Mains Practice Questions

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)

Case Studies

As the officer entrusted with overseeing environmental compliance in the region, you have encountered a complex challenge stemming from numerous small and medium industries holding environmental clearance certificates while continuing to pollute air, water, and soil, resulting in adverse health effects on the local population.

Upon discovering the widespread violations, you took decisive action by issuing notices to all industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance. However, your efforts were met with resistance from some industrial stakeholders, vested interest groups, and local politicians. Additionally, there was apprehension among workers about potential job loss and economic insecurity.

Despite pleas from industry owners highlighting potential financial losses and product shortages, and appeals from labor unions to avoid closure, you remained steadfast in your commitment to environmental protection. This stance, however, exposed you to threats from unidentified sources.

In the face of adversity, you found support from colleagues advocating for uncompromising environmental compliance and local NGOs calling for the immediate closure of polluting units.

(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

(b) Based on the above case study, what are the options available to you?

(c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance?

Q. Do you think Artificial Intelligence (AI) compromises ethical principles? How can AI be transformed into responsible decision-makers? (250 words)

Q. Identify the foundational values of civil services. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour among civil servants. (250 words)

Case Studies

You are serving as the Inspector of Traffic Police in a bustling city. One day, a convoy of a union minister is scheduled to pass through the heart of the city, resulting in a significant disruption to the regular traffic flow. The convoy's movement causes a massive traffic jam, leading to chaos on the streets. Amidst this situation, an ambulance carrying a critically ill heart patient is stuck in traffic.

The patient's condition is deteriorating rapidly, and any delay in reaching the hospital could prove life-threatening. As the Inspector of Traffic Police, you find yourself caught in a dilemma, torn between the responsibility to ensure the smooth movement of VIP convoys and the urgent need to facilitate the timely passage of the ambulance for emergency medical services.

(a) What option does the inspector (traffic police) have in these circumstances?

(b) How does the Inspector (Traffic Police) manage the delicate equilibrium between accommodating VIP convoys and prioritizing emergency response services?

Q. Discuss the concept of biocentrism in environmental ethics and its implications for ecological conservation. (150 Words)

Q. Analyze the ethical challenges involved when states employ military force in global affairs, specifically concerning humanitarian interventions. (150 Words)

Case Studies

As the Managing Director of ABC Pharma, renowned for its commitment to ethical business practices and groundbreaking solutions, You find yourself grappling with a significant financial crisis that threatens the very existence of ABC company. Despite its long-standing reputation for integrity and innovation, ABC Pharma is on the verge of collapsing.

Amidst this dire situation, an unexpected opportunity arises. XYZ Company has approached ABC with a lucrative business proposal. The XYZ company has a history of involvement in illicit activities such as the unlawful production of narcotic drugs and engaging in black market operations,

The acceptance of XYZ's offer has the potential to inject much-needed financial stability into ABC Pharma and pave the way for expansive growth opportunities in the market. Rejecting the offer may lead to the demise of ABC Pharma.

As the Managing Director, you’re caught between saving your company and upholding ethical values.

(a) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by you as Managing Director?

(b) Identify the options available to you as MD of ABC company in attending to this situation.

Q. Discuss the role of persuasion in shaping public opinion and driving social change. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the role of integrity as a cornerstone of ethical governance in public administration. (150 Words)

Case Studies

As District Magistrate, you are presented with two competing proposals for a large development project in your district: A modern industrial complex promising significant economic growth and employment, and a wildlife sanctuary aimed at protecting endangered species and preserving ecological balance. Both projects will require land acquisition and displacement of local communities. Additionally, the industrial complex raises concerns about potential environmental pollution.

A. Discuss the ethical dilemmas involved in choosing between these two seemingly incompatible projects.

B. Outline a framework for making an ethically sound decision, considering the principles of public good, sustainability, justice, and transparency.