Mains Practice Questions

Q. Emotional Intelligence is often considered a critical component of effective leadership and ethical decision-making. Suggest measures to develop it among civil servants. (150 words)

Q. In what ways do impartiality and nonpartisanship contribute to the ethical integrity of public service? Discuss practical challenges associated with maintaining these principles, along with strategies for their effective implementation. (250 words)

Case Study

You are a young IAS officer recently posted as the District Collector of Dantewada, a remote and impoverished district in the state of Chhattisgarh. Dantewada has been the epicenter of the violent Naxal insurgency, a protracted conflict between Maoist rebels and security forces that has claimed thousands of lives over the past few decades.

The Naxalites, claiming to fight for the rights of tribal peasants and the oppressed, have established a parallel system of governance in large swathes of Dantewada's forests and villages. They run their own courts, tax civilians, and have targeted government infrastructure and security personnel through deadly ambushes and landmine attacks.

Despite the heavy presence of paramilitary forces, the district administration's writ barely extends beyond the district headquarters. Most development funds allocated for Dantewada have been siphoned off by corrupt officials or remained unutilized due to the precarious security situation.

The situation in Dantewada is highly volatile, with regular incidents of violence disrupting governance and development efforts. As the senior-most civilian authority, you are under pressure to find an effective strategy to resolve this long-standing conflict.

In the above scenario:

1. What are the major ethical dilemmas involved in this issue?

2. What would be your priorities and action plan as the District Collector to restore administration and deliver development in this conflict-affected region?

3. Reflecting on this case study, what policy measures would you recommend for resolving protracted insurgencies through a comprehensive approach combining development, security, and grievance redressal?

Q.Define "Conflict of Interest" and explain how it influences the decision-making process of public servants. If faced with a conflict-of-interest situation, how would you resolve it? (250 words)

Q.Define "environmental ethics" and explain its significance. Choose one environmental issue and analyze it from an environmental ethics perspective. (250 words)

Case Study

In the aftermath of a severe natural disaster, a community finds itself in a dire situation, with thousands left homeless and lacking the most basic necessities. Heavy rainfall and infrastructure damage have severely impeded rescue efforts, exacerbating the frustration and desperation of the affected populace. As rescue teams arrive at the scene, they are met with hostility and violence, with some team members being assaulted, and one suffering severe injuries. In the midst of this turmoil, there are pleas from within the team to cease operations out of fear for their safety.

In the above scenario :

A. Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.

B. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage the situation.

C. Suppose you are heading the rescue operations in that area, what will be your response?

Q. Discuss the ethical considerations and challenges in balancing private and public relationships, emphasizing integrity and accountability. Provide examples to support your arguments. (250 Words)

Q. Elucidate the impact of Swami Vivekananda's moral philosophy on contemporary societal values and its relevance in fostering ethical leadership. (250 Words)

Case Study

You are a District Magistrate (DM) of a rural district known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional practices. The district has a diverse population, including various ethnic communities and tribes, each with its distinct customs and beliefs. The administration has been striving to balance the preservation of these traditions with the need for modernization and development.

Recently, a conflict arose between a government-led development project and the traditional practices of a tribal community. The project aims to construct a road through a forest area inhabited by the tribe, which they consider sacred and essential for their cultural practices. The community vehemently opposes the project, citing that it would not only disrupt their way of life but also harm the environment.

As the DM, you are caught between the mandate of the development project, which promises improved connectivity and economic growth for the region, and the ethical responsibility to protect the cultural heritage and rights of the tribal community. The local administration has received pressure from higher authorities to expedite the project, highlighting its significance for the overall development of the district.

In this scenario, discuss the ethical dilemmas you face as the DM and outline the steps you would take to resolve the conflict while upholding public service values and ethics in public administration.

Q. Discuss the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. How can emotional intelligence be developed and nurtured in individuals? (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of probity in governance. How does it ensure accountability and transparency in public administration? Explain with examples. (250 Words)

Case Study

You are posted as the District Magistrate in a rural district of India with a significant population belonging to various caste groups. Despite legal provisions and affirmative action policies, instances of caste discrimination are prevalent in the district. Recently, a group of Dalit students from a government school in a predominantly upper-caste village have approached you, complaining of discrimination and harassment by their upper-caste classmates and teachers.

