MAINS 2023/24

ETHICS
VALUE ADDED NOTES
pg. 2
 1. ACCOUNTABILITY

Definition: Accountability in the context of public service means being answerable to public for
any decision, act or omission. i.e. public scrutiny.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Lal Bahadur Shastri also Portugal's Health Vikram Sarabai “We don’t need just
resigned as Railway Minister Marta accepted the failure a democracy, we
Minister after Temido has resigned of ISRO first mission need accountable
accident...You can relate after a pregnant Indian without actually democracy.”-
this also. tourist died in Lisbon putting it on the Amartya Sen
in what is believed to mission head (APJ
be a direct Abdul Kalam). It also
consequence of her includes
decision to temporarily accountability to
close emergency public funds,
obstetric services. accountability to rule
of law etc.

2. ATTITUDES

Definition: Attitudes are

views, beliefs, or
evaluations of people
about something(the
attitude object). The
attitude object can be
towards aperson, place,
thing,ideology, or an
event. Attitudes can be
positive or negative.

pg. 3
 Administration
Historical Example Current Example Quotes
Based Example

India touching feet of An attitude change Attitude towards “Birds find shelter
elders is guided by programme in Haryana women- Equal pay for during a rain. But
attitude of giving showed promising Equal Sports. BCCI’s Eagle avoids rain by
respect to them. results, with latest announcement flying above the
participants exhibiting of equal match fees Clouds. Problems
gender-equitable for women and men. are common,
behaviours even two But this already done butattitude makes
years after the in Badminton. the difference”. -
programme ended. Abdul Kalam

3. APTITUDE

Definition: It is a natural ability or innate potential to learn or acquire a skill. It is a natural

tendency for successful learning of some specific set of skills,which can be further enhanced with
adequate knowledge and training. Aptitude + Training= Ability

Administration
Historical Example Current Example Quotes
Based Example

pg. 4
 4. BENEVOLENCE

Definition: Showing morally correct behaviour; inclination towards charity; ethical thinking;
disposition towards doing good and being kind.

Administration
Historical Example Current Example Quotes
Based Example

Nobel Peace Prize 1979 Antigua and Barbuda In 2020 President “Benevolence is the
to Mother Teresa: thanks PM Modi for Ram Nath Kovind characteristic
Mother Teresa demonstrating 'act of contributed his one element of
cancelled celebratory benevolence' by month salary to Prime humanity.”-
ceremonial dinner as distributing COVID-19 Minister’s relief fund Confucius
the money would vaccines. to fight novel corona
instead feed poor virus crisis.
people.

5. COMMITMENT

Definition: It is the dedication and passion towards a

particular task.It helps to achieve goals and not deviating for
them.

Administration
Historical Example Current Example Quotes
Based Example

Bhagat Singh’s The various vaccination G Babji, a traffic “Commitment is

commitment to campaigns show the police constable in what transforms a
independence. govt's commitment Hyderabad ran two promise into
towards vaccinating all kilometres to clear a reality”– Abhram
citizens. Recent traffic jam and make Lincoln
Pradhan Mantri TB way for an
Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. ambulance.

pg. 5
 6. CONSCIENCE

Definition: It is inner moral sense of a person which guides him/her to regulate his behaviour.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Swami Vivekananda or Bihar teacher listens to “There is a higher

Mahatma Gandhi are ‘conscience’, returns court than courts of
towering leaders who 33-month salary as no justice and that is
carry those soulful ears student turned up for the court of
to listen to the voice of his class for the past 33 conscience. It
conscience in the midst months. supersedes all other
of noises. courts.“- Mahatma
Gandhi

7. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Definition: It is a situation when there is a clash between

person’s public duty and private interests.

pg. 6
 Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Both judges on a
Supreme Court bench-
Justices D Y
Chandrachud and A S
Bopanna recusing from
hearing the Krishna
river water dispute
case just because they
hailed from
Maharashtra and
Karnataka.

