UPSC Mains PYQs: Ethics

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?