The students allege that they are often made to sit separately, are not allowed to use the common water source and face verbal abuse from their peers and teachers. They also claim that their grades are intentionally marked lower than those of their upper-caste counterparts.

Upon investigation, you find that the allegations are substantiated, and there is a deep-seated bias against the Dalit students in the school. The school management, dominated by upper-caste members, is reluctant to address the issue, citing "tradition" and "social norms."

As the District Magistrate, how would you approach this situation ethically and effectively to address the caste discrimination in the school? What steps would you take to ensure justice for the Dalit students and promote a more inclusive and equitable environment in the school?

Case Study

You are the Human Resources Manager of a medium-sized company that operates in the service sector. The company employs a diverse workforce, including individuals from different cultural backgrounds and genders. Recently, an employee, Ms. A, who has been with the company for three years, has filed a complaint of sexual harassment against her immediate supervisor, Mr. B.

Ms. A alleges that Mr. B has been making unwanted advances towards her, including inappropriate comments about her appearance and unwelcome physical contact. She states that these incidents have been ongoing for several months and have created a hostile work environment for her.

Upon receiving the complaint, you conducted a preliminary investigation and found some corroborating evidence, such as witness statements and emails. However, Mr. B denies the allegations and claims that his interactions with Ms. A were friendly and professional.

As the HR Manager, you are tasked with handling this sensitive issue in a fair and impartial manner. Your actions will not only affect the individuals involved but also impact the overall work culture and reputation of the company.

In light of the above scenario, discuss the ethical dilemmas you face as the HR Manager and outline the steps you would take to address the complaint of sexual harassment, ensuring transparency, fairness, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Q. Discuss the ethical implications of corporate lobbying in influencing government policies. Suggest measures to ensure transparency and accountability in such interactions. (250 Words)

Q. Analyse the role of social media in shaping public opinion and political discourse. How can its misuse be mitigated to uphold ethical standards? (250 Words)

Case Studies

Mohan is a young civil servant and has a reputation for his competence, integrity, dedication and relentless pursuit of difficult and onerous jobs. Considering his profile, he was picked up by his bosses to handle a very challenging and sensitive assignment.

He was posted in a tribal-dominated district notorius for illegal sand mining. Excavating sand from the river belt and transporting it through trucks and selling them in black market was rampant. This illegal sand mining mafia was operating with the support of local functionaries and tribal musclemen who in turn were bribing selected poor tribals and had kept the tribal under fear and intimidation.

Mohan being a sharp and energetic officer immediately grasped the ground realities and the modus operandi followed by the mafia through their devious and dubious mechanism. On making inquiries, he gathered that some of their own office employees are hand in glove with them and have developed a close unholy nexous.

Mohan initiated stringent action against them and started conducting raids on their illegal operations of movement of trucks filled with sand. The mafia got rattled as not many officers in the past had taken such strong steps against the mafia. Some of the office employees who were allegedly close to the mafia informed them that the oofice is determined to clean up the mafia's illegal sand mining operations in that district and may cause them irreparable damage. The mafia turned hostile and launched a counter-offensive.

The tribal musclemen and mafia started threatening him with dire consequences. His family (wife, and old mother) were stalked and were under virtual surveillance and thus causing mental torture, agony and stress to all of them. The matter assumed serious proportions when a muscle man come to his office and threatened him to stop raids, etc., otherwise, his fate will not be different from some of his predecessores (ten years back one officer was killed by the mafia)

(a) Identify the differnt options availabe to Mohan in attending to this situation.

(b) Critically evaluate each of the options by you.

(c) Among the options provided, which do you believe would be the most suitable?

Q. How can the cultivation of a positive attitude among public servants enhance their effectiveness in addressing the needs and concerns of citizens? (150 words)

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
This is our world, a common world. Everybody should feel a common responsibility"— BAN KI-MOON

Case Studies

You are posted as the District Magistrate in a region where deforestation has become a pressing issue. The local communities rely heavily on forest resources for their livelihoods, including fuelwood collection, timber for construction, and non-timber forest products for sustenance. However, rampant deforestation is leading to ecological imbalances and adversely affecting the communities. The increasing deforestation is driven by various factors, including illegal logging, encroachment for agricultural purposes, and infrastructure development. This has resulted in the loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and disrupted water cycles, leading to adverse effects on agriculture and local ecosystems.

As the District Magistrate, you are tasked with addressing these problems and finding sustainable solutions that balance the needs of the communities with environmental conservation.

In light of this scenario, analyze the problems and issues of deforestation and propose a comprehensive plan of action that addresses the concerns of both the communities and the environment.

Q. Discuss the ethical implications of AI technology in governance, highlighting its potential for bias and discrimination. Offer solutions for ethical AI implementation. (250 Words)

Q. Analyze the role of whistleblowing in promoting transparency and accountability in public administration. Evaluate its ethical and legal dimensions. (250 Words)

Case Studies

A Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), known for his principled stand on various issues and unwavering commitment to his political party, decides to defect to another party. He justifies his decision by citing ideological differences and the need to better serve his constituents. However, his decision is widely criticized as opportunistic and a betrayal of the trust placed in him by his constituents and party members. The Chief Minister, who is from the ruling party, alleges that the defections were orchestrated through unethical means, including promises of positions and financial incentives.

As an aspiring civil servant, analyze the ethical implications of political defections. Discuss the challenges faced by lawmakers in balancing their ideological beliefs, party loyalty, and responsibilities towards constituents. Suggest measures to address the issue of political defections while upholding democratic values and integrity in governance.

Q. Discuss the role of integrity in public service, citing examples. How can ethical leadership foster a culture of integrity in organizations? (250 Words)

Q. Examine the relationship between ethics and aptitude in decision-making. How can ethical dilemmas be resolved effectively in administrative scenarios? (250 Words)

Case Studies

Lakhimpura, a remote district inhabited by a tribal population, is marked by extreme backwardness and abject poverty. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local population, though it is primarily subsistence due to the very small landholdings. There is insignificant industrial or mining activity. Even the targeted welfare programs have inadequately benefited the tribal population. In this restrictive scenario, the youth has begun to migrate to other states to supplement the family income. Plight of minor girls is that their parents are persuaded by labor contractors to send them to work in the Bt Cotton farms of a nearby state. The soft fingers of the minor girls are well suited for plucking the cotton. The inadequate living and working conditions in these farms have caused serious health issues for the minor girls. NGOs in the districts of domicile and the cotton farms appear to be compromised and have not effectively espoused the twin issues of child labour and development of the area.

You are appointed as the District Collector of Lakhimpura. Identify the ethical issues involved. Which specific steps will you initiate to ameliorate the conditions of minor girls of your district and to improve the overall economic scenario in the district?

Q. Do you think that "politics" and "ethics" are incompatible? Provide reasoning supported by examples. (150 words )

Q. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world”. What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in real life? (150 words)

Case Studies

As the municipal commissioner of a significant city, renowned for your integrity and steadfast adherence to the law, you find yourself confronted with a serious situation following a tragic incident at a construction site. A multipurpose mall project, employing numerous daily wage laborers, experienced a devastating roof collapse during a monsoon night, resulting in the loss of lives of four workers, including two minors, and leaving many others critically injured. This catastrophic event has stirred public outcry, prompting the government to initiate an inquiry.

Upon preliminary investigation, a troubling pattern of irregularities has surfaced. It has been revealed that substandard materials were utilized in the construction, and the building deviated from the approved plans by including an unauthorized additional basement. Despite periodic inspections by municipal building inspectors, these discrepancies went undetected. Furthermore, the construction encroached upon designated green belt and slip road areas outlined in the city's Zonal Master Plan.

Complicating matters, your predecessor, a senior colleague, and an acquaintance approved the mall's construction, raising questions about potential collusion between municipal officials and the builders. Also, pressure from within the municipal corporation to temper the inquiry has emerged, with colleagues urging you to proceed cautiously. Additionally, the builder, who wields considerable wealth and influence, is a close relative of a powerful state cabinet minister. He has attempted to influence the investigation in his favor by offering financial incentives and implying potential legal repercussions under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act if matters are not resolved to his advantage swiftly.

(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

(b) What are the options available to you in this situation?

(c) Explain your selected course of action.

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others- Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference- Winston Churchill. (150 words)