Daily Current Affairs 28 September 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 28 September 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

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Poompuhar Excavations Reveal Ancient Chola Trade Links

Source: Indian Express
GS I- Indian Heritage and Culture

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Why in the News?

Recent underwater excavations at Poompuhar, the ancient Chola port city in Tamil Nadu, have uncovered evidence of its maritime connections with West Asia and the wider Indian Ocean region.

News in Brief

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• Poompuhar, also known as Kaveripoompattinam, was an important ancient port situated near the mouth of the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu.
• Archaeological evidence indicates that the city was an active trading centre, with merchants dealing in goods from India, Southeast Asia, and other regions.
• The 18-day exploration was conducted by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) in collaboration with the Indian Maritime University.
• The findings provide fresh insights into the Chola period’s overseas trade, maritime networks, and the possible submergence of the ancient port due to coastal changes.

Poompuhar: An Important Chola Port

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• Poompuhar is located in Mayiladuthurai district of Tamilnadu, near the mouth of the 800 km long Cauvery River, where it empties into the Bay of Bengal.
• It is believed to have served as the capital of the early Cholas and was a prominent port during the Sangam and post-Sangam periods.
• A 2011 archaeological report suggested that the city had existed from the 4th-5th century BCE.
• The ancient port was divided into three major areas;
  • Maruvurpakkam: Located along the seashore
  • Pattinappakkam: Situated towards the West
  • A third area, Nalangadi, lay between the two.
• The port was a busy commercial centre, and its strategic location enabled trade with regions across the Indian Ocean.

Evidence of Maritime Trade with West Asia

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Archaeological evidence	Significance
West Asian-style torpedo jar	Indicates maritime connections with West Asia and the Mediterranean region.
Glass fragments	Suggest overseas trade and the movement of goods through maritime routes.
Terracotta objects and pottery	Provide evidence of the material culture and commercial activity of the ancient settlement.
Submerged structures and wells	Indicate the existence of an organised urban settlement near the ancient coastline.

• One of the significant discoveries is a fragment of a fine-ceramic West Asian torpedo jar, estimated to have a diameter of around 30-35 cm.
• Such vessels were historically used to transport liquid cargo, including wine and olive oil, across oceanic trade routes.
• Their presence at Poompuhar provides evidence of the port’s connections with West Asia and the Mediterranean world.

Poompuhar’s Maritime and Commercial Significance

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• Poompuhar was a major centre of overseas trade during the Chola period.
• Merchants from across India and Southeast Asia visited the city, which served as a marketplace for different commodities.
• Historical accounts indicate that goods from the Gangetic region, food products from Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and spices from Java were traded through the port.
• Maritime trade contributed to the expansion of commerce, cultural exchanges and the movement of religious and artistic traditions.
• The findings strengthen the understanding of Poompuhar as part of a wider maritime network connecting the Indian subcontinent with Southeast Asia, West Asia and the Mediterranean.
• The discoveries also suggest that Poompuhar’s commercial connections extended beyond the present-day coastline.

Other Archaeological Discoveries

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• Recent explorations have uncovered several additional structures and artefacts that provide insights into the city’s urban and economic life.
• Brick structures, terracotta wells, storage jars and clay patches appear to belong to the Sangam period.
• Researchers noted that these structures may have been used as part of a public building, wharf or reservoir.
• Traditional wells were constructed on dry land to access freshwater, while the discovery of similar structures beneath the sea suggests that parts of the settlement were subsequently submerged.
• These findings provide evidence of an organised settlement with facilities supporting trade, water management and maritime activities.

Poompuhar: The Lost City

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• Poompuhar is associated with the ancient port city described in Sangam Literature and Tamil literary traditions.

• According to historical accounts, catastrophic floods and coastal changes are believed to have destroyed or submerged significant portions of the ancient settlement around the 4th or 5th century CE.
• The recent underwater discoveries have renewed interest in the possibility that the ancient port extended beyond the present coastline.
• However, scholars differ on the exact nature and extent of the submergence.
• Some suggest that the entire city was submerged and rebuilt after the sea receded, while others believe that only parts of the settlement were engulfed by the sea.
• The latter explanation is considered plausible in view of the archaeological evidence of coastal erosion and rising sea levels.
• The Tamil literary tradition also associates Poompuhar with the worship of the sea goddess Manimekhalai and the belief that the city was swallowed by the sea.

