May month schedule ethics daily answer writing
May month schedule ethics daily answer writing
Every year UPSC asks very basic questions which can be written without any specific preparation. We will practice these kinds of questions in May month. This exercise will be not affect your prelims preparation and you can practice answer writing without any specific study for mains.
We are giving examples of such questions which have been asked in UPSC ethics paper every year.
Mains 2013
Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.
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
(a) “There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed.” -Mahatma Gandhi
(b) “Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln.
(c) “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies.” – Aristotle
Main 2014
All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with answers
In the context of defence 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.
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
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?
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
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
Main 2015
The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of strong.
How do the virtues of trustworthiness and fortitude get manifested in public service? Explain with examples
Social values are more important than economic values. Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation
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. Analyse the situation in detail and suggest how the dichotomy can be resolved. Suggest how these negative impacts can be minimised
Today we find that in-spite of various measures of prescribing codes of conduct, setting up vigilance cells/commissions, RTI, active media and strengthening of legal mechanism, corrupt practices are not coming under control.
At the international level, 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 lead to conflicts and tension between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples
Main 2016
Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and the social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of a 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 socioethical values considered necessary in public services be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil servants
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 behaviors. (b) How can hit be managed and controlled
Main 2017
Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.
One of the taste of integrity is complete refusal to be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life example
(a) “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.” – Napolean Bonaparte.
Stating examples mention the rulers (i) who have harmed society and country, (ii) who worked for the development of society and country
(b) “if a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of a beautiful mind, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the techer.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse
Main 2018
What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by the civil servants in public interest?
“The Right to information Act is not all about citizens? Empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability.” Discuss.
“In looking for people is 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
What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the presence context?
(a) “The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject any thing, 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 every thing 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)
(b) “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding – Mahatma Gandhi. (150 words).
(c) “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good.” – Tirukkural.
Main 2019
What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples.
What do you understand by the term ‘public servant’? Reflect on the expected role of public servant
“Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption”. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer
What do each of the following quotations mean to you?
(a) “An unexamined life is not worth living”. – Socrates
(b) “A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” – M.K. Gandhi
“Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam