Mains Practice Questions

Q. Explain the difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism. How does psychological egoism pose a challenge to ethical egoism? (150 words)

Q. "The greatest good for the greatest number" is a foundational principle of quantitative utilitarianism. Discuss the ethical implications of prioritizing numerical outcomes over individual rights in the context of public policy decision-making. (150 words)

Q. Explain the term social capital. How does it enhance good governance? (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. ‘Probity is essential for an effective system of government and socio-economic development.’ Discuss. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. ‘‘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. (Answer in 1 50 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
‘‘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 (Answer in 1 50 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
‘‘To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.’’ –Jawaharlal Nehru (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
‘‘The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer’’. –Mahatma Gandhi (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. 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? (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. International aid is an accepted form of helping ‘resource-challenged’ nations. Comment on ‘ethics in contemporary international aid’. Support your answer with suitable examples. (150 Words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What do you understand by “moral integrity” and “professional efficiency" in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 Words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What is cognitive dissonance and how does it affect ethical decision making? How can you overcome cognitive dissonance and act in accordance with your moral values? (150 words)

Q. What are the ethical issues involved in patronage appointments in the public sector? How can they affect the efficiency and accountability of the civil service? (150 words)

Q. Examine the ethical challenges in influencer marketing, including potential societal and individual consequences of unethical practices. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the ethical dimensions surrounding the concept of 'just war' in the contemporary geopolitical context. (150 Words)

Q. The ethical way is the intelligent way. What does this quote mean for the role of public servants in upholding ethical standards? (150 words)

Q. What is the difference between empathy and sympathy? How can empathy help a civil servant in understanding the needs and feelings of the stakeholders and delivering better public service? (150 words)

Q. Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do." – Potter Stewart. Discuss the significance of this quote in the context of public administration and decision-making. (150 words)

Q. What is the difference between moral relativism and moral universalism? How do they affect your ethical judgments and actions? (150 words)

Q. Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow." - Abraham Lincoln. Discuss the importance of character in ethical leadership. (150 words)

Q. How can emotional intelligence help in resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest in public administration? (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by this quote: "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." - C.S. Lewis (150 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical dilemmas associated with space exploration and commercialization. How can governments and international organizations promote responsible space activities while considering the potential impact on celestial bodies and extraterrestrial life? (150 words)

Q. There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Right to Information Act. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (150 words)

Q. Ethical leadership is the cornerstone of good governance, as it inspires public trust and champions transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within government institutions. Comment. (150 words)

Q. With the increasing use of technology and data in governance, analyze the ethical challenges related to digital privacy and data security in the public sector. (150 words)