GS 4 MAINS ANALYSIS

   𝐆S 4 Mains

𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐲

Syllabus Topic:

Ethics and Human Interface (essence, determinants, consequences of ethics in human actions); Dimensions of ethics; Ethics in public & private relationships

What does this quotations mean to you in the present context:  “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good.”- Tirukkural. (150 words)  2018

With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is 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. (150 words)  2018

The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss.  2017

Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither the law, nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly. What do you understand by this statement? Explain with illustration in the contemporary times.  2017

Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being.  2016

Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. (a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. (b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.  2016

What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics.  2015

Differentiate between the following (200 words); a) Law and Ethics; b) Ethical management and Management of ethics; c) Discrimination and Preferential treatment; d) Personal ethics and Professional ethics  2015

Human beings should always be treated as ‘ends’ in themselves and never as merely `means’. Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving its implications in the modern techno-economic society.  2014

What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?  2013

Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.  2013

𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬

Syllabus Topic:

Emotional Intelligence (concepts, utility & application in administration & governance)

What does this quotations mean to you in the present context:  Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. “ _ Mahatma Gandhi. (150 words)  2018

“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. (150 words)  2018

How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices?  2017

Anger is a harmful negative emotion. It is injurious to both personal life and work life. (a) Discuss how it leads to negative emotions and undesirable behaviours. (b) How can it be managed and controlled?  2016

All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples.  2014

What is ’emotional intelligence’ and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions?  2013

What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience?  2013

What is meant by ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same.  2013

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬

Syllabus Topic:

Contributions of Moral Thinkers & Philosophers from India and world; human value lessons from great leaders, reformers & administrators

UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions, [15.10.20 22:31]

“Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.” – Napoleon Bonaparte. Stating examples mention the rulers (i) who have harmed society and country, (ii) who worked for the development of society and country.  2017

Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of seven sins.  2016

Analyse John Rawls’s concept of social justice in the Indian context.  2016

Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, Administrative inefficiency and obstruction in the path of national Development. Discuss Kautilya’s views.  2016

Max Weber said that it is not wise to apply to public administration the sort of moral and ethical norms we apply to matters of personal conscience. It is important to realise that the State bureaucracy might possess its own independent bureaucratic morality. Critically analyse this statement.  2016

“The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”  2015

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.  2015

Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of ethical conduct in life? Give the gist of his/her teachings giving specific examples, describe how you have been able to apply these teachings for your own ethical development.  2014

There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed. Mahatma Gandhi.  2013

Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.—Abraham Lincoln  2013

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies.—Aristotle  2013

𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞

Syllabus Topic:

Attitude (content, structure, function, influence & relation with thought & behaviour); Moral and Political Attitudes

Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.  2017

In the context of defense services, ‘patriotism’ demands readiness to even lay down one’s life in protecting the nation. According to you, what does patriotism imply in everyday civil life? Explain with illustrations and justify your answer.  2014

It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations.  2013

𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲

Syllabus Topic:

Role of family, society, educational institutions in inculcating values;

Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of modern democratic and egalitarian society.  (a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in today’s educated Indians. (b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed and socio-ethical values be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil servants?  2016

Social values are more important than economic values. Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.  2015

The current society is plagued with widespread trust-deficit. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can you do at the personal level to make yourself trustworthy?  2014

What factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems? In our society, contrasting attitudes are prevalent about many social problems. What contrasting attitudes do you notice about the caste system in our society? How do you explain the existence of these contrasting attitudes?  2014

We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace.  2014

Case-Study

Wife-beater Boss: To do something or not? (2016)

Promoting Girl education while ensuring their safety (2015)

𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Syllabus Topic:

Social Influence and Persuasion

How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swatchh Bharat Abhiyan?  2016

𝐆𝐨𝐯 𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬

Syllabus Topic:

Civil Service aptitude & foundational values (integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service:

“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 kill you.” – Warren Buffett. What do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario? Explain. (150 words)  2018

What is mean by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by the civil servants in public interest? (150 words)  2018

State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance. (150 words)  2018

Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: (a) Transparency (b) Accountability (c) Fairness and justice (d) Courage of conviction (e) Spirit of service.  2017

One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example.  2017

Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when (a) official duties, (b) public interest, and (c) personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can this conflict in administration be resolved? Describe with an example.  2017

Why should impartiality and non-partisanship be considered as foundational values in public services, especially in the present day socio-political context? Illustrate your answer with examples.  2016

Public servants are likely to confront with the issues of ‘Conflict of Interest’. What do you understand by the term ‘Conflict of Interest’ and how does it manifest in the decision making by public servants? If faced with the conflict of interest situation, how would you resolve it? Explain with the help of examples.  2015

How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public service? Explain with examples.  2015

A mere compliance with law is not enough, the public servant also has to have a well-developed sensibility to ethical issues for effective discharge of duties.” Do you agree? Explain with the help of two examples, where (i) an act is ethically right, but not legally and (ii) an act is legally right, but not ethically.  2015

Two different kinds of attitudes exhibited by public servants towards their work have been identified as the bureaucratic attitude and the democratic attitude. A) Distinguish between these two terms and write their merits and demerits. B) Is it possible to balance the two to create a better administration for the faster development of our country?  2015

What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants?  2014

Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. What do you understand by this statement? Explain your stand with illustrations from the modern context.  2014

There is a heavy ethical responsibility on the public servants because they occupy positions of power, handle huge amounts of public funds, and their decisions have wide-ranging impact on society and environment. What steps have you taken to improve your ethical competence to handle such responsibility?  2014

What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (5 terms x 3 marks each: a) Integrity  b) Perseverance c) Spirit of service  d) Commitment e) Courage of conviction f) Personal opinion  2013

Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer. (10 marks |100 words)  2013

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞

Syllabus Topic:

Work Culture

From this topic, case studies are formed instead of theoretical question. These case studies are usually related to sexual harassment, work deadline, Chalta hai mindset, pressure from above etc.

