GS-IV UPSC PYQ 2014

Suppose one of your close friends, who is also aspiring for civil services, comes to you to discuss some of the issues related to ethical conduct in public service. He raises the following points:- (i)In the present times, when an unethical environment is quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one’s career. It may cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one’s life. Why should we not be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can? (ii) When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going to be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated. (iii) If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all, in the present age of high competition we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development (iv) It is understandable that we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favors increases everybody’s motivation. It also makes the system more efficient. What is wrong in adopting such practices? Critically analyze the above viewpoints. On the basis of this analysis, what will be your advice to your friend?

What do you understand by ‘probity’ in public life? Difficulties in practicing it? How overcome? How to approach this question Write a brief introduction setting context ( 1–2 lines ) Cover both sides if question says "critically discuss / examine / analyse" Use data, schemes, examples specific to PART A Conclude with a forward-looking statement ( 1 line ) Practice all GS4 Mains questions Model answers + key points for every question Open App Model Answer Framework (English) Show Hide Probity in public life means the quality of having complete and confirmed integrity, uprightness and honesty in the conduct of public affairs. It is more than the mere absence of corruption — it is the positive presence of ethical conduct, of always acting in the public interest with transparency and accountability. Understanding probity in public life Probity requires that those who hold public office use public power and public resources solely for the public good , never for private gain. It encompasses honesty, the avoidance of conflicts of interest, transparency in decision-making, fairness to all citizens and answerability for one's actions. Probity is, in essence, the ethical bedrock of good governance — it is what makes the state trustworthy. easemyprep.in Difficulties in practising probity Systemic corruption and a hostile environment: An honest official operating within an already corrupt system faces isolation, pressure and obstruction. Political and external pressure: Officials are often pressured by political superiors or vested interests to act improperly, with the threat of punitive transfers or career damage. easemyprep.in Discretion and opacity: Wide discretionary powers and a lack of transparency create both temptation and opportunity for compromise. Weak enforcement and impunity: When the corrupt go unpunished and even prosper, while the honest face hardship, the incentive structure itself works against probity. Personal temptation and want: Inadequate remuneration, social and family pressures, and the lure of easy gain can erode resolve. easemyprep.in Social tolerance of corruption: Where dishonesty is treated as "smart" and the honest are seen as foolish, probity loses social support. Fear and personal cost: Upholding probity can mean transfers, hostility, harassment or even physical danger, as the cases of upright officers show. How these difficulties can be overcome easemyprep.in Build values from within: Value education and ethical training — through Mission Karmayogi and recruitment that tests integrity — strengthen the inner resolve on which probity ultimately rests. Strengthen institutions: An empowered, independent Lokpal, CVC and judiciary, with swift, certain punishment of the corrupt, restore the right incentives. Reduce discretion and increase transparency: Digitisation, e-governance, Direct Benefit Transfer and the RTI remove both temptation and opportunity. easemyprep.in Protect and reward the honest: Genuine whistleblower protection , security of tenure, and the recognition and reward of upright officers, so that integrity is not punished. Leadership by example and a supportive work culture, and changing social attitudes so that corruption is shamed and honesty honoured. Conclusion easemyprep.in Probity is the foundation of trustworthy governance, but practising it is genuinely difficult in a flawed environment. Overcoming these difficulties requires a twofold effort — strengthening the individual's inner values *and* reforming the external system of institutions, transparency and incentives — so that probity becomes not a lonely act of courage, but the natural, supported and rewarded norm of public life. Value addition (2024–26 update) Data and analysis (2024–26): CPI 2024 — India 38/100, rank 96/180 (down from 39/93), below the global average of 43. Lokpal — 292 complaints in 2024-25, yet only ~34 investigations and 7 prosecution sanctions across its life; ~68% disposed without action; 24 of 65 posts vacant; annual reports untabled ~3 years. Klitgaard: Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion − Accountability. DBT (₹3.48 lakh crore saved) shows the preventive route works. Diagram cue: four-front anti-corruption — punitive + preventive + transparency + ethical. easemyprep.in Source: easemyprep.in Structured Mains Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. All themes + all PYQs covered 2-Month or 4-Month track Starting ₹4,999 View GS4 Ethics Mastery · Now Live Ethics Mastery — 2 Questions Daily All GS4 PYQs · Part A + Part B Ethical lens built through daily practice Concept clarity + case study method Starting ₹1,999 View इस प्रश्न को हिंदी में पढ़ें हिंदी में पढ़ें → Structured Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. All themes + all PYQs covered 2-Month or 4-Month track Starting ₹4,999 View GS4 Ethics Mastery · Now Live Ethics Mastery — 2 Questions Daily All GS4 PYQs · Part A + Part B Ethical lens built through daily practice Concept clarity + case study method Starting ₹1,999 View Practice All Mains GS4 — Ethics & Integrity Questions Download App More GS4 Questions Ease My Prep Focused UPSC preparation. Daily current affairs, PYQ practice, trend analysis, and mentorship for serious CSE aspirants across India. 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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. (150 words, 10 Marks)

You are a no-nonsense, honest officer. You have been transferred to a remote district to head a department that is notorious for its inefficiency and callousness. You find that the main cause of the poor state of affairs is the indiscipline of a section of employees. They do not work themselves and also disrupt the workings of others. You first warned the troublemakers to mend their ways or else face disciplinary action. When the warning had little effect, you issued a show cause notice to the ringleaders. As a retaliatory measure, these troublemakers instigated a woman employee amongst them to file a complaint of sexual harassment against you with the Women’s Commission. The Commission promptly seeks your explanation. The matter is also publicized in the media to embarrass you further. Some of the options to handle this situation could be as follows: (i) Give your explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action. (ii) Ignore the commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action. (iii) Brief your higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it.

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? (150 words, 10 Marks)

What do you understand about ‘probity’ in public life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome? (150 words, 10 Marks)

Rameshwar successfully cleared the prestigious civil services examination and was excited about the opportunity that he would get through the civil services to serve the country. However, soon after joining the services, he realized that things are not as rosy as he had imagined. He found a number of malpractices prevailing in the department assigned to him. For example, funds under various schemes and grants were being misappropriated. The official facilities were frequently being used for personal needs by the officers and staff. After some time, he noticed that the process of recruiting the staff was also not up to the mark. Prospective candidates were required to write an examination in which a lot of cheating was going on. Some candidates were provided external help in the examination. Rameshwar brought these incidents to the notice of his seniors. However, he was advised to keep his eyes, ears and mouth shut and ignore all these things which were taking place with the connivance of the higher-ups. Rameshwar felt highly disillusioned and uncomfortable. He comes to you seeking your advice. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. How would you help him to evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted?

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. (150 words, 10 Marks)

In our country, the migration of rural people to towns and cities is increasing drastically. This is causing serious problems both in the rural as well as in the urban areas. In fact, things are becoming really unmanageable. Can you analyze this problem in detail and indicate not only the socio-economic but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why – (a) educated youth are trying to shift to urban areas (b) landless poor people are migrating to urban slums (c) even some farmers are selling off the land and trying to settle in urban areas taking petty jobs. What feasible steps can you suggest which will be effective in controlling this serious problem of our country?

What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in Public Administration? (150 words, 10 Marks)

All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with answers. (150 words, 10 Marks)

“Human beings should always be treated as ‘ends’ in themselves and never as ‘means.’ Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving its implications in the modern techno-economic society. (150 words, 10 Marks)

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? (150 words, 10 Marks)

“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 modern day context. (150 words, 10 Marks)

Suppose you are the CEO of a company that manufactures specialized electronic equipment used by a government department. You have submitted your bid for the supply of this equipment to the department. Both the quality and cost of your offer are better than those of the competitors. Yet the concerned officer is demanding a hefty bribe for approving the tender. Getting the order is important both for you and your company. Not getting the order would mean closing a production line. It may also affect your own career. However, as a value-conscious person, You do not want to give bribes. Valid arguments can be advanced both for giving the bribe and getting the order, and for refusing to pay the bribe and risking the loss of the order. What those arguments could be, Could there be any better way to get out of this dilemma? If so, outline the main elements of this third way, pointing out its merits.

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. (150 words, 10 Marks)

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. (150 words, 10 Marks)

What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants? (150 words, 10 Marks)

Now-a-days, there is an increasing thrust on economic development all around the globe. At the same time, there is also an increasing concern about environmental degradation caused by development. Many a time, we face a direct conflict between development activity and environmental quality. It is neither feasible to stop or curtail the developmental process, nor is it advisable to keep degrading the environment, as it threatens our very survival. Discuss some possible strategies which could be adopted to eliminate this conflict and which could lead to sustainable development.

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 a wide ranging impact on society and environment. What steps have you taken to improve your ethical competence to handle such responsibility? (150 words, 10 Marks)