Mains

20 questions

#	Question	Microtheme	Year	UPSC Syllabus	Marks	GS Paper	Subject
Accountability and Ethical Governance
1	Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behaviour to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering the services at the grassroots level?	Accountability and Ethical Governance	2024	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
AttitudeXPractical intelligence
2	Wisdom lies in knowing what to reckon with and what to overlook. An officer being engrossed with the periphery, ignoring the core issues before him, is no rare in the bureaucracy. Do you agree that such preoccupation of an administrator leads to travesty of justice to the cause of effective service delivery and good governance? Critically evaluate.	AttitudeXPractical intelligence	2022	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct
3	"The 'Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.	Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct	2024	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
4	Distinguish between "Code of ethics" and "Code of conduct" with suitable examples.	Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct	2018	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
5	Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission.	Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct	2016	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
Corruption
6	Whistle blower, who reports corruption and illegal activities, wrongdoing and misconduct to the concerned authorities, runs the risk of being exposed to grave danger, physical harm and victimization by the vested interests, accused persons and his team. What policy measures would you suggest to strengthen protection mechanism to safeguard the whistle blower?	Corruption	2022	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
7	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.	Corruption	2014	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
Probity
8	"In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years." Examine the gender specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity.	Probity	2024	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
9	‘Probity is essential for an effective system of governance and socio-economic development.’ Discuss.	Probity	2023	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
10	What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government. (150 words, 10m)	Probity	2019	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
11	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?	Probity	2014	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
RTI
12	There is a view that the official secrets act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Rights to Information act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss (150 words, 10m)	RTI	2019	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
13	The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens' empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability. Discuss.	RTI	2018	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
14	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.	RTI	2015	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
15	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.	RTI	2015	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
Utilization of Public Funds
16	Q6 (b) India is an emerging economic power of the world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the world in near future?	Utilization of Public Funds	2025	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
17	Effective utilisation of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilisation of public funds and their implications.(150 words, 10m)	Utilization of Public Funds	2019	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
18	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?	Utilization of Public Funds	2014	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
Not set
19	Q6 (a) It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place?		2025	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics
20	Explain the basic principles of citizens’ charter movement and bring out its importance. (150 words, 10m)		2019	GS4-08.Probity in Governance	10.0	GS4	Ethics