Archaeological Significance

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• Underwater archaeology helps reconstruct ancient settlements, trade routes and coastal landscapes that are no longer visible on land.
• In the case of Poompuhar, it can help establish;
  • The geographical extent of the ancient port
  • The nature of its overseas trade connections
  • The impact of coastal erosion and sea-level changes on early settlements.
  • The relationship between literary accounts and acrchaelogical evidence.

Conclusion

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The underwater discoveries at Poompuhar highlight the maritime legacy of the Cholas and India’s historic trade links with West Asia. Further archaelogical research can deepen our understanding of ancient trade networks and coastal changes.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Questions

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With reference to Poompuhar, consider the following statements:

1. Poompuhar was an important ancient port associated with the early Cholas.
2. The discovery of West Asian-style torpedo jars indicates maritime connections with regions beyond the Indian subcontinent.
3. Poompuhar is located on the western coast of India along the Arabian Sea.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

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Monsoon Session Becomes The Third Longest Sine Die Adjournment

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Parliament and State Legislatures

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Why in the News?

The Monsoon Session of the 18th Lok Sabha, which began on July 20, 2026, and was adjourned sine die on August 13, has drawn attention for its prolonged duration and repeated disruptions.

News in Brief

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• The Monsoon Session of the 18th Lok Sabha began on July 20, 2026, and was adjourned sine die on August 13, amid disruptions over the NEET paper leak, alleged Rafale deal irregularities and demands for a response from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
• With 46 days and counting, the session recorded the third-longest sine die adjournment in Lok Sabha history, following the 76-day adjournment in 1987 and the 61-day adjournment in 1989, both under Congress-led governments.
• The prolonged gap between sittings and the proposed reconvening of the House have drawn attention to the distinction between adjournment and prorogation, and the Speaker’s powers under parliamentary procedure.
• The episode highlights concerns over legislative productivity, parliamentary accountability and the need to balance political disagreements with the effective functioning of Parliament.

Historical Record of Adjournments In Parliament

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Period of adjournment	Total days
May 12, 1987 – July 27, 1987	76 days
August 18, 1989 – October 11, 1989, and October 13–20, 1989	61 days
December 22, 1950 – February 5, 1951	45 days
December 11, 1962 – January 21, 1963	41 days
August 13, 2015 – September 10, 2015	28 days
August 7 – September 3, 1975	27 days
August 28 – September 23, 1993	26 days
September 7 – October 1, 1990	24 days
September 5–30, 1988	25 days
December 16, 1988 – January 5, 1989	20 days
August 11–31, 2021	20 days
July 16 – August 3, 1979	18 days

• The 1987 adjournment, lasting 76 days, was the longest, followed by the 61-day adjournment in 1989.
• Both occurred amid political controversies and disruptions in Parliament.

What is Adjournment Sine Die?

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• Adjournment sine die refers to the suspension of a sitting of the House without specifying date or time for its next sitting.
• It brings the current sitting to an end without fixing a date for the House to meet again.
• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has the authority to adjourn the House.
• The House may be reconvened later through the appropriate parliamentary procedure.
• Adjournment sine die does not, by itself, terminate the session of Parliament.
• The term sine die is a Latin expression meaning “without assigning a day”.

Adjournment, Adjournment Sine Die and Prorogation

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Basis	Adjournment	Adjournment sine die	Prorogation
Meaning	Suspension of a sitting for a specified period	Suspension without specifying the next sitting date	Formal termination of a session
Authority	Presiding officer	Presiding officer	President of India
Effect	The sitting is temporarily suspended	The sitting ends without a fixed date for resumption	The session formally comes to an end
Parliamentary status	Session continues	Session continues until prorogation	Session is terminated

• These terms are distinct parliamentary procedures and should not be used interchangeably.

Constitutional Provisions

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• Article 85 of the Constitution of India deals with the sessions of Parliament, prorogation and dissolution.
• Article 85(1):
  • The President summons each House of Parliament to meet at such time and place as the President thinks fit.
  • Six months shall not intervene between the last sitting of one session and the first sitting of the next session.
• Article 85(2):
  • The President may from time to time prorogue either House or both Houses.
  • The President may dissolve the Lok Sabha.
• Prorogation is formally carried out by the President, generally on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Role of the Speaker and Parliamentary Rules

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• The Speaker plays a central role in regulating the proceedings of the Lok Sabha.
• The Speaker may call a sitting of the Lok Sabha before the date to which it was adjourned or at any time after an adjournment sine die.
• Under the Rules of  Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, the Speaker exercises powers to regulate proceedings and maintain order.
• The Practice and Procedure of Parliament by M.N. Kaul and S.L. Shakdher, explains that the House may be adjourned from day to day, for more than a day, or sine die during a session.

Background: The 1987 and 1989 Adjournments

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• The two longest sine die adjournments took place during periods of political confrontation.
• 1987 – 76 days
  • The Eighth Lok Sabha session began on February 23, 1987.
  • It was adjourned sine die on May 12 amid disruptions over the Bofors controversy.
  • The House was reconvened on July 27, 1987, following a 76-day interval.
• 1989 – 61 days
  • The Fourteenth Session of the Eighth Lok Sabha began on July 18, 1989.
  • It was adjourned sine die on August 18.
  • The House reconvened on October 11 and was again adjourned sine die on October 13.
  • The intervening period and subsequent sitting extended the adjournment record to 61 days, as reported.

The Bofors controversy concerned allegations of irregularities in a defence procurement deal. The issue contributed to prolonged political confrontation in Parliament.

Issues raised by Prolonged Adjournments

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• Impact on Legislative productivity- Repeated disruptions and extended gaps between sittings can reduce the time available for legislative scrutiny, debates and discussion of public issues.
• Parliamentary accountability- Parliament provides a forum for the government to answer questions, explain policies and respond to criticism.
  • Disruptions can limit these opportunities.
• Constitutional and procedural concerns- The Constitution provides for parliamentary sessions, but the effectiveness of Parliament also depends on the regular conduct of business and adherence to parliamentary conventions.
• Delimitation and women’s reservation- Political discussions also focused on the proposed constitutional amendment concerning delimitation and women’s reservation, including the government’s plans and related concerns rather than settled outcomes.

Significance of Parliamentary Sessions

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• Parliamentary sessions are essential for:
  • Legislative functions- Enacting laws and considering amendments.
  • Executive accountability- Question Hour, debates, motions and parliamentary committees.
  • Financial control- Discussion and approval of the Union Budget and demands for grants.
  • Representative democracy- Providing a platform for elected representatives to raise public concerns.

Way Forward and Conlcusions

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Parliamentary functioning can be strengthened by ensuring adequate sitting days, promoting constructive dialogue between the government and opposition, and allowing sufficient time for legislative scrutiny and debate. The Speaker should maintain order while ensuring that members have adequate opportunities to raise public concerns and hold the executive accountable.

Effective parliamentary functioning is essential for upholding democratic values and public trust. Balancing political disagreements with legislative responsibilities can help Parliament function as a meaningful forum for debate, accountability and lawmaking.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

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Consider the following statements:

1. The President of India has the power to prorogue either House of Parliament.
2. Adjournment sine die automatically terminates a parliamentary session.
3. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the authority to adjourn the House sine die.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) Distinguish between adjournment, adjournment sine die and prorogation of Parliament. Examine the implications of prolonged parliamentary disruptions for legislative productivity and executive accountability. (150 words)

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Artificial Intelligence In Disaster Management

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Science and Technology, Disaster management, environmental conservation and Climate Change

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Why in the News?

The recent Nepal disaster highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in disaster management.

News in Brief

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• AI-powered robots and drones are helping identify missing persons, detect survivors and map damaged buildings during disasters.
• Satellite imagery and thermal cameras assist in locating trapped people, assessing damage and identifying high-risk areas.
• The experience shows how emerging technologies can strengthen disaster preparedness, response and recovery in India and other disaster-prone countries.

Growing role of AI in Disaster Management

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• Disaster management is no longer limited to government agencies and traditional rescue teams.
• Technology companies, satellite service providers and AI developers are increasingly contributing to disaster preparedness and response.
• AI tools are being used across different stages of disaster management;
  • Disaster preparedness-  Predicting extreme weather events and identifying vulnerable areas.
  • Early warning- Analysing weather patterns and generating timely alerts.
  • Response and rescue- Locating trapped persons, mapping damaged structures and assisting rescue teams.
  • Recovery- Assessing infrastructure damage, identifying affected households and supporting the distribution of relief materials.
• The major advantage of AI lies in its ability to process large volumes of data using natural language processing, speech recognition and real-time analysis.
• This enables disaster management authorities to make quicker and more informed decisions.

AI- Based Early Warning Systems

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• Traditional weather forecasting relies on numerical weather prediction models, which solve complex physical equations to understand atmospheric conditions.
• These models require substantial computing resources and time.
• Forecast uncertainty generally increases as the prediction period becomes longer.
• AI-based weather forecasting offers an additional approach.
  • AI models are trained on historical weather observations and past weather patterns.
  • They identify relationships between atmospheric conditions and likely weather developments.
  • Once trained, these models can generate forecasts more rapidly and support near-real-time prediction.
  • AI can process satellite imagery, weather station readings and other datasets to identify emerging risks.
• For example, Google DeepMind’s GraphCast uses machine learning to generate global weather forecasts.
  • Its first version was introduced in 2023 and demonstrated the potential to produce forecasts up to 10 days ahead.
• However, AI forecasts are not a replacement for conventional meteorological models.
• Combining AI predictions with physics-based models and expert assessment can improve forecasting reliability.

AI for Hazard Mapping and Risk Assessment

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• AI can integrate multiple datasets to prepare detailed hazard maps and assess disaster risks.
• It can analyze satellite images, topographical information, rainfall patterns, population density and infrastructure data to identify areas vulnerable to floods, landslides and other disasters.
• Applications include;
  • Identifying flood-prone settlements and areas exposed to landslides.
  • Mapping buildings, roads and other infrastructure damaged during disasters.
  • Assessing the number of people potentially affected by a hazard.
  • Supporting authorities in prioritising evacuation, rescue and relief operations.
• AI-based hazard mapping can also help governments identify high-risk areas before a disaster occurs, allowing them to plan evacuation routes and allocate resources in advance.

AI in disaster response, relief and rescue

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• AI is increasingly assisting rescue teams in situations where conventional search and rescue operations are difficult or dangerous.
• During the recent Nepal disaster, AI-powered robots were reported to have helped identify missing persons, detect human presence beneath debris and map damaged buildings.
• Other emerging applications include,
  • Thermal imaging drones- Detecting human body heat beneath rubble or in areas with limited visibility.
  • Autonomous and AI-assisted drones- Surveying damaged areas and transmitting aerial images to rescue teams.
  • Satellite imagery- Identifying damaged infrastructure, blocked roads and affected settlements.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP)- Analysing social media posts, emergency messages and distress calls to identify urgent needs and locations.
• AI can process information from multiple sources and extract meaningful data more efficiently, helping authorities make decisions under time pressure.
• However, rescue operations continue to depend on trained personnel, physical access, local knowledge and coordination among agencies.

AI in Post- Disaster Recovery

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• The role of AI continues even after the immediate rescue phase.
• Specialised tools can help authorities:
  • Identify damaged buildings and assess the extent of destruction.
  • Locate people who remain disconnected or stranded after a disaster.
  • Assess road conditions and identify accessible routes for relief operations.
  • Prioritise the distribution of food, medicines, shelter and other essential supplies.
  • Support reconstruction planning through satellite imagery and damage assessments.
• These applications can improve the speed and coordination of recovery efforts, particularly when disasters affect large geographical areas.

Important Initiatives and Applications in India

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• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)- Promotes disaster-resilient infrastructure and international cooperation.
• National Disaster Management Plan- Provides the framework for prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and reconstruction.
• India Meteorological Department (IMD)- Provides weather forecasts and warnings for cyclones, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather events.
• National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)- Undertakes numerical weather prediction and related research to improve weather forecasting.
• Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)- Provides ocean-related information, including tsunami early warnings and ocean state forecasts.

The integration of AI with satellite technology, weather forecasting systems and disaster response institutions can improve India’s disaster preparedness.

Challenges in using AI for Disaster Management

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• Despite its potential, AI-based disaster management faces several challenges.
• Incomplete, outdated or inaccurate datasets can lead to unreliable predictions, while the digital divide limits access to AI-based warnings in remote and vulnerable communities.
• High costs associated with computing infrastructure, sensors and trained personnel pose financial constraints.
• Further, AI models trained in one region may not perform accurately in areas with different geographical and climatic conditions.
• The use of personal information, location data and images during emergencies also raises privacy concerns.
• Additionally, AI systems may generate false alarms or fail to detect certain hazards, making human oversight, accountability and verification essential.
• Therefore, excessive dependence on AI must be avoided, and traditional warning systems and human expertise should continue to complement technological solutions.

Way Forward and Conclusion

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The effective integration of AI into disaster management requires reliable, region-specific datasets, investment in digital infrastructure, capacity building and public-private partnerships. AI-based early warnings must reach vulnerable communities through local languages and accessible communication systems, while human oversight, data privacy and accountability remain essential.

