As a dedicated civil service aspirant based in Delhi, you, Siddarth, have become increasingly aware of severe climate issues, particularly pollution and worsening air quality.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Q7. As a dedicated civil service aspirant based in Delhi, you, Siddarth, have become increasingly aware of severe climate issues, particularly pollution and worsening air quality. Living in Delhi has shown you the pressing need for sustainable solutions, especially around Diwali when pollution levels spike. In response, you proactively organized awareness campaigns on green crackers and promoted eco-friendly practices in partnership with a local NGO, aiming to inspire positive environmental changes. During Diwali holidays, you return to your hometown, 50 km from Delhi, where the festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm. Your father, a university lecturer, has planned a grand Diwali gathering, bringing family and friends together with an assortment of sweets and fireworks. While casually inspecting the fireworks, you realize they don’t meet the government’s green cracker regulations. Startled, you wonder how these non-compliant crackers ended up on the market. When you express your concern, your father explains that these crackers were more affordable and created a louder impact, making them popular throughout your town. He feels there’s no harm in using them, given they are a festival tradition. With guests arriving, your father encourages you to embrace the festivities and avoid raising concerns, advising that this isn’t the right time to discuss such matters. [20M]
• Identify the ethical dilemma present in the case. What options are available to Siddarth in this situation? Discuss their merits and demerits. Which option should Siddarth choose? Justify your answer using relevant ethical principles. Given the recurring problem of firecracker pollution, suggest measures to address and completely eliminate this issue.
• Identify the ethical dilemma present in the case.
• What options are available to Siddarth in this situation? Discuss their merits and demerits.
• Which option should Siddarth choose? Justify your answer using relevant ethical principles.
• Given the recurring problem of firecracker pollution, suggest measures to address and completely eliminate this issue.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Why the question The case explores an ethical dilemma where personal values, family traditions, and environmental responsibilities clash during a cultural festival. It tests application of ethical principles in practical decision-making and policy-level suggestions. Key Demand of the question You need to identify the ethical dilemmas, evaluate options with merits/demerits, choose a justified course of action using ethical theories, and suggest systemic measures to address firecracker pollution. Structure of the Answer Introduction Briefly introduce the context: environmental ethics vs. traditional practices in Diwali celebrations. Body Ethical dilemmas – Show clash between individual integrity, environmental stewardship, family harmony, and societal traditions. Options with merits/demerits – Three clear choices: raising concerns immediately, private dialogue with father, or silent personal non-participation. Recommended option – Justify with ethical frameworks: virtue ethics, utilitarianism, environmental responsibility, respect for relationships. Long-term solutions – Regulatory enforcement, incentives for green alternatives, community-led initiatives, awareness campaigns, education-based behavioural change. Conclusion Reiterate need for balancing traditions with sustainable practices, linking to broader principle of intergenerational responsibility.
Why the question The case explores an ethical dilemma where personal values, family traditions, and environmental responsibilities clash during a cultural festival. It tests application of ethical principles in practical decision-making and policy-level suggestions.
Key Demand of the question You need to identify the ethical dilemmas, evaluate options with merits/demerits, choose a justified course of action using ethical theories, and suggest systemic measures to address firecracker pollution.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly introduce the context: environmental ethics vs. traditional practices in Diwali celebrations.
• Ethical dilemmas – Show clash between individual integrity, environmental stewardship, family harmony, and societal traditions.
• Options with merits/demerits – Three clear choices: raising concerns immediately, private dialogue with father, or silent personal non-participation.
• Recommended option – Justify with ethical frameworks: virtue ethics, utilitarianism, environmental responsibility, respect for relationships.
• Long-term solutions – Regulatory enforcement, incentives for green alternatives, community-led initiatives, awareness campaigns, education-based behavioural change.
Conclusion
Reiterate need for balancing traditions with sustainable practices, linking to broader principle of intergenerational responsibility.