UPSC Mains PYQs: Ethics

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” - William James

“Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself.” – Thiruvalluvar

One who is devoted to one's duty attains highest perfection in life." Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant.

Carl von Clausewitz once said, "War is a diplomacy by other means." Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict.

India is an emerging economic power of the world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the world in near future?

“Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law.” Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.

In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard.

To achieve holistic development goal, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures would you suggest to achieve this goal?

Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country.

"For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework." Justify this statement with suitable examples.

It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what measures would you adopt in your work place?

What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

“The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people.” – Swami Vivekananda

Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level?

“The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today’s context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice.” Examine the above statement with suitable examples.

“Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work.” — Sardar Patel

“In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” — Immanuel Kant

Gobal warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment ?

The 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable mode. for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency. governance.

"It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it". In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today's international arena to stop continuation of ongoing conflicts?

The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the state- ment from the ethical point of view.

“Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour.” Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context.

The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.

“Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others.” – Swami Vivekananda

Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.

In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years. Examine the gender specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity.

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.

'International aid' is an accepted form of helping 'resource-challenged' nations. Comment on 'ethics in contemporary international aid'. Support your answer with suitable examples.

What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

"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?

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.

Differentiate 'moral intuition' from 'moral reasoning' with suitable examples.

Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making ? Discuss.

'Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.' Discuss.

“To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Ones she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.” – Jawaharlal Nehru

In the context of work environment, differentiate between 'coercion' and 'undue influence' with suitable examples.

Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance?

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi

What do you understand by 'moral integrity' and 'professional efficiency' in the context of corporate governance in India ? Illustrate with suitable examples.

Write short notes on the following in 30 words each : (i) Constitutional morality (ii) Conflict of interest (iii) Probity in public life (iv) Challenges of digitalization (v) Devotion to duty

What do you understand by term ‘good governance’? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples.

The Rules and Regulations provided to all the civil servants are same, yet there is difference in the performance. Positive minded officers are able to interpret the Rules and Regulations in favour of the case and achieve success, whereas negative minded officers are unable to achieve goals by interpreting the same Rules and Regulations against the case. Discuss with illustrations.

If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher." – Abdul Kalam.

Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? Illustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affair.

Whistle blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle blower?

Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is no rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate.

In contemporary world, corporate sector's contribution in generating wealth and increasing. In doing so, they are bringing in unprecedented onslaught on the climate, environmental sustainability and living conditions of human beings. In this background, do you find that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is efficient and sufficient enough to fulfill the social roles and responsibilities needed in the corporate world for which the CSR is mandated? Critically examine.

Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approv- als in the administration and for teaching and learning in education sector to the extent telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent authority. No doubt it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online method particularly to vulnerable section of society.

Apart from intellectual competency and moral qualities, empathy and compassion are some of the other vital attributes that facilitate the civil servants to be more competent in tackling the crucial issues or taking critical decisions. Explain with suitable illustrations.

Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.' Potter Stewart .

"Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it." Dalai Lama.

It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning?

Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with a suitable example.

'Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face prosecution or human rights violation.' Examine the statement with reference to the ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with an open society.

An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including the judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate.

“Integrity is a value that empowers the human being”. Justify with suitable illustration.

Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with a suitable example.

Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human beings. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant?

"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves"

“Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later!” – Swami Vivekananda

Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix.

Should impartial and being non-partisan be considered indispensable qualities to make a successful civil servant? Discuss with illustrations.

Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour in public servants.

In case of a crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical and moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine.

“Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that it is better for us all!” – Erik Erikson

"Hatred is destructive of a person's wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation's spirit." Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

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 a positive attitude in person.?

What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss.

"Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all-round development of an individual and social transformation". Examine the New Education Policy,2020 (NEP,2020) in light of the above statement.

'The will to power exits, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.' Examine this statement in the context of international relations.

Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them.

Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies), and social harmony.

What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI) ? Can they be learned? discuss.

“A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.” – Socrates

What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi

Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand do so. If not fold your hands, bless your brothers and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekananda

The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which clash with traditional values. Discuss.

Explain the basic principles of citizens' charter movement and bring out its importance.

What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government.

There is a view that the official secrets act is an obstacle to the implementation of information act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss

"Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make your emotions work for you instead of against you." Do you agree with this view? Discuss.

"Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world."

Effective utilisation of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilisation of public funds and their implications.

"Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption" Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer (150 words, 10m)

“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – M.K.Gandhi

What is meant by constitutional morality? How does one uphold constitutional morality?

“An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates

What is meant by 'crisis of conscience'? How does it manifest itself in the public domain?

What do you understand by the term 'public servant'? Reflect on the expected role of a public servant.

What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.

With regard to morality of actions, one view is that means are of paramount importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer.

Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good. -Tirukkural

What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference between the actual and potential conflicts of interest.

In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they do not have the first, the other two will you. - Warren Buffett. What do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario? Explain.

The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject anything, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost every thing, especially of governmental policy, is an in-separable compound of the two; so that our best judgement of the preponderance between them is continually demand. - Abraham Lincoln.

State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance.

Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. -Mahatma Gandhi

In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication. Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of a public servant discharging his/her duties.

Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies?