Q.1 Which of the following best defines corruption in public life?
Use of public office for personal gain
Voluntary community service
Implementing government policies effectively
Transparency in administration
Explanation - Corruption occurs when individuals misuse public office or authority for personal benefit, rather than serving the public interest.
Correct answer is: Use of public office for personal gain
Q.2 The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 in India primarily deals with:
Curbing bribery in public offices
Regulating political campaigns
Ensuring corporate social responsibility
Promoting transparency in private sector
Explanation - The Act criminalizes bribery and corruption by public servants and lays down penalties for misuse of office for personal gain.
Correct answer is: Curbing bribery in public offices
Q.3 Which of the following is an ethical concern when a public official awards a contract to a family member’s company?
Conflict of interest
Whistleblowing
Procedural fairness
Accountability
Explanation - A conflict of interest arises when personal relationships interfere with the impartial performance of official duties, potentially leading to unethical decisions.
Correct answer is: Conflict of interest
Q.4 What role does transparency play in reducing corruption?
It hides government decisions
It allows public scrutiny of actions
It reduces government accountability
It increases discretionary powers
Explanation - Transparency ensures that government actions are open to public scrutiny, reducing the opportunity for corrupt practices.
Correct answer is: It allows public scrutiny of actions
Q.5 Which of the following is a method to report unethical practices in public administration?
Whistleblowing
Nepotism
Conflict of interest
Collusion
Explanation - Whistleblowing involves reporting misconduct, unethical behavior, or corruption within an organization, often protecting public interest.
Correct answer is: Whistleblowing
Q.6 Which of these is NOT typically considered a form of corruption?
Bribery
Embezzlement
Promoting ethical behavior
Nepotism
Explanation - Promoting ethical behavior is the opposite of corruption; bribery, embezzlement, and nepotism are recognized forms of corrupt practices.
Correct answer is: Promoting ethical behavior
Q.7 Which international body provides guidelines to combat corruption globally?
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
World Bank
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
Explanation - The UNODC administers the UN Convention against Corruption, providing international standards and assistance for anti-corruption measures.
Correct answer is: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Q.8 Which term describes favoritism shown by public officials towards relatives or friends in government appointments?
Nepotism
Patronage
Meritocracy
Whistleblowing
Explanation - Nepotism occurs when officials favor family or friends over qualified individuals, undermining fairness and integrity in public administration.
Correct answer is: Nepotism
Q.9 Which of the following practices increases ethical governance in public institutions?
Regular audits and accountability mechanisms
Centralized decision-making without oversight
Undisclosed discretionary powers
Personal gain from public office
Explanation - Audits and accountability mechanisms ensure transparency and prevent misuse of public resources, promoting ethical governance.
Correct answer is: Regular audits and accountability mechanisms
Q.10 What is the key ethical concern in public procurement processes?
Ensuring fairness and transparency
Promoting personal relationships
Reducing competition
Avoiding documentation
Explanation - Public procurement must follow principles of fairness, transparency, and competitiveness to prevent corruption and favoritism.
Correct answer is: Ensuring fairness and transparency
Q.11 What does the term 'embezzlement' refer to?
Misappropriation of funds by a public official
Fair allocation of resources
Public awareness campaigns
Ethical training programs
Explanation - Embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property entrusted to a person, often a public official, for personal gain.
Correct answer is: Misappropriation of funds by a public official
Q.12 Which principle is central to ethical public administration?
Impartiality
Profit maximization
Secretive decision-making
Favoritism
Explanation - Impartiality ensures decisions are made objectively and fairly, preventing bias and corruption in public administration.
Correct answer is: Impartiality
Q.13 Which of the following is a key factor that enables corruption?
Lack of accountability
Ethical leadership
Transparent procedures
Strong institutions
Explanation - When public officials are not held accountable for their actions, opportunities for corruption increase.
Correct answer is: Lack of accountability
Q.14 Gifts or favors received by public officials that influence decisions are examples of:
Bribery
Transparency
Merit-based rewards
Whistleblowing
Explanation - Bribery occurs when public officials accept gifts, money, or favors in exchange for preferential treatment, undermining ethical standards.
Correct answer is: Bribery
Q.15 Which body in India investigates corruption allegations against public servants?
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
Election Commission of India
Reserve Bank of India
NITI Aayog
Explanation - The CVC is an apex body that oversees vigilance administration and investigates corruption allegations in the central government.
Correct answer is: Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
Q.16 What does 'accountability' mean in public life?
Answering for actions and decisions
Exercising power without scrutiny
Focusing on personal gain
Avoiding responsibility
Explanation - Accountability ensures that public officials are responsible for their actions and decisions, reducing the risk of corruption.
Correct answer is: Answering for actions and decisions
Q.17 Which of these can reduce corruption in public administration?
Strong ethical culture and enforcement of rules
Lack of oversight
Excessive discretionary power
Ignoring citizen complaints
Explanation - A strong ethical culture, combined with clear rules and enforcement mechanisms, discourages corrupt practices.
Correct answer is: Strong ethical culture and enforcement of rules
Q.18 Which of the following describes 'moral hazard' in public life?
Engaging in risky or unethical behavior because one is insulated from consequences
Volunteering in public service
Reporting corruption
Ensuring fair decision-making
Explanation - Moral hazard occurs when individuals act unethically or irresponsibly because they do not bear the full consequences of their actions.
Correct answer is: Engaging in risky or unethical behavior because one is insulated from consequences
Q.19 Which of these is a preventive measure against corruption?
Mandatory asset declaration by public officials
Granting discretionary powers without oversight
Lack of audits
Favoritism in appointments
Explanation - Asset declarations by officials increase transparency and act as a deterrent against accumulation of ill-gotten wealth.
Correct answer is: Mandatory asset declaration by public officials
Q.20 In the context of public ethics, 'integrity' refers to:
Adherence to moral and ethical principles
Seeking personal gain at all costs
Manipulating rules for benefit
Avoiding responsibilities
Explanation - Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, crucial for ethical conduct in public life.
Correct answer is: Adherence to moral and ethical principles
Q.21 Which of the following practices can undermine public trust?
Corruption and misuse of power
Transparent governance
Citizen engagement
Ethical leadership
Explanation - Corruption erodes public trust in institutions and weakens the legitimacy of public administration.
Correct answer is: Corruption and misuse of power
Q.22 Which of the following is a key ethical concern in lobbying?
Influencing policy through undue advantage
Promoting public welfare
Transparency in advocacy
Encouraging citizen participation
Explanation - Unethical lobbying involves seeking policies or decisions by offering incentives, which can lead to corruption.
Correct answer is: Influencing policy through undue advantage
Q.23 Which of these is a consequence of unchecked corruption in public life?
Erosion of public trust
Enhanced service delivery
Improved accountability
Increased citizen participation
Explanation - Unchecked corruption damages public confidence in government institutions and undermines democratic governance.
Correct answer is: Erosion of public trust
Q.24 Which ethical principle emphasizes fairness and justice in decision-making?
Equity
Nepotism
Favoritism
Self-interest
Explanation - Equity ensures fair treatment and justice for all stakeholders, an important aspect of ethical public administration.
Correct answer is: Equity