Mains Practice Questions

Case Study

You are a senior officer in a state government responsible for overseeing appointments to key public positions. Recently, the government has initiated a recruitment process for a high-ranking post in the education department, critical for implementing the state's education reforms. The selection committee has shortlisted two candidates. One is highly qualified with an impeccable track record, but they have been vocal in criticizing some government policies. The second candidate is less experienced but enjoys strong political backing and is perceived as loyal to the ruling party.

You are aware that the first candidate could significantly contribute to the education sector's growth due to his expertise, but his independent stance might lead to friction with the political leadership. On the other hand, selecting the second candidate could ensure smoother relations with the political leadership but may compromise the quality of governance. Your decision will have a lasting impact on the state's education policy and its future outcomes.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are ethical dilemmas in this case and what principles will guide your decision in this scenario?

3. How would you balance professional competence and political considerations in making a fair and just decision?

Q. Integrity and transparency are often cited as pillars of good governance. Discuss how these principles can sometimes conflict in real-world scenarios. (150 words)

Q. Explain the concept of ‘empathy fatigue' in public service. How can administrators maintain empathy while dealing with constant exposure to societal problems? (150 words)

Case Study

You are the district collector of a region known for its rich biodiversity and tribal communities. A major pharmaceutical company has approached the government with a proposal to establish a research facility in your district. The company claims they have discovered a rare plant species in the local forest that could potentially lead to a breakthrough in cancer treatment. They are offering significant economic benefits, including job creation and infrastructure development. However, the proposed location for the facility would require clearing a portion of the forest that is considered sacred by the local tribal community and is home to several endangered species.

The tribal leaders have expressed strong opposition to the project, citing their ancestral rights and the cultural significance of the land. Environmental activists are also protesting, warning about the potential ecological damage. On the other hand, many locals see this as an opportunity for employment and development in the economically backward region. As the district collector, you must decide whether to recommend approval for the project or reject it. Your decision will have far-reaching consequences for the local economy, environment, and cultural heritage of the tribal community.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What ethical dilemmas do you face as the district collector in deciding whether to approve or reject the pharmaceutical company’s proposal?

3. What approach would you take to resolve this conflict, considering the competing interests of economic development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation?

Q. Discuss the concept of moral particularism. How does it challenge traditional rule-based ethical frameworks? (150 words)

Q. "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference in ethical leadership." Comment on this statement in the context of public administration. (150 words)

Case Study

As the event coordinator for the upcoming Global Sustainable Development Summit in New Delhi, you face a complex challenge. The summit, scheduled to host a large number of world leaders and delegates from countries across the globe, aims to address critical issues of climate change, poverty alleviation, and technological innovation. However, just two weeks before the event, widespread protests have erupted across the city regarding the proposed sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The protesters, numbering in the thousands, have blocked major roads and are threatening to disrupt the summit, citing it as an opportunity to bring international attention to their cause. Your team has received intelligence reports suggesting that some protest groups may attempt to infiltrate the summit venue or target the delegates' accommodations.

Additionally, there are concerns about the potential involvement of groups with vested interests who may seek to damage the relevant infrastructure. As the person in charge, you must ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees while maintaining the summit's integrity and schedule. The summit's success is vital for India's international reputation and for progressing global sustainable development goals.

1. Who are the key stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What immediate steps will you take to ensure the summit’s security and smooth execution?

3. What contingency plans will you have in place if the protests escalate?

Q. Examine the ethical significance of 'intent' versus 'outcome' in public service. How should civil servants weigh these factors in decision-making? (150 words)

Q. How does the idea of 'moral agency' influence the responsibility of individuals in positions of power? (150 words)

Case Study

A recent tragic incident involving the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at the State-run College and Hospital has sparked nationwide protests. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency medical services to protest against this incident and the subsequent vandalism at the hospital. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of healthcare workers, particularly women, within medical institutions.

As the newly appointed District Magistrate of the area where the incident occurred, you are faced with a complex situation involving public outrage, law and order, and the provision of essential healthcare services.

1. Identify the ethical dilemmas posed by the IMA’s decision to withdraw non-emergency medical services in response to the incident.

2. Propose a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of healthcare workers while ensuring that patient care is not compromised during such protests.

3. Evaluate the role of leadership in managing the crisis, ensuring accountability, and restoring public trust in the healthcare system.

Case Study

You are the District Collector of a rural district with a high rate of female illiteracy and child marriage. A new government scheme has been launched to provide financial incentives to families who keep their daughters in school until age 18. However, implementation has been challenging due to deeply entrenched cultural norms.

Recently, you have received reports that some families are falsely claiming the incentives while still marrying off their daughters early. You must carefully analyze the situation, balance competing interests and take adequate steps to resolve this issue.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?
2. What actions will you take regarding effective implementation of the scheme and address other immediate social challenges?
3. What long-term strategies can be implemented to sustain the impact of the scheme and changing societal attitudes towards female education and child marriage?

Q. What is the 'ethics of care'? Contrast it with traditional ethical theories and discuss its significance in public administration. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical significance of the 'Golden Mean' How can this concept be applied to achieve balance in public policy decisions? (150 words)

Case Study

You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) in a rapidly urbanizing city facing significant infrastructure challenges. An intense monsoon has overwhelmed the city’s drainage system, leading to widespread waterlogging. While coordinating relief efforts, you receive an urgent distress call about a gym in the basement of a high-rise building in a posh locality.

The heavy rainfall and inadequate water management have caused water to break through the gym's door, flooding the basement and rapidly rising. Reports indicate that several people are trapped inside. The situation is further aggravated by panic among the building's residents and a growing crowd outside. The scenario is critical, necessitating immediate action to carry out rescue operations, prevent further property damage, and ensure public safety. As the SP, you must efficiently coordinate rescue efforts, assess the evolving situation, and implement measures to mitigate the impact of the waterlogging.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What will be your immediate course of action to manage the rescue operations and ensure public safety?

3. What long-term measures can be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future?

Q. Discuss the role of emotions in moral decision-making. Are emotions a hindrance or a help to ethical reasoning? (150 words)

Q. 'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated’.- Mahatma Gandhi
Discuss the ethical dimensions of animal welfare in the context of India's socio-cultural and economic realities. (150 words)

Case Study

You are the head coach of a state football team preparing for the National Cup finals. Two days before the final match, you witness your star striker, who is crucial to the team's strategy and morale, using a performance-enhancing drug. This drug is undetectable by current testing methods. On confronting him, he expresses deep remorse and begs you not to report him, as it would end his career and possibly result in stripping the team of all their tournament victories.

As you grapple with this revelation, you realize the magnitude of your decision. Playing him risks the integrity of the sport and your personal ethics, but benching or reporting him could cost your nation its first-ever National Cup title. The hopes of fans rest on this match, and the economic impact of winning would be significant for your state. You must decide quickly whether to play him, bench him with a cover story, or report the violation to the authorities, knowing each choice carries profound consequences for the player, the team, and the sport itself.

1. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this situation?

2. As the head coach, what would be your immediate course of action and why?

3. How can the current system of monitoring and preventing the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports be improved to address situations like this in the future?

Q.Discuss the relationship between law and ethics. How do they complement and conflict with each other? (150 words)

Q. “Happiness is the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue.” - Aristotle
Discuss the relationship between virtue, character, and happiness in the context of public service.(150 words)

Case Study

You are the captain of a space exploration mission to Mars. Six months into the journey, a critical life support system malfunctions. After careful analysis, your engineer determines that the system can be repaired, but it requires a specialized part that can only be 3D printed using a rare material. There's enough of this material on board to either print the part or to continue producing essential medication for one of your crew members with a chronic condition.

If you choose to repair the life support system, all crew members will survive the journey, but the one crew member will likely suffer severe health complications. If you continue producing the medication, that crew member will remain stable, but the faulty life support system significantly increases the risk of mission failure and potential loss of all lives on board.

