Ethics in Public Administration & Corporate Governance — UPSC Questions
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
Previous year questions and Mains practice questions on this exact syllabus topic, collected from every GainingSun analysis mapped to it. Each question links back to the analysis it came from, so you can read the material behind the answer.
Previous year questions (from 7 analyses)
Questions UPSC has set on this syllabus topic, as cited in our analyses.
Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (UPSC Mains GS3, 2017)
From Police Firearms at Protests Explained: Law, Limits and the Siwan AK-47 Case
Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2019)
From Justice Varma Report Explained: Can Judicial Accountability Continue After Resignation?
Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same. (UPSC Mains GS3, 2013)
From AI Warfare Explained: How India Can Keep Pace in the Age of Algorithmic Combat
Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (UPSC Mains GS2, 2017)
From Delhi HC Media Verdict Explained: When Press Freedom Meets the Right to Privacy
Ships from which of the following countries have to cross the Strait of Hormuz to reach out to the Indian Ocean (UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026, GS Paper I) Bahrain Syria Qatar Egypt • Select the answer using the code given below: A) 1 and 2 only B) 1 and 3 only C) 2 and 4 only D) 1, 3 and 4 only Correct Answer: B Explanation: Bahrain and Qatar lie inside the Persian Gulf, so their ships must transit the Strait of Hormuz to reach the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the open Indian Ocean. Syria has only a Mediterranean coastline, and Egypt reaches the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait; neither needs the Strait of Hormuz.
From Strait of Hormuz Explained: LNG Tanker Disha, the US-Iran Deal and India's Energy Security
Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (UPSC Mains GS3, 2023)
Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyberwarfare? Outline the cyber threats that India is vulnerable to and highlight the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with them. (UPSC Mains GS3, 2013)
From US Curbs on Anthropic AI Models Explained: Why Frontier AI Is Becoming Strategic Technology
Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? (UPSC Mains GS3, 2023)
From Claude Fable 5 and Mythos AI: Why Frontier AI Safety Matters for India
Mains practice questions (from 12 analyses)
Practice questions written for this topic, each tied to the current affairs that would answer it.
The State has a duty to maintain public order, but its coercive powers are constrained by constitutional rights and the principle of proportionality. Examine this statement in the context of police use of firearms during public protests in India.
From Police Firearms at Protests Explained: Law, Limits and the Siwan AK-47 Case
The Justice Varma controversy shows that resignation may end the possibility of removal but cannot erase the need for public accountability. Discuss the constitutional, institutional and ethical issues involved in judicial accountability in India.
From Justice Varma Report Explained: Can Judicial Accountability Continue After Resignation?
Artificial intelligence, autonomy and algorithmic warfare are transforming the character of modern conflict. Discuss the opportunities and risks for India, and suggest a roadmap for sovereign, ethical and operationally effective military AI.
From AI Warfare Explained: How India Can Keep Pace in the Age of Algorithmic Combat
The Delhi High Court’s ruling on media as a “public function” raises important questions about the balance between press freedom and privacy. Discuss its constitutional significance and possible implications for investigative journalism in India.
From Delhi HC Media Verdict Explained: When Press Freedom Meets the Right to Privacy
The Strait of Hormuz remains a structural vulnerability in India's energy security despite efforts at diversification. Examine the geographical and strategic significance of the strait, and discuss the measures India has taken and should take to insulate its economy from disruptions in this chokepoint. (250 words)
From Strait of Hormuz Explained: LNG Tanker Disha, the US-Iran Deal and India's Energy Security
India’s AI ambitions must balance innovation, strategic autonomy and democratic accountability. Discuss the risks of an unchecked AI growth model and suggest a framework for responsible AI governance in India.
From Explained: India’s AI Growth Path and the Need for Responsible AI Governance
Discuss the significance of RBI’s FCNR(B) swap facility as an external-sector stabilisation tool. What are its benefits and risks for India’s Balance of Payments and macroeconomic stability?
From Explained: RBI’s FCNR(B) Swap Window and Why It Matters for Rupee Stability
The US restrictions on foreign access to advanced AI models show that frontier AI is emerging as a strategic technology. Discuss the implications of this trend for India’s technological sovereignty, cybersecurity and AI governance.
From US Curbs on Anthropic AI Models Explained: Why Frontier AI Is Becoming Strategic Technology
Frontier AI models create both transformative opportunities and serious dual-use risks. Discuss the need for a risk-based AI governance framework in India with reference to cybersecurity, data protection and responsible innovation.
From Claude Fable 5 and Mythos AI: Why Frontier AI Safety Matters for India
"Monetary policy is well-suited to managing demand-driven inflation but is largely ineffective against supply-side shocks." In light of the impact of the recent West Asia conflict on crude oil prices, critically examine the policy dilemma before the Reserve Bank of India and discuss the rationale for a flexible inflation-targeting approach. (250 words, 15 marks)
Discuss how a global oil-price shock transmits to the Indian economy through inflation, the exchange rate and capital flows. What structural measures can India adopt to reduce its vulnerability to such external energy shocks? (250 words, 15 marks)
Critically examine the role of decriminalisation of minor offences through initiatives like the Jan Vishwas Bill in promoting ease of doing business and ease of living, while also discussing the potential concerns regarding dilution of accountability and the need to protect public interest.
Discuss the historical patterns of US interventions in Latin America and evaluate their impact on regional sovereignty and global energy security, in the context of the ongoing Venezuela crisis.