8. COMPASSION

Definition: It is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune,
accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Setting an extraordinary Dr. Prakash Amte IAS Ake Ravi Krishna “Love and
example of living a life serving tribals in Adopted a whole compassion are
of compassion, service difficult terrains of village ridden with necessities, not
and courage, Savitribai Hemalkasa, violence; and also luxuries. Without
Phule became involved Maharashtra Enrolled for organ them humanity
in relief work during the donation. cannot survive.”––
1896 famine in Dalai Lama
Maharashtra and the
1897 Bubonic plague.
pg. 7
Mother Teresa has Basant Rath- A senior International
often been referred to IPS officer distributing Examples: Like
as an embodiment of free books to students, Vaccine, Medicine
compassion. Her selfless hailing from remote diplomacy
work for the poor and areas of J & K, in order
destitute till date is to help them crack
inspiring and spoken of. competitive
examinations.

9. DILIGENCE

Definition: It is the careful and persistent work or effort. It is similar to hard or sustained efforts
despite failure.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Gandhiji’s first hunger Diligence and tenacity Diligence will make a “The expectations of
strike as an example of of India helped it to civil servant go life depend upon
selfless diligence. emerge as a world beyond his office diligence; the
leader by assuming hours to complete the mechanic that
presidency of G20 assigned work. It will would perfect his
nations. Kerala make him/her put in work must first
Governor Arif extra effort in sharpen his tools.”
Mohammed Khan reaching out for Confucius
participation of
people and
undertaking better
due diligence in
regulatory
compliance.

10. DISPASSION

Definition: Rational and Impartial decision making are the true elements of a person having
dispassion.

pg. 8
 Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Courts should be The Election

dispassionate, and Commission of India
though people’s officials are expected
verdict should lead to a to demonstrate
course correction in a dispassion by
democracy, in certain ensuring that electoral
situations the courts processes are
are expected to play impartially monitored
the role of or supplant and regulated,
the Opposition without favoring any
(Former chief justice of particular political
India N V Ramana) party or candidate.

11. EMPATHY

Definition: It is the ability to emotionally

understand what other people feel, see
things from their point of view, and imagine
yourself in their place.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Mother Theresa has Two Bengaluru boys When the disabled “The highest form of
often known for with cancer get to person was unable sit knowledge is
empathetic behavior. become Deputy on chair, IAS empathy.”– Bill
Her selfless work for the Commissioner of Kaustubh Bullard
poor and destitute till Police for a day to fulfil Diwegaonkar himself
date is inspiring and their wishes. sat on floor along with
spoken of. him.

pg. 9
 12. EQUITY

Definition: Abiding by the rule of law, promoting equal access to resources, information and
influence, tackling any tendency towards privilege or discrimination.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Gandhiji promoted BCCI announces equal The GOI has taken “Justice will not be
equity through the pay for men and up many initiatives served until those
Harijan Movement. women cricketers as a part of who are unaffected
affirmative action to are as outraged as
ensure the those who are.”-
development and Benjamin Franklin
upliftment of the
weaker sections of
the society. This
ensures that they
have a fair chance
at opportunities.

pg. 10
 13. EXCELLENCE

Definition: It is the relentless pursuit of greatness, going above and beyond average or ordinary
performance.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Mother Teresa, who Neeraj Chopra on Krishnanunni H, “If I cannot do great

dedicated her life to Diamond League win, District Collector of things, I can do small
helping the poor and His talent, dedication Erode in Tamil Nadu, things in a great
marginalized, exemplify and relentless for who won the award way”-
excellence in social excellence helps him to under the Excellence Martin Luther King
activism and won India's first-ever in Governance Jr
humanitarian work. Olympic gold medal in Awards- Healthcare
track and field (javelin category for a simple
throw) in 2021 and also idea that connected a
win Diamond League. remote tribal hamlet
to the nearest
healthcare facility
using a 5 GHz wireless
system.

