GS4 · UPSC Mains

Gaurav is traveling with his wife and children in their car on a busy Sunday evening. The road is packed with traffic, and the vehicles are barely moving. As they inch forward, Gaurav notices a biker trying to weave through the congested road. In his attempt, the biker accidentally collides with an SUV that is illegally parked in a No Parking Zone. The impact causes the rear-view mirror of the SUV to break, injuring the biker, who starts bleeding profusely. Hearing the loud noise, the owner of the SUV, a local councillor, rushes out of his car in a rage. Furious about the damage, the councillor grabs a metal rod and starts hitting the injured biker. The situation quickly escalates as the councillor vents his anger on the defenceless, bleeding biker. The sight of the violence shocks Gaurav, who is watching from his car. Instinctively, Gaurav feels the urge to intervene and help the biker, who is being mercilessly beaten. However, as he opens his car door and takes a step forward, his wife stops him. She reminds him of the danger in confronting someone as powerful as the local councillor, especially when Gaurav is unarmed. She points out the risks of standing up to him and the possible consequences that could put their family in harm's way. With their children in the car and the councillor's aggressive behaviour, her concerns about safety seem valid to Gaurav. His wife further points out that despite the number of people witnessing the incident, none of them are stepping forward to help. She questions why Gaurav should risk his safety when no one else is willing to take action. This argument adds to Gaurav's growing sense of hesitation, as he sees others choosing to remain bystanders, unwilling to intervene in the dangerous situation. Gaurav glances around from his car window and notices a police constable standing near the scene. For a moment, he feels relieved, hoping that the officer will intervene to stop the violence. However, to his dismay, the officer remains passive, merely watching the councillor continue his assault without stepping in to help. This leaves Gaurav even more conflicted about what to do. a. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. b. What are the reasons behind rise of road rage incidents in the country? c. Suggest measures to reduce incidents of road rage and promote responsible behaviour in public spaces.

20 marks · 250 words · 5 toppers answered this · seen 2025

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