GS4 · Topic
Human Values
Values as such and where they come from: lessons from the lives of leaders, reformers and administrators, and the values named in the syllabus.
490 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Human Values that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
The seeds of patriarchy and gender inequality are sown at home, which manifest as a weed at the societal level. Elucidate. Suggest an ethical framework to systematically address the issue of patriarchy in the Indian society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 18 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
A peculiar inhuman situation exists for the people fleeing from war zones - they cannot go back to their homeland for fear of being persecuted and no country is ready to bear their burden due to various reasons. Citing contemporary examples, discuss the ethical issues involved in such situations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 17 toppers · CSE 2017–2020
Ethics in International RelationsEmpathy and Compassion
While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote ethical work culture is through internalization of values. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Codes of Ethics and ConductWork Culture
Gandhian ideals can be of immense help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Human ValuesWorld Thinkers
Man is not only a product of his environment but can also modify the environment. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 16 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 15 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Human ValuesCorporate Governance
It is sometimes believed that moral scrupulousness in one's private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in professional life. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 15 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Ethics in Private and Public LifeIntegrity
You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as 'Sarpanch' on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is head 'only on the paper'. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat's performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case? (b) What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option will you choose.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 15 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Civil Service ValuesEthical Dilemmas in Government
Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 14 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Environmental EthicsIndian Thinkers
The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response. (a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions? (b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face. (c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 13 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Ethics in International RelationsAccountability and Ethical Governance
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
Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Nelson Mandela.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Empathy and CompassionHuman Values
For achieving success, attitude is equally, if not more important than ability. Discuss with the help of examples from your daily life.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
AttitudeAptitude for Civil Service
Explain the main elements of integral humanism as propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyay and highlight its contemporary relevance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Highlighting the attributes of leadership, analyse why it is important for a civil servant.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Aptitude for Civil ServiceCivil Service Values
You are the Chairman of a Committee, constituted by the government, to suggest measures to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. In view of the increasing dropout rate and the widening gap between students' learning ability in state-run and private schools, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the role of government in the education sector, especially providing primary and secondary education through state-run schools. (b) Identify the principles and values that would guide your recommendations in this regard. (c) Suggest some ways in which quality of education in state-run schools can be improved.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Civil Service ValuesQuality of Service Delivery
The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence. Rabindranath Tagore
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 12 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
The core of high Emotional Intelligence is self-awareness. If you don't understand your own motivations and behaviours, it is nearly impossible to develop an understanding of others. Discuss with the help of appropriate examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Emotional IntelligenceHuman Values
"Man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department." Gandhi. Do you think an individual's personal ethics impacts professional life or they both can be compartmentalized? Explain your position with relevant examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2021–2025
Ethics in Private and Public LifeIndian Thinkers
Intolerance can be linked both to prejudices and value judgments. Elaborate with relevant examples. Also discuss how intolerance can be countered in a multicultural society like India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Human ValuesAttitude
Examine the different ethical issues involved in the use of public shaming as a punitive measure. Do you think this is an appropriate measure to address the problem of rising crime rates.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentProbity in Governance
"Periods of peace are the empty pages in the history books"
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Dimensions of EthicsWorld Thinkers
, "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion". In what ways can a compassionate public official be more useful for realizing public service goals?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Empathy and CompassionCivil Service Values
In the context of civil service, distinguish between moral and nonmoral values. Identify 5 basic moral values that can serve as foundational values for all services irrespective of the department. Give reasons why those values can be considered foundational.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Civil Service ValuesAptitude for Civil Service
Issues around economic inclusion are not just about income gaps, there are many dimensions of moral and ethical choices as well. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2016–2019
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Prescription of dresscode for women not only violates their liberty but also reflects outdated views on gender relations as well as proper conduct. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2016–2019
Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life
Instances of atrocities against dalits despite stringent legal measures point to the fact that the problem is not one of legality only but a matter of entrenched social prejudices and attitude. In this context suggest some effective measures to address the issue holistically.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2016–2019
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories