Q.1 Which of the following best defines 'probity in governance'?
Strict adherence to rules and procedures
Integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in public administration
Efficient management of resources
Political loyalty to ruling party
Explanation - Probity in governance refers to the adherence to the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior by public officials in the conduct of public affairs.
Correct answer is: Integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in public administration
Q.2 Which of the following is a key principle of probity in governance?
Transparency
Profit maximization
Centralized authority
Partisan decision making
Explanation - Transparency ensures that decisions and actions by public officials are open and clear to the public, reducing corruption and enhancing trust.
Correct answer is: Transparency
Q.3 Conflict of interest in public service can be described as:
When a public official favors personal interest over public duty
When officials work overtime without pay
When rules are strictly followed
When multiple departments coordinate
Explanation - A conflict of interest arises when a public official's personal interests could improperly influence the performance of their official duties.
Correct answer is: When a public official favors personal interest over public duty
Q.4 Which of the following promotes probity in governance?
Whistleblower protection
Political patronage
Secretive decision making
Ignoring ethical codes
Explanation - Protecting whistleblowers encourages reporting of corruption and unethical practices, thus promoting integrity and probity in governance.
Correct answer is: Whistleblower protection
Q.5 The term 'transparency' in governance refers to:
Keeping all government documents secret
Open and accessible decision-making processes
Sharing confidential information indiscriminately
Following hierarchy strictly
Explanation - Transparency in governance ensures that citizens can access information on decision-making, thus holding officials accountable.
Correct answer is: Open and accessible decision-making processes
Q.6 Which of the following acts in India promotes ethical conduct in public officials?
Right to Information Act
Central Vigilance Commission Act
Whistle Blowers Protection Act
All of the above
Explanation - All these acts collectively promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among public officials.
Correct answer is: All of the above
Q.7 What is the primary aim of probity in governance?
To reduce public spending
To ensure ethical conduct and integrity in public service
To increase bureaucratic control
To simplify administrative procedures
Explanation - Probity in governance emphasizes honesty, ethical behavior, and integrity in public administration.
Correct answer is: To ensure ethical conduct and integrity in public service
Q.8 Which of the following is a key feature of probity in governance?
Nepotism
Transparency and accountability
Political favoritism
Secrecy in administration
Explanation - Transparency and accountability are fundamental principles that ensure ethical and fair governance.
Correct answer is: Transparency and accountability
Q.9 Which Indian legislation primarily targets corruption among public servants?
Right to Information Act, 2005
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Companies Act, 2013
Explanation - The Act criminalizes bribery and corruption among public officials in India.
Correct answer is: Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
Q.10 Which of the following is an example of unethical conduct in public office?
Issuing tenders transparently
Using official position for personal gain
Following rules impartially
Engaging citizens in decision-making
Explanation - Misusing public office for personal benefit is a violation of probity and ethical standards.
Correct answer is: Using official position for personal gain
Q.11 Which principle ensures that government actions are open and accessible to citizens?
Accountability
Transparency
Nepotism
Favoritism
Explanation - Transparency allows citizens to access information and monitor government functioning, promoting probity.
Correct answer is: Transparency
Q.12 Which of the following is essential to prevent conflicts of interest in public administration?
Ethical guidelines and rules
Political favoritism
Secrecy in decision-making
Arbitrary discretion
Explanation - Clear rules and ethical standards help officials avoid situations where personal interests conflict with public duties.
Correct answer is: Ethical guidelines and rules
Q.13 What is the main function of the Central Vigilance Commission in India?
Implement government welfare schemes
Monitor corruption and promote ethical governance
Conduct national elections
Draft economic policies
Explanation - The CVC ensures integrity in public administration by investigating corruption and guiding vigilance policies.
Correct answer is: Monitor corruption and promote ethical governance
Q.14 Which of the following is an important outcome of probity in governance?
Increased favoritism
Public trust and efficient service delivery
Secrecy in administration
Political interference
Explanation - Ethical governance builds trust, reduces corruption, and improves administrative efficiency.
Correct answer is: Public trust and efficient service delivery
Q.15 Which of the following best defines ethical leadership in public service?
Promoting personal interests
Leading by example and upholding integrity
Prioritizing political loyalty
Ignoring laws and regulations
Explanation - Ethical leaders guide others to act with integrity, fairness, and accountability in public administration.
Correct answer is: Leading by example and upholding integrity
Q.16 The Right to Information Act, 2005 contributes to probity by:
Allowing citizens to monitor government actions
Restricting public access to documents
Reducing accountability
Promoting favoritism
Explanation - RTI enables transparency, empowers citizens, and ensures accountability of public authorities.
Correct answer is: Allowing citizens to monitor government actions
Q.17 Which of the following is an essential value for maintaining integrity in public service?
Impartiality
Nepotism
Political bias
Arbitrary decision-making
Explanation - Impartiality ensures fairness, objectivity, and adherence to ethical principles in decision-making.
Correct answer is: Impartiality
Q.18 Which mechanism helps citizens report unethical practices without fear of retaliation?
Whistleblower protection
Nepotism
Political lobbying
Arbitrary rule-making
Explanation - Whistleblower protection safeguards individuals exposing corruption or unethical practices, enhancing governance probity.
Correct answer is: Whistleblower protection
Q.19 Which of the following best describes accountability in governance?
Officials answerable to citizens and oversight bodies
Officials acting without reporting
Officials prioritizing personal interests
Officials avoiding transparency
Explanation - Accountability ensures that public officials justify their actions and decisions, fostering trust and integrity.
Correct answer is: Officials answerable to citizens and oversight bodies
Q.20 Which of the following reduces discretion and supports probity in administration?
Standard operating procedures
Favoritism
Political interference
Secrecy in decisions
Explanation - SOPs provide clear guidelines that promote consistent, fair, and ethical decision-making.
Correct answer is: Standard operating procedures
Q.21 Which of the following is an example of conflict of interest?
Awarding contracts to a relative-owned company
Transparent bidding
Fair service delivery
Following rules impartially
Explanation - Using official authority for personal or family gain compromises integrity and violates ethical standards.
Correct answer is: Awarding contracts to a relative-owned company
Q.22 Which of the following promotes citizen engagement and accountability?
Accessible grievance redressal mechanisms
Opaque administrative procedures
Favoritism
Secrecy in decision-making
Explanation - Mechanisms for addressing citizen complaints enhance transparency and strengthen probity in governance.
Correct answer is: Accessible grievance redressal mechanisms
Q.23 Which of the following is a preventive measure against corruption?
Citizen awareness and monitoring
Favoritism in appointments
Arbitrary fund allocation
Opaque procedures
Explanation - Empowered citizens can hold officials accountable and deter unethical practices.
Correct answer is: Citizen awareness and monitoring
Q.24 Which of the following reflects moral courage in governance?
Upholding ethics despite pressure
Prioritizing personal gain
Ignoring rules
Favoring powerful groups
Explanation - Moral courage is essential for maintaining integrity in challenging situations.
Correct answer is: Upholding ethics despite pressure
Q.25 Which of the following strengthens probity in financial management?
Regular audits and transparent accounting
Opaque fund allocation
Misuse of public resources
Favoritism in fund usage
Explanation - Audits and clear accounting ensure proper use of public funds and enhance integrity.
Correct answer is: Regular audits and transparent accounting
Q.26 Which of the following is an essential component of ethical governance?
Transparency, accountability, and integrity
Favoritism and nepotism
Arbitrary discretion
Secrecy in administration
Explanation - Ethical governance requires open, fair, and principled administrative practices.
Correct answer is: Transparency, accountability, and integrity
Q.27 Which of the following is an outcome of high probity in governance?
Public trust and efficient service delivery
Favoritism and corruption
Secrecy and arbitrary power
Nepotism
Explanation - Ethical governance promotes trust, reduces corruption, and ensures effective administration.
Correct answer is: Public trust and efficient service delivery
Q.28 Which of the following is a key ethical value for public servants?
Impartiality
Personal gain
Political bias
Opportunism
Explanation - Public servants must act fairly and in the public interest, avoiding favoritism and bias.
Correct answer is: Impartiality
Q.29 Which of the following ensures decisions are guided by law and public interest?
Ethical decision-making
Favoritism
Personal gain
Political loyalty
Explanation - Ethical decision-making aligns actions with laws, fairness, and the welfare of citizens.
Correct answer is: Ethical decision-making
Q.30 Which of the following enhances citizen trust and reduces corruption?
Transparency and accountability
Secrecy in decisions
Nepotism
Favoritism
Explanation - Open and accountable governance fosters trust and prevents unethical practices.
Correct answer is: Transparency and accountability