster Drug Launch: A Scientist’s Dilemma