Ethics

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1.Which of the following best illustrates the role of evidence in ensuring objective administrative decisions?

ARelying on anecdotal reports from senior officials
BUsing statistically validated data to compare policy alternatives
CChoosing the option that aligns with the minister’s preference
DApplying intuition based on past experiences

Explanation

Statistically validated data provide a factual basis that reduces bias, thereby strengthening objectivity in decision‑making.

2.With reference to the concept of 'Integrity' in ethics and public administration, consider the following statements: 1. Intellectual integrity entails holding oneself to the same rigorous standards of evidence and rational argumentation that one demands of others. 2. As originally defined by the Nolan Committee on Standards in Public Life, integrity requires public officeholders to avoid placing themselves under any financial or other obligations to outside entities that might influence their official duties. 3. While honesty primarily denotes truthfulness and the absence of deceit, integrity encompasses a broader, unified adherence to moral principles and consistency between beliefs and actions, even in the absence of oversight. Which of the statements given above are correct?

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2, and 3

Explanation

All three statements are correct: - Statement 1 describes 'Intellectual Integrity', an epistemic and ethical virtue defined as consistency in intellectual standards, admitting one's own limitations, and applying the same rigorous standards of proof and evidence to oneself as one applies to opponents. - Statement 2 accurately reflects the Nolan Committee's foundational definition of 'Integrity': 'Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.' - Statement 3 highlights the essential philosophical difference between honesty and integrity. Honesty refers to truthfulness and the absence of lying, whereas integrity (derived from the Latin 'integer', meaning whole or undivided) signifies moral wholeness, consistency of character, and doing the right thing regardless of surveillance or external pressure.

3.In the context of probity, 'institutional integrity' primarily means:

AHigh revenue generation by the institution
BUniformity in dress code across employees
CThe institution’s systems, policies and culture uphold ethical standards
DHaving a large workforce

Explanation

Institutional integrity reflects that the organization’s structures, processes and culture consistently promote ethical behavior and accountability.

4.A doctor in a government hospital refuses to treat a patient belonging to a minority community, citing personal bias. Which of the following ethical codes does this breach?

AHippocratic Oath
BPrinciple of Beneficence
CRight to Equality under Article 14
DAll of the above

Explanation

The doctor’s refusal breaches the Hippocratic Oath (non‑discrimination), the principle of Beneficence (duty to help), and the constitutional Right to Equality (Article 14). Hence, all are violated.

The opposition to the relocation of the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo is supported by which of the following ecological and philosophical arguments?

1.Urban zoos serve as “urban lungs” that are critical for preserving urban greenery and maintaining ecological balance.

2.According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the welfare and happiness of the subjects is the highest priority of the ruler.

3.Relocating urban zoos to forest-dominated areas can focus on preserving endangered species, such as the lion-tailed macaque, within accessible scientific education centers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A
1 and 2 only
B
2 and 3 only
C
1 and 3 only
D
1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The editorial critique describes the zoo as the “lungs” of the city and refers to Kautilya’s philosophy of ruler responsibility. It also supports relocating zoos to forest-like areas for conservation and scientific education.

6.A public official declines a gift worth ₹5,000 from a supplier. According to the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, this action is:

AMandatory only if the gift exceeds ₹10,000
BA discretionary act, not required by any rule
CA compliance with the rule that prohibits acceptance of gifts that may influence official duties
DIrrelevant, as gifts of any value are permissible

Explanation

The Conduct Rules prohibit acceptance of gifts that could influence official duties; declining a ₹5,000 gift upholds probity.

7.During a disaster relief operation, a district collector chooses to allocate relief material to a politically influential village, ignoring a more affected area. This act violates:

APrinciple of equity
BPrinciple of accountability
CPrinciple of efficiency
DPrinciple of transparency

Explanation

Equity demands fair distribution based on need. Favoring a politically powerful village breaches this principle, reflecting a lapse in integrity.

8.The 'Ethics' syllabus for UPSC recommends the study of 'Public service motivation (PSM)'. Which statement about PSM is FALSE?

APSM is driven by an intrinsic desire to serve the public interest.
BHigher PSM is associated with lower corruption propensity.
CPSM can be enhanced solely through higher salaries.
DPSM includes dimensions like compassion and self‑efficacy.

Explanation

While remuneration can have an impact, PSM is primarily intrinsic and cannot be created merely by higher salaries. The other statements accurately describe PSM.

9.Which philosopher argued that empathy (or 'sympathetic imagination') is the basis for moral judgments?

AImmanuel Kant
BDavid Hume
CJohn Stuart Mill
DThomas Hobbes

Explanation

David Hume emphasized the role of sympathy (a form of empathy) in moral sentiments, suggesting that our moral evaluations stem from our ability to resonate with others' feelings.

10.

The 2026 expulsion of news organizations—CNN, Politico, and MS NOW—from the White House is widely viewed as a violation of the First Amendment because:

A
It reduced the viewership of the 24-hour "TRUMP TV" broadcast.
B
The First Amendment exists to protect the press from the government, and the state cannot punish organizations for "negative" reports.
C
It violated the terms of the "Panda Diplomacy" lease.
D
News organizations are constitutionally required to "glorify" the state.

Explanation

The source explains that the First Amendment protects citizens and the press from government action, and discusses the issue in the context of state censorship and press freedom. It also connects the issue with Article 19(1)(a) and reasonable restrictions in India

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