GS4 · Topic
Technology and Ethics
Obligation raised by a technology rather than by a person: artificial intelligence and algorithmic decisions, facial recognition and digital surveillance, data privacy and consent, social media's effect on attitudes, autonomous weapons, gene editing and bioethics, and the regulation of any of them.
105 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Technology and Ethics that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2016–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
In the context of rapid technological change, discuss the significance of inculcating moral and spiritual values in educational institutions.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 13 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
It is imperative for a country like India, that code of ethics should be implemented for civil servants on social media platforms as well. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 13 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Codes of Ethics and ConductCivil Service Values
With rapidly increasing use of information technology, what according to you is the role of ethics in cyber space?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics
Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also have come to the forefront. (a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing. (b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics
In the age of social media, influencers have a huge following and have gained prominent marketing roles. In this context, discuss the ethical issues involved in influencer marketing.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2021
Technology and EthicsCorporate Governance
As organizations across the globe begin their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, the leap into the AI era is expected to be more challenging than any technology that businesses have grappled with yet. In this background, discuss the concerns around fairness, transparency, and job security that may arise.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Technology and EthicsCorporate Governance
In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on the social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions: (a) What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters? (b) Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed? (c) How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and Conduct
Explaining the concept of moral attitude, discuss how social media is shaping moral attitudes of people.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
India stands on the brink of a transformative AI revolution. The government’s “Digital India” initiative and the private sector’s enthusiasm for AI applications across various sectors hold immense promise for economic growth and societal development. AI-powered solutions are being explored to revolutionize healthcare diagnostics, streamline financial services, enhance agricultural productivity, and even aid in law enforcement and disaster management. However, this rapid advancement has also raised critical ethical questions. As AI automates tasks once performed by humans, concerns about job losses and widening economic disparities loom large. While new jobs might emerge, the skills required could leave many behind. Further, the vast amounts of data collected and analyzed by AI systems raise serious privacy concerns. The potential for misuse of personal information, mass surveillance, and profiling by both government and private entities poses a significant ethical challenge. Moreover, AI systems are trained on historical data, which can perpetuate and amplify existing biases in society. This can lead to discriminatory outcomes in areas like hiring, lending, and even criminal justice, unfairly disadvantaging certain groups. As AI systems become more complex and autonomous, determining accountability for their actions and decisions becomes increasingly difficult. The “black box” nature of many AI algorithms makes it challenging to understand their decision-making processes, raising concerns about transparency and the potential for misuse. You are the head of a newly formed government task force on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Given the multifaceted ethical challenges associated with the growing influence of AI, formulate a comprehensive national AI policy framework for India.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024
Technology and EthicsAccountability and Ethical Governance
The steady decline in sex ratio suggests that marked improvement in the economy and literacy rates do not seem to have had any impact on this index. In fact, the availability of new technology and its easy access for the urban, wealthy and educated have worsened the trend and harmed the status of women in Indian society. 20 (a) Explain why the phenomenon should not be simply viewed as a medical or legal issue and more attention should be given to the ethical issues involved. (b) Give some suggestions to tackle the problem of declining sex ratio. (c) Discuss the ethical dilemma involved in Right to abortion vs. Prevention of female foeticide. How can this be resolved?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Dimensions of EthicsFamily, Society and Education
In the quest for scientific and technological development, ethical values should not be neglected. Discuss in the current context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics
With proliferation of social media, people have got the opportunity to express their views anonymously and more freely. (a) What according to you, is its effect on the social and political culture of the country? (b) Discuss the role of social media in changing one's attitude, particularly the youth.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
"With great power comes great responsibility." In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceTechnology and Ethics
You are the CEO of a social media company that has a wide user base. The social network offered by your company has emerged as a platform for people to interact with each other and share news, opinions etc. However, at the same time, women are being repeatedly harassed and cyber bullied through this network. Whenever any instance of harassment is brought to notice of the company, your staff members immediately deactivate the account of the culprit. However, since new accounts can be created easily, such incidents continue to happen. Also, the system to verify one's account details has been deemed lax by public authorities and human rights groups. But in order to increase the user base, you have to ensure that it is easy for a new user to sign up. Increase in the user base leads to more advertisements on your network, which is a source of huge annual turnover for the company. At the same time, in wake of increasing instances of harassment, you also need to tighten the process of creating new accounts and deactivate or delete the ones being misused. 20 (a) Highlight the options available to you in this scenario and evaluate each of them. What course of action will you take and why? (b) Is there a need for having reasonable restrictions on social media for it to remain a platform of healthy and fruitful engagement. Analyse from the viewpoint of different stakeholders.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Corporate GovernanceTechnology and Ethics
Social media has played a key role in influencing political opinions and social attitudes in India. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude
Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following:
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
Regulation and procedure of human clinical trials vary from nation to nation. Stem cell research, as an emerging biomedical field, requires approval for human trials and encounters multiple challenges. You are the head of a team of scientists who developed a new Tissue Engineering system, which appears to be a promising means of regenerating heart tissue. Trials of the system have already been conducted on animals and yielded good results. Millions of people suffering from critical heart diseases would benefit immensely if this medication is immediately made available to them. However, you need to conduct human clinical trials before it could be commercialised. It is also known that the stringent regulatory environment in the country will mean that human trials and final approval will take many years before it is made commercially available. On the other hand, regulation of clinical trials in many poor countries is weak and quick approval is possible. Many of your competitors also resort to human trials in these countries, often bribing the officials for getting quick approvals. Given this situation, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the ethical issues which arise during clinical trials. (b) Given the above situation, would you prefer to shift human trials to a third country where regulations are lax? Give reasons in support of your choice. (c) Suggest a framework of standard procedure to minimise ethical conflicts and speed-up the approval process of new medicines.
25 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in International Relations
Do you think corporate businesses such as GAMA must consider international ethics while pursuing business interests? Why/why not? (c) Do you think a corporate's social responsibility extends beyond one's immediate community to the international community? Why/Why not? (d) Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Corporate GovernanceEthics in International Relations
Do you think the Defence sector companies marketing sensitive technologies must be regulated by their respective governments, or regulation may curtail their entrepreneurial and innovation energy? Discuss.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Corporate GovernanceTechnology and Ethics
Effective public service delivery demands a people-centric approach, which is built upon coordination and leverages technology. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Quality of Service DeliveryTechnology and Ethics
While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceTechnology and Ethics
Discuss the various ethical concerns associated with vaccine passport for international travel. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to deal with these concerns.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities, schools and other educational institutions around the world to shut down their campuses indefinitely and move their educational activities onto online platforms. These institutions were not prepared for such a transition and their online teaching-learning process evolved gradually. Though students considered online learning advantageous because of flexibility and convenience, there have been reports that the students prefer learning in physical classrooms to online education. The students feel that online education is stressful and affects their health and social life. Moreover, not all students have equal access to, and expertise on, digital technologies. Although these inequalities existed earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this digital divide. Considering yourself as the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education, answer the following questions: (a) What are the key ethical issues at stake here? (b) Highlight the principles and values that will guide your recommendations to the government. (c) Suggest measures to improve the quality and accessibility of online education in the country.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021
Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government
You are the Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India. In recent years, an increasing number of civil servants, particularly younger officers from the IAS, IPS, and IRS, have begun maintaining personal YouTube channels and social media pages. On these platforms, they regularly post videos related to their official work — showcasing innovative projects, public outreach initiatives, inspection drives, and sometimes even day-to-day administrative duties. These videos often receive widespread public attention, and many viewers express admiration, saying such content enhances transparency, motivates aspirants, and humanizes the bureaucracy. However, concerns have also emerged from various quarters. Senior officers argue that such content may blur the boundaries between personal branding and public service, while some citizens and media commentators point to instances where videos feature vulnerable beneficiaries without consent, raise concerns about misuse of official premises, or seem designed more for personal popularity than public accountability. In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer's strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media. (b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion. (c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and Conduct
Do you agree that excessive use of social media and emerging AI technologies may lead to a decline in emotional regulation and moral sensitivity among adolescents? Justify your answer.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Technology and EthicsEmotional Intelligence
The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics
Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Technology and EthicsAccountability and Ethical Governance
How does the use of social media influence political participation and civic engagement? Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
Social Influence and PersuasionAttitude
Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also come to the forefront. (a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing. (b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics
Given below is a quotation. Bring out what it means to you in present context. "The intellect has sharp eye for methods and tools, but is blind to ends and values." -Einstein.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values