UPSC Mains GS-IV — Previous Year Questions (2013–2025)

Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity.

Lata, a mother of two, was admitted for acute abdominal pain. During a laparoscopy under general anesthesia, Dr. Mansi's team found a possibly malignant tumor in her uterus. Instead of a biopsy, Dr. Mansi removed the uterus with the written consent of Lata's sister-in-law Sujatha. Lata, informed the next day, felt betrayed and went to court. (a) Discuss the ethical issues involved. (b) Discuss the moral conduct of the doctor.

A business house is working on a project that could displace a forest community from their habitat. As the administrative officer of that district, what ethical challenges are you likely to face?

Ravi, an SP, installed AI-enabled predictive policing that captures biometric data from crowds. It flagged an immigrant, low-income neighbourhood; policing improved, but community leaders allege the system is biased, built on faulty historical data, and that surveillance without residents' knowledge has bred tension. (a) What are the ethical issues, including biases, in AI and data-driven policing? (b) In Ravi's role, discuss the alternatives and justify the action that best combines ethics and compliance.

An endangered tribe has developed a severe skeletal deformity. A university research has identified a mineral supplement as a possible remedy, though clinical trials are yet to be conducted. Should the District Magistrate (DM) use this research on the tribe? Discuss from the perspective of medical and administrative ethics.

Seema, an honest senior bureaucrat, is DC of Surinder Nagar, where a tout network working through subordinate officials is selectively clearing land-use applications for bribes. Employees are scared, the backlog grows, the public suffers. She must break the network without halting daily administration. (a) What are the ethical issues? (b) Discuss her options, identify the recommended option and justify it.

Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights.

Vikas, DC of remote Nainipura, runs the PDS for the poorest. Biometric checks meant to stop leakages keep failing for growing children, manual labourers and senior citizens, worse when WiFi is slow; distributors then decide by personal discretion. Strict rules ensure fiscal probity but hurt the poorest and may touch their Article 21 rights. (a) What options does Vikas have, and how should he balance fiscal probity with empathy? (b) Discuss the ethics of using technology as a gatekeeper for welfare schemes.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing 'anarchy'. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience movements that aim to promote social justice against policies that may raise genuine concerns?

Rajan is the new DM of Rajapuram, a border district where ethnic conflict between the Jhara and Biru communities has killed many. The rivalry has seeped into the local administration and police; both communities distrust the government. A neighbouring country could exploit the unrest. Rajan favours a controlled approach: reopen the highway for food and medicines, consider CRPF support. (a) Discuss the ethical issues. (b) What are his options, and which protects his non-partisan image without compromising ethics?

In what ways can an Indian Administrative Officer apply Gandhi's notion of 'trusteeship' to ensure fairness in governance?

Ajit heads Weapon Sales in the Ministry of Defence Production. Production limits mean he can sell to only one of two developing countries: A, outside all alliances, needing arms against a troublesome neighbour, seeking a long-term loan; or B, alliance-backed, military-first at its people's cost, not an NPT signatory, supporter of guerrilla forces abroad, ready with advance payment. (a) Discuss his options and which he should choose and why. (b) How can he balance the nation's economic and strategic interests with ethical considerations?

Shakespeare in Henry IV says, "The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just". What ethical implications does this have in governance?

Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for medication. Explain the concepts of paternalism and beneficence by analysing the doctor's action.

Efficiency is doing things right, while effectiveness is doing the right thing. How do you strike a balance between the two to enhance productivity?