Ethics Micro-Themes (UPSC GS4)
📄 Download Full Ethics Micro-Themes PDF1. Integrity
Definition: Consistency between thoughts, words and actions. A core foundational value in public service.
Micro Theme: Integrity eliminates corruption, ensures transparency, and builds citizen trust.
Answer Pointer: In administration, integrity promotes timely delivery of services, protects public resources, and strengthens institutional legitimacy.
2. Objectivity
Definition: Decisions based on facts, evidence and merit rather than bias or emotion.
Micro Theme: Essential for fair recruitment, policing, welfare distribution and justice delivery.
Answer Pointer: Objectivity prevents favouritism and ensures uniform application of rules, strengthening good governance.
3. Compassion
Definition: Emotional understanding of others’ suffering and a desire to help.
Micro Theme: Creates citizen-friendly administration, especially for vulnerable groups.
Answer Pointer: Compassion helps balance strict rule enforcement with humanitarian considerations.
4. Accountability
Definition: Obligation of a public servant to justify actions.
Micro Theme: Ensures transparency, prevents misuse of power, and strengthens democratic culture.
Answer Pointer: Tools include RTI, vigilance, social audits, parliamentary oversight.
5. Leadership (Ethical)
Definition: Leading by values, inspiring others ethically.
Micro Theme: Ethical leadership shapes organisational culture and improves public trust.
Answer Pointer: Civil servants with moral courage guide teams during crises with fairness and compassion.
More micro-themes WILL be added: Empathy, Honesty, Courage, Probity, Emotional Intelligence, Public Service Values.