Discipline generally implies following the order and subordination. However, it may be counter-productive for the organisation. Discuss.  2017

Case-Study

Dubious plot acquired for school (2015)

Ethics not essential (2014)

Bogus rape complaint (2014)

Disillusioned UPSC topper (2014)

Engineer: Bogus flyover vs deadline (2013)

Favoritism in Job recruitment (2013)

Sexual Harassment (2013)

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐣𝐨𝐛

Syllabus Topic:

empathy, tolerance & compassion towards weaker sections

From this topic, case studies are formed e.g. old lady needing social welfare, child labourers etc. Scroll down to see them

Case-Study

ineligible beneficiary for health-scheme (2018)

IRS officer’s compassion for a public-spirited Doctor (2018)

Help accident victim on interview day? (2017)

Child Labourers in Sivakasi (2013)

Dalit Cook in Mid-day Meal (2015)

Poor woman without documentary proof? (2016)

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐲

Syllabus Topic:

Public service values & Ethics in Public Administration; Strengthening of ethical & moral values in governance; Accountability & ethical governance; Philosophical basis of governance and probity

What do you understand by the terms ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and ‘ethical governance’?  2016

What do you understand by ‘probity’ in public life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome?  2014

What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in public administration?  2014

The good of an individual is contained in the good of all. What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life?  2013

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 - 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐦𝐚

Syllabus Topic:

problems, dilemmas in Public Administration and public service

From this topic, mainly case studies are formed- related to land acquisition; environmental conservation vs. economic development etc.

What does this quotations mean to you in the present context:  “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 everything, especially of governmental policy, is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgement of the preponderance between them is continually demanded. ” Abraham Lincoln. (150 words)  2018

Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration. (150 words)  2018

Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bond by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies (150 words)  2018

Case-Study

Enforcing liquor prohibition in backward area (2018)

Polluting factory closure leading to unemployment (2018)

Draft better Land-acquisition policy (2016)

Disaster management (2015)

Environment degradation (2014)

Why villagers migrate? (2014)

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 - 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 / 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬

Syllabus Topic:

Codes of Ethics; Codes of Conduct; Laws, rules, regulations, conscience as sources of ethical Guidance.

Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and “Code of conduct” with suitable examples. (150 words)  2018

Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission.  2016

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫

Syllabus Topic:

Citizens Charters; Quality of Service Delivery; Probity in Governance, concept of public service;

Nothing directly asked so far. 👎

𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Syllabus Topic:

Challenges of Corruption; Utilization of public funds

What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference between the actual and potential conflicts of interest. (150 words)  2018

“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. they are father, the mother and the teacher.” – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse.  2017

It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. However, there is no dearth of instances where affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption in a big way. What are the basic causes of corruption among people? Support your answer with examples.  2014

Case-Study

Obliging to minister’s wishes for land-deal (2018)

illegal building collapse? (2017)

Opinion as honest officer (2017)

“Shivaji-the Boss”: Movie plot (2016)

𝐑𝐓𝐈 / 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲

Syllabus Topic:

Information (sharing & transparency in government); RTI;

“The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability. Discuss. (150 words)  2018

Some recent developments such as introduction of RTI Act, media and judicial activism, etc., are proving helpful in bringing about greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. However, it is also being observed that at times the mechanisms are misused. Another negative effect is that the officers are now afraid to take prompt decisions. Analyze this situation in detail and suggest how this dichotomy can be resolved. Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimized.  2015

Today we find that in spite of various measures like prescribing codes of conduct, setting up vigilance cells/commissions, RTI, active media and strengthening of legal mechanisms, corrupt practices are not coming under control. A) Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures with justifications. B) Suggest more effective strategies to tackle this menace.  2015

Case-Study

Snowden’s whistleblowing: right / wrong? (2018)

PIO should do RTI stonewalling (2017)

RTI: To hide or not to hide (2013)

RTI: To hide or not to hide (2013)

𝐈𝐑 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

Syllabus Topic:

Ethical issues in international relations and funding

Strength, peace and security are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate.  2017

At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples.  2015

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Syllabus Topic:

Corporate Governance; Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government & private institutions

Case studies have been asked from this topic, rather than direct questions. Theme is usually bribing, displacement, environmental degradation.

Corporate social responsibility makes companies more profitable and sustainable. Analyse.  2017

Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created only some “enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost of the majority.” Justify.  2017

Case-Study

Give compensation to dead drunkard worker’s family (2017)

Fake testimony to save manager? (2017)

New Project hurting lifestyle of locals? (2016)

To Whistle-blow against Polluting industry or not? (2016)

To do Drug Research on non-profitable disease or not? (2015)

Trade union issue (2015)

Give bribe or end career (2014)