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.
Explain why altruism constitutes one of the core values in public life. In this regard, suggest some measures to foster altruistic behaviour in public services.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Human ValuesDedication to Public Service
Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Mahatma Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."- Marcus Aurelius
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
"Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love and compassion would have built the defences of peace."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service"- Martin Luther King.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Human ValuesDedication to Public Service
Discuss the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to the idea of social justice in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in Private and Public Life
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." - Albert Einstein
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. 10 (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 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
Environmental EthicsHuman Values
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
In light of the increasing incidents of suicides among students in India, discuss how Emotional Intelligence (EI) can aid in managing stress and emotional challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Emotional IntelligenceFamily, Society and Education
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 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of "cross-dressing" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Empathy and CompassionDimensions of Ethics
Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Mahatma Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand."- Sardar Patel
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Through their actions, interactions, and teachings, schools have the power to mold the moral compass of the next generation. In this perspective, discuss the significance of value-based education in preparing the youth to address the contemporary challenges of society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: 20 (a) Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom". - Thomas Jefferson
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Human ValuesIntegrity
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far." - Swami Vivekananda
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Your 16 year old cousin, Leena, loves to play basketball but her peers mock her short height, so much so that Leena has developed a negative attitude towards all sports. As a responsible elder cousin, how will you convince Leena to take up sports once again?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
Unstable marriages and families can lead to failures of moral development in children and overall moral decline in the society. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." Nelson Mandela
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Human ValuesDedication to Public Service
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
The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Dimensions of EthicsWorld Thinkers
Explain the concept of Sarvodaya with the help of examples from the lives of prominent personalities.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
The life and teachings of Guru Nanak presents a template for leading a life within the corridors of ethics and values. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
What are the various sources through which humans can judge the correctness of their actions? In the context of public life discuss how these sources are important in offering a clear and practical guidance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Sources of Ethical GuidanceEthics in Private and Public Life
Explain different aspects of the 'right conduct' taught by Mahavira to attain a life full of happiness and content.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
What does each of the following quotations mean to you? Peace is not mere absence of war; it is presence of justice
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Dimensions of EthicsWorld Thinkers
"Service without humility is selfishness and egotism." Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers