Mains Practice Questions

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. 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)

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. 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)

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)

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. 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)

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

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

Q. What do you understand by this quote: "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." - C.S. Lewis (150 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical dilemmas associated with space exploration and commercialization. How can governments and international organizations promote responsible space activities while considering the potential impact on celestial bodies and extraterrestrial life? (150 words)

Q. There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Right to Information Act. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (150 words)

Q. Ethical leadership is the cornerstone of good governance, as it inspires public trust and champions transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within government institutions. Comment. (150 words)

Q. Evaluate the ethical dimensions of police misconduct and brutality. What reforms are needed to ensure greater accountability and ethical behavior within law enforcement agencies? (150 words)

Q. With the increasing use of technology and data in governance, analyze the ethical challenges related to digital privacy and data security in the public sector. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the fundamental differences between utilitarianism and deontology in ethical theories. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of non-partisanship in public administration and its role in ensuring that citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations, are treated fairly and equitably. (150 Words)

Q. In today's interconnected world, the role of social media platforms in shaping public opinion and discourse is undeniable. Analyse the ethical challenges posed by the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms. Provide suitable examples to support your arguments. (250 words)

Q. Ethics and integrity are crucial elements in public administration. Discuss the significance of ethics and integrity in ensuring effective and accountable governance. Provide examples to support your argument. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in decision-making processes. What measures can be adopted to address these challenges? (250 words)

Q. What are the ethical values and principles that guide the conduct of civil servants in India? How are they different from the moral values and principles of an individual? (250 words)

Q. What are the measures taken by the government to ensure probity in governance? Evaluate their effectiveness and suggest some ways to improve them. (150 words)

Q. A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person? (150 words)

Q: Examine the impact of ethical conduct on public trust and accountability. Provide suitable examples to support your arguments."(250 words)

Q: What are the ethical issues involved in the use of social media for public service delivery? Discuss with suitable examples and suggest measures to address them.

Q. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)

(a) Explain the meaning and significance of this quote in the context of public service.

(b) Give an example of a situation where you applied or witnessed this principle in your personal or professional life.

(c) How can this quote inspire you to overcome ethical dilemmas and challenges in your future role as a civil servant?

Q. Discuss the significance of probity in governance and its impact on administrative effectiveness and public trust. (150 words)

Q. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service are essential qualities that a civil servant should possess in order to perform his/her duties effectively and ethically. Discuss. (150 words)