By combining AI with human expertise, institutional coordination and community participation, India can strengthen disaster preparedness, improve response and recovery, and minimize the loss of lives and livelihooods.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

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With reference to the application of Artificial Intelligence in disaster management, consider the following statements:

1. AI-based weather forecasting models can process historical weather data to generate forecasts and support early warning systems.
2. Thermal imaging drones can assist rescue teams in detecting human presence in disaster-affected areas.
3. AI-based disaster management systems can completely replace human intervention and institutional coordination during rescue operations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Mains Practice Question 

Q)  Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform disaster management from a reactive approach to a predictive and preventive system. Discuss its applications, challenges and the measures required for its effective integration into India’s disaster management framework. (250 words)

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Public Servants Must Uphold Conscience And Protect The Interests Of The Weak

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Governance, Civil Services And Accountability, GS IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude, Emotional Intelligence, Moral Courage and Probity in Governance

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Why in the News?

The article in Indian Express examines the role of conscience, constitutional morality and ethical responsibility in public administration, particularly in the context of controversies surrounding the Election Commission of India (ECI), where two Election Commissioners reportedly decided to record their objections to certain decisions.

News in Brief

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• Public servants must uphold their constitutional oath by performing their duties with integrity, impartiality and without fear or favour.
• The growing demand for a politically committed bureaucracy can weaken independent judgement and discourage civil servants from expressing reasoned dissent.
• It highlights the importance of independent judgement, integrity and commitment to public interest, especially when political or administrative pressures conflict with constitutional values.

Conscience and Ethical Dilemmas in Public Service

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• Conscience is the inner moral sense that helps an individual distinguish between right and wrong.
• It becomes particularly important when a person faces a situation involving conflicting duties, values or interests.
• Public servants frequently face ethical dilemmas where legal provisions, administrative orders and public interest may not always align.
• Unlike ordinary citizens, civil servants and elected representatives are bound by constitutional and official oaths.
• Their oath requires allegiance to the Constitution and the conscientious discharge of duties without fear, favour, affection or ill-will.
• They are also required to maintain secrecy regarding official matters, except where disclosure is authorised or legally required.

Conflict between the Oath of Secrecy and Constitutional Duty

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• The article discusses the case of Clive Ponting, a British Ministry of Defence official who disclosed information concerning the sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano during the Falklands War.
  • Ponting disclosed official documents to Tam Dalyell, an Opposition Labour MP.
  • He was prosecuted for violating the Official Secrets Act and was initially convicted by the trial judge.
  • On February 1, 1985, the jury acquitted him, accepting the argument that public servants have a fundamental commitment to the Constitution and public interest.
• The case illustrates the ethical conflict between legal confidentiality and the duty to disclose information when concealment may undermine public accountability.
• This highlights the distinction between obedience to official instructions and commitment to constitutional principles.
• It also raises questions about whistleblowing, transparency, accountability and the protection of public interest.
• However, disclosure of official information must be assessed within applicable law, authorized safeguards and the nature of the public interest involved.

Conscience as a Guide in Ethical Decision-Making

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• Conscience serves as a moral guide when public servants encounter difficult administrative decisions.
• Following conscience is not merely about acting on personal instincts.
• It requires a reasoned process involving four essential steps

Four Steps in Ethical Decisio-Making

• Clarity of purpose- Identify the ethical issue, the purpose of the action and the interests affected.
• Conviction that the purpose is right- Ensure that the proposed action is consistent with constitutional values, justice and public interest.
• Courage to act– Take an ethical decision despite pressure, criticism or the possibility of adverse consequences.
• Capacity to bear consequences- Accept responsibility for the decision and remain accountable for its outcomes.

This emphasizes that truth and integrity acquire real meaning when individuals are willing to face the consequences of following their conscience.

Example of Sportsmanship; Ivan Fernández and Abel Mutai

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• An incident involving Spanish runner Ivan Fernández and Kenyan athlete Abel Mutai, illustrates the importance of conscience.
  • During a steeplechase race in Spain in 2012, Mutai mistakenly stopped a few metres before the finish line, believing that he had completed the race.
  • Fernández, who was following him, realised the mistake and instead of overtaking him, guided Mutai towards the finish line.
  • Fernández was criticised by his coach for lacking the competitive instinct expected of a champion.
  • When asked about his action, he reportedly responded by asking how he could face his mother if he had acted otherwise.
• The incident demonstrates that ethical conduct is not always about winning or gaining an advantage.
• It is about acting with fairness, honesty and moral courage, even when doing so may involve personal loss.
• For public servants, the same principle implies that personal advancement or professional success should not take precedence over integrity and public welfare.

Public Interest Must Take Precedence Over Political and Personal Gains

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• One of the major challenges facing public administration in India is the dilution of the meaning of public interest and the weakening of commitment towards it.
  • Elected representatives may become excessively focused on electoral success and short-term political considerations.
  • Civil servants may face pressure to support decisions that serve political or personal interests rather than the welfare of citizens.
  • When public officials prioritise political convenience over constitutional obligations, the quality of governance and public trust may suffer.
  • Long-term public interest must not be sacrificed for short-term electoral gains, administrative convenience or personal benefits.
• There is an important distinction between illegality and unethical conduct.
• An action may be technically legal but still violate the spirit of the law.
  • For example, a policy or administrative decision may comply with formal procedures but disproportionately disadvantage vulnerable communities or undermine fairness.
  • In such situations, public servants must examine not only the legality of an action but also its constitutional morality, social consequences and ethical implications.

Declining Tolerance for Independent and Conscientious Civil Servants

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• There is difference in the relationship between political leadership and the civil service.
• Earlier, some political leaders and senior officials were more willing to accommodate independent opinions, written objections and reasoned disagreements.
• Differences could be resolved through discussion and stronger arguments.
• However, the growing expectation of a politically committed bureaucracy can discourage independent thinking.
• Civil servants may be expected to align their thinking with political or administrative superiors rather than provide impartial advice.
• Officers who question decisions may be labelled as dissenters, troublemakers or unsuitable for the system.
• Fear of transfers, disciplinary action, adverse career consequences or exclusion from important assignments can discourage honest advice.
• When disagreement is treated as disloyalty, the administration loses an important mechanism for identifying errors and preventing arbitrary decisions.
• A committed bureaucracy should mean commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law and public-welfare, not unquestioning obedience to political masters.

Weaknesses in Civil Service Performance Evaluation

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• Concerns have been raised over the use of performance appraisal and empanelment mechanisms in civil services.
• The 360-degree system of evaluating civil servants for empanelment may weaken institutional independence when excessive reliance is placed on subjective assessments and personal perceptions.
  • Greater weight to subjective feedback may make officers vulnerable to personal or political preferences.
  • Conscientious officers may be disadvantaged if their independent opinions are interpreted as non-cooperation.
  • An evaluation system that rewards compliance over integrity can discourage ethical conduct.
  • Performance assessment should recognise professional competence, impartiality, integrity, accountability and service to citizens.
• The broader concern is that administrative systems should not penalize officers merely for expressing reasoned disagreement or refusing to compromise constitutional principles.

Challenges in upholding Conscience in Civil Services

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• Pressure to implement decisions that serve political interests rather than public welfare.
• Fear of transfers, disciplinary proceedings, adverse appraisals and denial of promotions.
• Hierarchical structures may discourage questioning of superiors or recording dissent.
• Tension between confidentiality, obedience to lawful orders, transparency and constitutional obligations.
• Electoral considerations and immediate administrative targets may take precedence over long-term public interest.
• Performance appraisal systems may discourage independent judgement if they reward conformity over integrity.

Important Ethical Concepts

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• Conscience– Inner moral judgement that enables an individual to distinguish right from wrong.
• Constitutional Morality– Respect for constitutional values, procedures, institutions and the rights of citizens.
• Integrity– Consistency between ethical principles, official conduct and personal actions.
• Moral Courage- Willingness to uphold ethical principles despite pressure, threats or personal costs.
• Objectivity– Decisions based on facts, evidence and established rules rather than personal preferences.
• Accountability– Responsibility to explain and justify official decisions and accept their consequences.
• Public service values- Impartiality, non-partisanship, transparency, dedication to public service and compassion towards weaker sections.

Conclusion

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Public service is not merely about following orders or complying with legal procedures; it is about upholding the Constitution and protecting the public interest. Conscience must guide officials when legality, morality and administrative convenience come into conflict. A professional and accountable bureaucracy requires both the courage to act ethically and institutions that protect honest and reasoned dissent.

The ultimate test of public administration lies in whether it serves the weakest and most vulnerable sections of society while remaining faithful to constitutional values.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

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Q) Conscience is the moral compass of a public servant, particularly when legal obligations and public interest appear to conflict. Discuss with suitable examples. (250 words)

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