The crew member in question is your most experienced engineer, crucial for the mission's success on Mars. Earth is too far away to provide immediate assistance, and your decision must be made within 24 hours. Your choice will have profound implications for the mission, the lives of your crew, and potentially the future of space exploration.

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

2. How should a leader balance the ethical principles of non-maleficence and beneficence in this critical situation?

3. What lessons can be learned from this scenario to improve contingency planning and resource allocation?

Q. Discuss the concept of "natural law" and its place in ethical reasoning. Do you believe there are universal moral laws inherent in nature? (150 words)

Q. "Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached."- Swami Vivekananda. What ethical principles can guide us in achieving our goals without compromising our values? (150 words)

Case Study

You are the newly appointed Principal of a prestigious government school in a small town.The school desperately needs upgrades – the science labs are outdated, the computer room has only a few working machines, and the library needs expansion.

You had invited a local politician to the school for the 15th of August celebrations, during which he announced his intention to make a significant donation. However, in a private meeting afterward, he also insisted that the renovation contract and purchase of equipment be awarded to a company owned by one of his relatives. However, the company is known for supplying substandard materials.

The donation would cover all these improvements and more, potentially transforming educational opportunities for the students.Some teachers and parents are opposed to accepting these funds under such conditions, while others argue that the students' needs should come first. Your decision will impact the school's future, its reputation, and the education of hundreds of students.

1. What are the key stakeholders in this situation?

2. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this situation?

3. What decision will you make regarding the donation, and what is your rationale behind it?

Q. Explain the concept of cardinal virtues and how they can be applied to ethical decision-making in a bureaucratic environment. (150 words)

Q. Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means." What qualities and approaches are necessary to resolve conflicts ethically and peacefully? (150 words)

Case Study

You are the Superintendent of Police in a city hosting a major religious festival. The event is expected to draw over a million pilgrims to a sacred site with limited infrastructure. Despite careful planning, a sudden surge in the crowd near the main shrine entrance has resulted in a stampede. Initial reports indicate multiple casualties and injuries, with panic spreading rapidly through the dense crowd.

The narrow streets around the shrine complex are congested, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to access the area. False rumors are spreading rapidly on social media, claiming that the stampede was caused by a terrorist attack, leading to increased panic and the potential for communal tensions.Your actions in the next few hours will be crucial in minimizing casualties and preventing the situation from escalating further.

1. Identify the key stakeholders involved in this case.

2. What immediate measures should be taken to prevent further casualties and manage the aftermath of the stampede?

3. Discuss the long-term strategies that need to be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future and enhance the safety of large public gatherings

Q. Discuss how the principles of Gandhian ethics can be applied in the context of contemporary public service? (150 words)

Q. Discuss how ethical egoism and ethical altruism influence decision-making in a professional setting. (150 words)

Case Study

You are the District Collector of a drought-prone area. The government has allocated funds for a major irrigation project that promises to benefit thousands of farmers. However, during the initial survey, it's discovered that the project will require the displacement of a small tribal community of 500 people from their ancestral lands. The community lacks formal land ownership documents but has been living there for generations. They are unwilling to move, citing cultural and spiritual connections to the land.

As you begin stakeholder consultations, you learn that some influential local politicians and businessmen stand to gain significantly from the irrigation project. They are pressuring you to expedite the process and minimize interaction with the tribal community. Meanwhile, a group of environmental activists has raised concerns about the project's potential negative impact on the local ecosystem, particularly on a rare species of fish found only in the river that will be diverted for irrigation. You have to navigate the situation with sensitivity and balance competing interests.

A. What are the stakeholders involved in this case?

B. What are the ethical dilemmas you face as the District Collector in this situation?

C. Outline the steps you would take to address this situation, ensuring a balance between development goals and the rights of the tribal community. How would you ensure transparency and fairness in the process?

Q. The concept of intrinsic value suggests that nature has value independent of its utility to humans. Discuss the ethical implications of this perspective on environmental policymaking. (150 words)