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.
"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation". Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Indian ThinkersWorld Thinkers
“Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.”
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
IntegrityCivil Service Values
'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
The mind of the superior man is conversant with righteousness; the mind of the mean man is conversant with gain. Confucius.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
World ThinkersHuman Values
"The State took taxes from the people only to ensure their prosperity in return like the sun takes moisture from the earth only to give it back in thousandfold measure." Kalidasa. Explain the Indian concept of "giving it back" and its relevance as a guiding value for civil servants.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Dedication to Public ServiceProbity in Governance
What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Dimensions of EthicsEmpathy and Compassion
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. – Martin Luther King Jr.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
Courage is the first of human qualities because it's the quality that guarantees the others.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
A. "It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life." In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him". - J Krishnamurti
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
The Indian education system suffers from many ills. One of the major issues is the focus on 'rote learning', which has been the staple of the Indian education system for many years. While many Indians have attained success despite this system, simply being able to recall information is not enough in today's world when that information is instantly available to anyone on a mobile phone. A survey of 200 Indian and foreign companies found that only 14% of Indian graduates were prepared for the workforce, largely because most graduates were unable to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) What are the consequences of 'rote learning' on the educational development of young students in the country? (b) Suggest measures that can be taken to address this issue.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
Recently you were posted as a District Magistrate of a predominantly agricultural district, which has been one of the best performers in agriculture since the last decade. In one of your field visits, you find that the large landowners, who are a socially, politically and economically powerful group, employ domestic helps and agriculture labour who are informally tied to them and have been working there since generations. In return, these workers are provided basic amenities like food and shelter apart from some money. However, you do sense a violation of basic human rights in this situation. In light of the above case, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the stakeholders, their interests and ethical issues involved in the case. (b) How does denial of choice amount to violation of human rights? (c) What course of action would you take? Give reasons.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government
"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen." Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Ethics in Private and Public LifeLaw and Morality
While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
You are the Managing Director of a multinational company that prides on hiring people from diverse backgrounds. The company also chooses multiple projects under Corporate Social Responsibility that are geared towards social inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable sections of the society. Miss 'X' who works in your office tells you that she has been diagnosed with HIV. It happened due to malpractice by a medical practitioner who re-used a contaminated syringe that led Miss 'X' to contract the disease. The company has strict policies about toleration and you ensure Miss 'X' that she can continue with her job in the company without facing any form of discrimination. A few days after the revelation, Miss 'X' angrily submits her resignation letter. She states that she has faced discrimination at the workplace everyday after the revelation. Her colleagues are hesitant to eat lunch with her, they make sure they do not drink water from the same source and the females in the office comment on her marital status. She is also asked to sit separately during departmental discussions. She intends to sue the company for mental harassment. If she takes the step, the public image of the company will be maligned and its non-discriminatory policies will be questioned. The following are some suggested options for you to deal with the situation as a Managing Director of the company. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options: (a) You accept her resignation and suggest a compensation package so that she refrains from suing the company. (b) You persuade her not to submit her resignation and transfer her to another department. (c) You ask her to continue with her job and take strict action against the colleagues who discriminated against her Also, state (without necessarily restricting to the above options) your course of action, giving proper reasons.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Corporate GovernanceEmpathy and Compassion
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
"Family, society, and education do not merely transmit values they shape the ethical foundation of public life." Discuss how these institutions influence value formation in public servants. Why is the role of these institutions critical in strengthening ethical governance?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. "To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
"If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars."-Rabindranath Tagore
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally." In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Indian ThinkersCivil Service Values
We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. 10 (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both." What does this quotation mean to you? Explain with an example.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2016–2019
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
A. “There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.” Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Corporate GovernanceCivil Service Values
Given the effects that cultural attitudes about menstruation have on women, there is need to follow a strategic approach in combating these. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion
"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics