Mains Practice Questions

Case Studies

You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chlef Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect. Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self- esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that aho is contemplating tendering her resignation.

A. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?

B. What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization?

C. What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Case Studies

Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and uprightness. The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the highhandedness of the Chairman in financial matters. A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman appears to be demanding bribes for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres. Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres. Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The member informs him that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn recognition and public support if he himself exposes the Chairman. Further, he tells Vinod that once his party comes to power. Vinod's professional growth would be assured. Vinod is aware that he may be penalized if he exposes the Chairman and may further be transferred to a distant place. He knows that the Opposition Party stands a better chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections. However, he also realizes that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own political gains.

(a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod.

(b) In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
‘‘Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.’’ Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 1 50 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. ‘‘What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ – not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.’’ Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 1 50 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

At 9 pm on Saturday evening, Rashika, a Joint Secretary, was still engrossed in her work in her office. Her husband, Vikram, is an executive in an MNC and frequently out of town in connection with his work. Their two children aged 5 and 3 are looked after by their domestic helper. At 9.30 pm her superior, Mr. Suresh calls her and asks her to prepare a detailed note on an important matter to be discussed in a meeting in the Ministry. She realises that she will have to work on Sunday to finish the additional task given by her superior. She reflects on how she had looked forward to this posting and had worked long hours for months to achieve it. She had kept the welfare of people uppermost in discharging her duties. She feels that she has not done enogh justice to her family and she has not fulfilled her duties in discharging essential social obligations. Even as recently as last month she had to leave her sick child in the nanny's care as she had to work in the office. Now she feels that she must draw a line, beyond which her personal life should take precedence over her professional responsibilities- She thinks that there should be reasonable limits to the work ethics such as punctuality, hard work. dedication to duty and selfless service.

A. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.
B. Briefly describe at least four laws that have been enacted by the Government with respect to providing a healthy, safe and equitable working environment for women.
C. Imagine you are in a similar situation. What suggestions would you make to mitigate such working conditions? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
‘‘The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer’’. –Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
‘‘To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.’’ –Jawaharlal Nehru (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Case Studies

A Iandslide occurred in the middle of the night on 20th July, 2023 in a remote mountain hamlet, approximately 60 kilometres from Uttarkashi. The landslide was caused by torrential rains and has resulted in large-scale destruction of property and life. You, as District Magistrate of that area, have rushed to the spot with a team of doctors, NGOs, media and police along with numerous support staff to oversee the rescue operations. A man came running to you with a request for urgent medical help for his pregnant wife who is in labour and is losing blood. You directed your medical team to examine his wife. They return and convey to you that this woman needs blood transfusion immediately. Upon enquiry, you come to know that a few blood collection bags and blood group test kits are available in the ambulance accompanying your team. Few people of your team have already volunteered to donate blood. Being a physician who has graduated from AIIMS, you know that blood for transfusion needs to be procured only through a recognized blood bank. Your team members are divided on this issue; some favour transfusion, while Home others oppose it. The doctors in the team are ready to facilitate the delivery provided they are not penalized for transfusion. Now you are in a dilemma. Your professional training emphasizes on prioritising service to humanity and saving lives of individuals.

1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case ?
2. Evaluate the options available to you, being District Magistrate of the area. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.’’ In Your opinion what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society? (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Case Studies

You are working as an exeutive in a nationalized bank for several years. One day one of your close colleagues tells you that her father is suffering from heart disease and needs surgery immediately to survive. She also tells you that she has no insurance and the operation will cost about Rs. 10 lakh. You are also aware of the fact that her husband is no more and that she is from a lower middle class family. You are empathetic about her situation. However, apart from expressing your sympathy, you do not have the resources to fund her.

A few weeks later, you ask her about the well-being of her father and she informs you about his successful surgery and that he is recovering. She then confides in you that the bank manager was kind enough to facilitate the release of 10 lakh from a dormant account of someone to pay for the operation with a promise that it should be confidential and be repaid at the earliest. She has already started paying it back and will continue to do so until it is all returned.

A. What are the ethical issues involved?

B. Evaluate the behavior of the bank manager from an ethical point of view.

C. How would you react to the situation?

Q. What do you understand by “moral integrity” and “professional efficiency" in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 Words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. International aid is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations. Comment on ‘ethics in contemporary international aid’. Support your answer with suitable examples. (150 Words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Case Studies

You are a senior police officer in charge of the Mumbai police. You have recently learned that one of your subordinates has won Rs. 2 crore on a fantasy sports app, by assembling a virtual cricket team. He has also given media interviews in uniform, without seeking permission from you, and has become a celebrity overnight. However, you also know that playing such games is considered unethical and socially unacceptable by many people, and that there is an ongoing debate about the legality and morality of such apps. You are worried that his actions might tarnish the image and reputation of the police force, and also set a bad example for other officers and common people.

(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

(b) What are the possible courses of action that you can take as his superior officer?

(c) What are the merits and demerits of each course of action?

(d) Which course of action would you choose and why?

Q. What are the ethical issues involved in patronage appointments in the public sector? How can they affect the efficiency and accountability of the civil service? (150 words)

Q. What is cognitive dissonance and how does it affect ethical decision making? How can you overcome cognitive dissonance and act in accordance with your moral values? (150 words)

Case Studies

You are a district collector in a drought-prone area. You have been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) in your district. The scheme aims to provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. However, you find that there is a large-scale corruption and leakage of funds in the implementation of the scheme. Some of the common malpractices are:

1. Fake job cards and muster rolls

2. Inflated wage payments and material costs

3. Substandard work quality and measurement

4. Collusion between local officials, contractors and politicians

You have to take appropriate steps to curb the corruption and ensure the effective implementation of the scheme.

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

B. What are the measures that you can take to prevent and punish the corrupt practices?

C. How can you use technology and innovation to improve the transparency and accountability of the scheme?

Q. Examine the ethical challenges in influencer marketing, including potential societal and individual consequences of unethical practices. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the ethical dimensions surrounding the concept of 'just war' in the contemporary geopolitical context. (150 Words)

Case Studies

There is a lady who wants to terminate her 26-week pregnancy on the grounds of depression and financial hardship. She claims that she was unaware of her pregnancy until recently and that she cannot afford to raise another child. She also says that she suffers from severe mental stress and anxiety due to her situation. The doctors at AIIMS have examined her and confirmed that the fetus is alive and has a heartbeat, and they have refused to perform an abortion as it would amount to ending a life.

a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

b) What are the legal and ethical concerns regarding abortion in India?

Q. What is the difference between empathy and sympathy? How can empathy help a civil servant in understanding the needs and feelings of the stakeholders and delivering better public service? (150 words)

Q. The ethical way is the intelligent way. What does this quote mean for the role of public servants in upholding ethical standards? (150 words)

Case Study

Mr. Verma, a distinguished IAS officer, has been known for his integrity and commitment to public service. He has earned a reputation for effectively implementing various development projects and policies. Over the years, he has developed a deep understanding of the challenges the state faces, including corruption, inadequate healthcare, and educational facilities, and unemployment issues. Motivated by his strong sense of duty and a desire to bring about meaningful change, Mr. Verma decides to contest elections to address these issues at a political level.

However, the state government refuses to accept his resignation, arguing that his expertise and experience are critical for the ongoing development projects. They assert that allowing him to contest elections would disrupt the state's administrative stability.

A. What are the Ethical Issues involved in the Case?

B. What are the guidelines for Civil Servants when it comes to running in elections?

Q. Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do." – Potter Stewart. Discuss the significance of this quote in the context of public administration and decision-making. (150 words)

Q. What is the difference between moral relativism and moral universalism? How do they affect your ethical judgments and actions? (150 words)

Case Studies

You are the District Collector of a remote and backward district. You have been working hard to improve the living conditions of the people by implementing various schemes and projects. One of the projects that you have initiated is the construction of a Local Area Network (LAN) that will connect all the government offices, schools, hospitals, and panchayats in the district. This will enable better communication, coordination, and delivery of public services. You have also planned to provide free internet access to the villagers through this network.

However, you face several challenges and ethical dilemmas in executing this project. Some of them are:

The local MLA is opposed to your project as he fears that it will reduce his influence and control over the people. He has been pressuring you to stop the project or divert the funds for some other scheme targeting his vote bank.

The contractors who have been awarded the tender for laying the cables and installing the equipment are known to be corrupt and inefficient. They have been delaying the work and demanding more money. They have also been using substandard materials and compromising on the quality and safety of the network.

Some of the villagers are suspicious and resistant to your project as they think that it is a ploy to spy on them and collect their personal data. They have been spreading rumors and misinformation about the harmful effects of the network on their health and culture. They have also been vandalizing and sabotaging the network infrastructure.

Some of the government officials and staff are reluctant and indifferent to your project as they lack the skills and motivation to use the network. They have been avoiding training sessions and workshops that you have organized to familiarize them with the network. They have also been misusing and abusing the network for their personal and illegal purposes.

As the District Collector, how will you deal with these challenges and dilemmas? What values and principles will guide your actions and decisions? Discuss. (250 words)

Q. How can emotional intelligence help in resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest in public administration? (150 words)

Q. Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow." - Abraham Lincoln. Discuss the importance of character in ethical leadership. (150 words)