Mains Practice Questions

Q. Identify the foundational values of civil services. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour among civil servants. (250 words)

Case Studies

You are serving as the Inspector of Traffic Police in a bustling city. One day, a convoy of a union minister is scheduled to pass through the heart of the city, resulting in a significant disruption to the regular traffic flow. The convoy's movement causes a massive traffic jam, leading to chaos on the streets. Amidst this situation, an ambulance carrying a critically ill heart patient is stuck in traffic.

The patient's condition is deteriorating rapidly, and any delay in reaching the hospital could prove life-threatening. As the Inspector of Traffic Police, you find yourself caught in a dilemma, torn between the responsibility to ensure the smooth movement of VIP convoys and the urgent need to facilitate the timely passage of the ambulance for emergency medical services.

(a) What option does the inspector (traffic police) have in these circumstances?

(b) How does the Inspector (Traffic Police) manage the delicate equilibrium between accommodating VIP convoys and prioritizing emergency response services?

Q. Discuss the concept of biocentrism in environmental ethics and its implications for ecological conservation. (150 Words)

Q. Analyze the ethical challenges involved when states employ military force in global affairs, specifically concerning humanitarian interventions. (150 Words)

Case Studies

As the Managing Director of ABC Pharma, renowned for its commitment to ethical business practices and groundbreaking solutions, You find yourself grappling with a significant financial crisis that threatens the very existence of ABC company. Despite its long-standing reputation for integrity and innovation, ABC Pharma is on the verge of collapsing.

Amidst this dire situation, an unexpected opportunity arises. XYZ Company has approached ABC with a lucrative business proposal. The XYZ company has a history of involvement in illicit activities such as the unlawful production of narcotic drugs and engaging in black market operations,

The acceptance of XYZ's offer has the potential to inject much-needed financial stability into ABC Pharma and pave the way for expansive growth opportunities in the market. Rejecting the offer may lead to the demise of ABC Pharma.

As the Managing Director, you’re caught between saving your company and upholding ethical values.

(a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you as Managing Director?

(b) Identify the options available to you as MD of ABC company in attending to this situation.

Q. Discuss the role of persuasion in shaping public opinion and driving social change. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the role of integrity as a cornerstone of ethical governance in public administration. (150 Words)

Case Studies

As District Magistrate, you are presented with two competing proposals for a large development project in your district: A modern industrial complex promising significant economic growth and employment, and a wildlife sanctuary aimed at protecting endangered species and preserving ecological balance. Both projects will require land acquisition and displacement of local communities. Additionally, the industrial complex raises concerns about potential environmental pollution.

A. Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in choosing between these two seemingly incompatible projects.

B. Outline a framework for making an ethically sound decision, considering the principles of public good, sustainability, justice, and transparency.

Q. Discuss the scope and significance of bioethics in the context of India. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of self-regulation as a defining characteristic of effective leaders. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the key components of probity in governance and their significance in fostering ethical and transparent administration. (150 Words)

Q. Analyze the significance of an individual's conscience in shaping ethical behavior and choices for administrators and public servants. (150 Words)

Case Studies

A famous Indian car company brought an international model to the local market, promising customers the same quality. However, a surprise check found the cars didn't match the approved specs, and a later investigation showed intentional misconduct. The company wasn't just selling subpar cars in India; they were also using rejected export models for local sales. This unethical practice was uncovered, damaging the company's reputation and causing financial losses. Now, the company must address these issues to regain trust and restore its standing in the automotive industry.

The unethical actions had widespread repercussions, greatly damaging the company's image and resulting in substantial financial setbacks both domestically and globally. The betrayal of trust with consumers and regulators created a ripple effect, affecting the company's position in the fiercely competitive automotive industry. It became crucial for the company to implement corrective measures and undertake damage control to rebuild trust and reclaim its previously robust market position.

A. What ethical considerations should guide the company's decision-making process in rectifying these actions and rebuilding trust with consumers and regulators?

B. How can the company foster a culture of ethical awareness and accountability among its stakeholders?

Q. Examine the concepts of emotional intelligence, and discuss their utilities and application in administrative practices. (150 Words)

Q. "Discuss the significance of aptitude and foundational values in the context of civil services. How do these elements contribute to the effectiveness and ethical conduct of civil servants? (150 Words)

Case Studies

Q. You are a government officer under the central government. In the pursuit of improved public services, the central government is implementing a digital transformation initiative, involving the collection and analysis of citizens' data. You are vested with the responsibility of implementing the digital transformative initiative of the central government. During the implementation process, concerns were raised about the right to privacy and the potential misuse of personal data by private tech firms. While the initiative promises socio-economic development, questions about fair benefits distribution and societal inequalities have emerged due to a lack of clear regulations.

A. What are the ethical challenges that you face as an officer in charge of the digital transformation initiative?

B. How would you balance the competing interests of the government, the citizens, and the private tech firms in this situation?

Q. In what ways do ethical considerations vary between private and public relationships, and what guiding principles should individuals follow when addressing ethical challenges in each domain? (150 Words)

Q. How can the lives and teachings of great leaders serve as valuable lessons in shaping and promoting essential human values? (150 Words)

Case Studies

Ravish, a young and dedicated civil servant known for his competence and integrity, was assigned to a district plagued by a low literacy ratio and controlled by an education mafia involved in extorting money from students for facilitating cheating in exams. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Ravish swiftly grasped the intricate workings of the mafia, discovering their clandestine methods and the complicity of local authorities and strongmen.

Upon investigation, Ravish unearthed the involvement of some of his office employees in this illicit nexus. Taking decisive action, he initiated stringent measures against them and conducted raids to dismantle the illegal operations. Unaccustomed to facing such resistance, the mafia became alarmed, with some office employees tipping them off about Ravish's determination to eradicate bribery and cheating promotion in the district.

In response, the mafia adopted a hostile stance and launched a counter-offensive. They resorted to threatening Ravish with dire consequences, and his family, including his wife and elderly mother, became targets of stalking and virtual surveillance, causing immense mental distress. The situation escalated when a thug visited Ravish's office, warning him to cease the raids or face a fate similar to some of his predecessors, one of whom had been killed by the mafia a decade earlier.

A. Considering the challenges faced by Ravish in dealing with the education mafia, what are the various options available to him to address the situation effectively?

B. Provide a critical assessment of each of the options outlined for Ravish in addressing the challenges posed by the education mafia in the district.

Q. Examine the necessity and challenges of establishing a global framework for the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). (150 words)

Q. Demolition activities often intersect with complex legal and ethical considerations. Discuss (150 words)

Case Studies

You are posted as the District Magistrate (DM) in a remote district in India. This district is known for its rich tribal culture and pristine natural beauty. However, it also faces challenges like poverty, limited healthcare and education facilities, and deforestation due to illegal logging.

A multinational pharmaceutical company (MNC) approaches you with a proposal to set up a research facility in the district. The MNC claims that the research facility will bring economic development, employment opportunities, and better healthcare services to the district. The MNC also offers you a hefty amount of money as a personal incentive to approve the proposal.

However, you are aware that the research facility will have negative impacts on the environment, the tribal culture, and the rights of the local people. The MNC has a history of unethical practices such as exploiting natural resources, violating human rights, and conducting illegal experiments on animals and humans. You also suspect that the MNC has some hidden agenda behind the research facility.

As the DM, you have to decide whether to accept or reject the proposal.

A. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case? How will you resolve them?

B. What are the possible consequences of your decision for yourself, the district, and the MNC? Justify your answer with suitable arguments and examples. (250 words)

Q. In the context of international relations, how can diplomats leverage emotional intelligence to facilitate peaceful conflict resolution? (150 words)

Q. Explain the difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism. How does psychological egoism pose a challenge to ethical egoism? (150 words)

Case Studies

An IAS officer, Mr. Sharma, is working in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as a Joint Secretary. He is responsible for drafting a policy on surrogacy, which aims to regulate the practice of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and protect the rights and interests of the surrogate mothers, the intended parents, and the children born through surrogacy.

Mr. Sharma is married to Mrs. Sharma, who is a successful lawyer and a partner in a reputed law firm. They have been trying to have a child for the past 10 years, but have failed due to medical reasons. They have also explored the option of adoption, but have faced many hurdles and delays in the process.

One day, Mrs. Sharma informs Mr. Sharma that she has found a surrogate mother through an online platform, who is willing to carry their child for a reasonable amount of money. She also tells him that she has consulted her law firm and they have assured her that they can handle the legal formalities and paperwork for the surrogacy arrangement. She urges Mr. Sharma to agree to this option, as it is their last chance to have a biological child of their own. However, the current law prohibits commercial surrogacy and allows only altruistic surrogacy for eligible couples.

1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

2. What are the possible options available to Mr. Sharma?

3. What should Mr. Sharma do in this situation? Justify your answer with suitable arguments. (250 words)

Q. "The greatest good for the greatest number" is a foundational principle of quantitative utilitarianism. Discuss the ethical implications of prioritizing numerical outcomes over individual rights in the context of public policy decision-making. (150 words)

Q. Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Case Studies

You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government, One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal's office. The Principal informs you that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in progress. The class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not respond to questions in the class, he had also been unable to perform well in the football trials held recently. You bring your son back from the school and in the evening, you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son's changed behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that some children had been making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by calling him stunted, duh and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest. After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch your son play, one of your colleague's son shows you a video in which students have caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting in the stands. You purposefully walk past them with your son and go home. Next day, you find on social media, a video denigrating you, your son and even your wife, stating that you engaged in physical bullying of children on the sports field. The video became viral on social media. Your friends and colleagues began calling you to find out the details. One of your juniors advised you to make a counter video giving the background and explaining that nothing had happened on the field. You, in turn posted a video which you have captured during the sporting event, identifying the likely perpetrators who were responsible for your son's predicament. You have also narrated what has actually happened in the field and made attempts to bring out the adverse effects of the misuse of social media.

(a) Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media.

(b) Discuss the pros and cons of using social media by you to put across the facts to counter the fake propaganda against your family. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. ‘Probity is essential for an effective system of government and socio-economic development.’ Discuss. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)