Get detailed insights and explanations for UPSC Papers 4. Analyze past questions and answers to master Geography, History, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Ethics.

UPSC Mains-GSM4 Syllabus Overview:

• Ethics and Human Interface:
  • Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Actions
  • Dimensions of Ethics
  • Ethics in Private and Public Relationships
  • Human Values Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators
  • Emotional Intelligence: Concepts, Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance
  • Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World
  • Role of Family in Inculcating Values
  • Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values
  • Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion
  • Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards the weaker-sections
  • Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service
  • Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions
  • Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems; Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance
  • Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service Delivery
  • Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption
  • Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to Information
  • Corporate Governance
  • Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding
  • Case Studies on above issues

....UPSC Mains PYQ's - 2023

Que.1: What do you understand by ‘moral integrity’ and ‘professional efficiency’ in the context of corporate governance in India? Illustrate with suitable examples.(10m)

• Moral integrity in corporate governance refers to adherence to ethical principles, honesty, and transparency in decision-making and conduct.
• Professional efficiency entails competence, skill, and effectiveness in carrying out responsibilities and achieving organizational objectives.
• In the context of corporate governance in India:
• 1. Moral integrity: Tata Group's commitment to ethical practices, as demonstrated by their handling of the Tata Sons-Cyrus Mistry dispute with transparency and fairness.
• 2. Professional efficiency: Infosys's successful transition under CEO Salil Parekh, who improved operational efficiency and revived growth through strategic initiatives.
• By upholding moral integrity and professional efficiency, companies enhance trust among stakeholders, foster sustainable growth, and contribute to the overall development of the economy.

Que.2: Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples.(10m)

• Moral intuition: Moral intuition refers to the immediate, instinctive understanding or feeling about what is right or wrong without conscious reasoning.
• Moral reasoning: Moral reasoning involves deliberate, systematic thinking or analysis based on moral principles and logical deductions to determine the right course of action.
• Examples:
• 1. Moral intuition: A person witnessing a child in distress immediately feels the urge to help without needing to analyze the situation. This intuitive response is guided by a sense of empathy and compassion.
• 2. Moral reasoning: In a dilemma involving conflicting moral principles, such as the choice between truthfulness and loyalty, an individual engages in moral reasoning by considering the consequences, duties, and ethical principles involved before making a decision.
• While moral intuition relies on gut feelings and emotions, moral reasoning involves conscious reflection and analysis, often leading to more nuanced ethical judgments.

Que.3: Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. (10m)

• Conscience and legal regulations serve as two distinct guides in ethical decision-making, each with its own merits and limitations.
• While laws, rules, and regulations provide a structured framework based on societal norms and values, conscience operates on an individual's inner moral compass.
• Conscience, being intrinsic to an individual, reflects personal values, beliefs, and principles, often guiding decisions beyond legal boundaries.
• However, reliance solely on conscience may lead to subjective judgments influenced by personal biases, emotions, and cultural conditioning.
• Legal regulations, on the other hand, ensure uniformity, fairness, and accountability in society but may lack flexibility to address every ethical dilemma.
• In ethical decision-making, a balanced approach that integrates both conscience and legal guidelines is often advocated, allowing individuals to consider moral principles alongside legal obligations.
• Ultimately, while conscience may provide invaluable insights into moral dilemmas, adherence to legal frameworks is essential for upholding societal order and justice.

Que.4: “What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ – not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.” Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.(10m)

• Yes, I agree with the view that emotional skills, measured by EQ, are crucial for success, character, happiness, and lifelong achievements.
• While cognitive abilities assessed by IQ tests are important, emotional intelligence plays a significant role in interpersonal relationships, self-awareness, and resilience.
• Individuals with high emotional intelligence can effectively manage stress, communicate empathetically, and navigate complex social situations, leading to greater personal and professional success.
• Moreover, emotional intelligence fosters ethical decision-making, empathy towards others, and collaborative teamwork, enhancing overall well-being and satisfaction in life.
• In today's dynamic and interconnected world, where teamwork, adaptability, and empathy are valued, emotional skills often determine an individual's ability to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

Que.5: What does the quotation convey to you in the present context? “The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” — Mahatma Gandhi (10m)

• The quotation by Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes the transformative power of kindness and compassion over religious rituals.
• In the present context, it suggests that simple acts of kindness, such as helping others, showing empathy, or spreading love, have a greater impact on society than religious rituals or prayers.
• Gandhi's message underscores the importance of practical compassion and social action in addressing the challenges faced by humanity.
• It encourages individuals to prioritize kindness and empathy in their interactions with others, promoting harmony, understanding, and unity in diverse communities.
• Overall, the quotation highlights the profound influence of small acts of kindness in creating a more compassionate and caring society, echoing Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and universal love.

Que.6: What does the quotation convey to you in the present context? “To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.”– Jawaharlal Nehru (10m)?

• The quotation by Jawaharlal Nehru underscores the pivotal role of women in driving social change and progress.
• In the present context, it emphasizes the importance of empowering women as agents of change, as their empowerment leads to the advancement of families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
• Nehru's message highlights that when women are educated, empowered, and given equal opportunities, they become catalysts for development and societal transformation.
• It suggests that by investing in women's education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, societies can unlock their full potential and achieve sustainable development goals.
• Overall, the quotation underscores the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment in fostering inclusive growth and progress at all levels of society.

Que.7: What does the quotation convey to you in the present context? “Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.”—Swami Vivekananda (10m)

• Swami Vivekananda's quote emphasizes the power of love and the consequences of hatred.
• In the present context, it underscores the importance of cultivating love and compassion towards others instead of harboring feelings of hatred.
• The quote suggests that the energy we emit through our emotions and actions eventually returns to us, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experiences.
• By advocating love over hatred, Vivekananda encourages individuals to contribute positively to their own well-being and that of society as a whole.
• Overall, the quotation promotes the idea of cultivating love, forgiveness, and understanding as essential components of personal and collective harmony.

Que.8: What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (10m)

• Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of unity, equality, and the worship of one God.
• He promoted the concept of "Ik Onkar," emphasizing the oneness of God and the unity of humankind.
• Guru Nanak rejected the caste system and preached the equality of all human beings, regardless of their social or economic status.
• He advocated for selfless service to others (Seva) and emphasized the importance of honest living and hard work.
• Guru Nanak promoted tolerance, compassion, and love for all, irrespective of religious or cultural differences.
• In the contemporary world, Guru Nanak's teachings hold significant relevance as they advocate for social justice, human rights, and religious harmony.
• His emphasis on equality and fraternity resonates with modern-day movements for gender equality, social inclusion, and diversity.
• Guru Nanak's teachings inspire individuals to live a life of integrity, compassion, and service to humanity, contributing to a more harmonious and equitable society.

Que.9: In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples. (10m)

• Coercion: Coercion refers to the act of using force or threats to make someone do something against their will.
• Example: An employer threatening to terminate an employee if they refuse to work overtime without pay.
• Undue Influence: Undue influence occurs when one party takes advantage of their position of power or authority to exert influence over another party's decision-making.
• Example: A supervisor offering a promotion to an employee in exchange for personal favors or compliance with unethical practices.
• In summary, coercion involves explicit force or threats, while undue influence involves exploiting a position of power or authority to manipulate another person's choices.