(i) Constitutional Morality

It refers to adherence to the core values and principles enshrined in the Constitution—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity—over personal beliefs or majoritarian impulses.

Example: Example: In Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court upheld constitutional morality over social morality by decriminalizing homosexuality under Section 377 IPC.

(ii) Conflict of Interest

It arises when an individual in a position of responsibility faces competing interests—personal or professional—that may influence their official duties or decisions.

Example: A bureaucrat owning shares in a construction firm and also heading the tender committee for infrastructure projects creates a potential conflict of interest.

(iii) Probity in Public Life

It implies integrity, honesty, transparency, and uprightness in public service. It is foundational to ethical governance and public trust.

Example: T.N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner, enforced strict electoral reforms, setting high standards of probity by curbing corruption and malpractices in elections.

(iv) Challenges of Digitalization

Digitalization, while enhancing efficiency, raises issues like data privacy, exclusion due to digital divide, cybercrime, and algorithmic bias.

Example: Exclusion of poor beneficiaries from PDS due to Aadhaar authentication failures reflects the risk of blind digital dependency.

(v) Devotion to Duty

It is the ethical commitment of a public servant to place public interest above personal gain and discharge responsibilities sincerely and diligently.

Example: IAS officer Armstrong Pame built a 100-km road in Manipur through community support without government funds, exemplifying true devotion to duty.