14. ETHICAL GOVERNANCE

Definition: It implies not just efficiency and effectiveness, but governance must display high
standards of morality like integrity, probity, compassion, impartiality, justice etc.

pg. 11
 Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Dr. Rajendra Prasad's Centralised Public Mission Karmayogi “The basic idea of
ethical leadership and Grievance Redress and aim to build efficiency, governance, as I see
commitment to the Monitoring System accountability, and it, is to hold the
nation's welfare set a (CPGRAMS) is an transparency in society together so
high standard for online platform bureaucracy with the that it can develop
subsequent presidents. available to the citizens larger aim of and march towards
24x7 to lodge their providing ethical certain goals.”- Lal
grievances to the governance. Bahadur Shastri
public authorities on
any subject related to
service delivery.

15. ETHICAL EGOISM

Definition: It asserts that individuals have a moral right to pursue their own happiness, fulfillment,
and personal goals above the interests of others.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

While giving free

vaccines in pandemic
are the responsibility
of the government, but
political advertising for
it is seen as a self
interest.

pg. 12
 16. ENTHUSIASM

Definition: It is a strong and intense feeling of excitement, passion, and interest in something.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Prominent authors like Enthusiasm of cricket “Enthusiasm is a

Rabindranath Tagore, fans during IPL or the supernatural
Bankim Chandra ICC Cricket World Cup serenity”.- Henry
Chattopadhyay, and is extraordinary. David Thoreau
Sarojini Naidu penned
patriotic poems and
songs, stirring the
emotions of the people
and instilling a sense of
nationalistic pride and
enthusiasm.

17. FAITHFULNESS

Definition: The quality of being loyal, committed, and steadfast in one's actions, promises, or
obligations.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Subhas Chandra Bose, Neerja Bhanot, a flight “It is better to be

displayed immense attendant for Pan Am, faithful than
faithfulness to the cause displayed famous”.- Theodore
of freeing India from extraordinary Roosevelt
British rule. He formed faithfulness and
the Indian National courage during the
Army (INA). hijacking of Pan Am
Flight 73 in 1986.

pg. 13
 18. FORGIVENESS

Definition: It is the act of pardoning or letting go of feelings of resentment, anger, or the desire for
revenge towards someone who has caused harm, hurt, or offense.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

The forgiveness The Campaign for "The weak can never

demonstrated by Mercy is an initiative forgive. Forgiveness
Nelson Mandela, the launched by the is the attribute of
South African anti- parents of murdered the strong." -
apartheid revolutionary children, Kavita and Dr. Mahatma Gandhi
and President, has had a Vipin Jain. They
profound impact on actively advocate for
people worldwide, forgiveness and work
including India. towards the abolition
of the death penalty.

pg. 14
 19. FEARLESSNESS

Definition: It is the state of being free from fear or the ability to confront and overcome fear.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Mangal Pandey in 1857, Despite facing tough IAS Officer Durga “Don't be pushed
during the Sepoy opponents, Lovlina Shakti Nagpal (UP around by the fears
Mutiny, Pandey Borgohain fearlessly cadre) is known for in your mind. Be led
exhibited fearlessness displayed her boxing her fearless attitude by the dreams in
by defying British orders skills and when she disclosed your heart”.- Roy T.
and initiating a revolt determination, the illegal sand Bennett
against the oppressive becoming the second mining business on
British regime. Indian female boxer to the banks of Yamuna.
win an Olympic medal.

20. FRATERNITY

Definition: It means that all the citizens should behave members of the same family. No one
should treat a fellow citizen as inferior.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Saints and poets like Madhya Pradesh Ek Bharat Shresth “I like the religion
Kabir, Ravidas, and witnessed a gesture of Bharat initiative that teaches liberty,
Guru Nanak preached brotherhood when a which collaborates equality and
the message of Muslim man donated two states in different fraternity”. -B. R.
universal love and his land for the last two different regions Ambedkar
brotherhood, rites of a Jain monk for cultural
transcending caste and collaboration.
creed.

pg. 15
 21. FORTITUDE

Definition: It refers to mental or emotional strength and resilience in facing adversity, danger, or
difficulty.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Bhagat Singh displayed Throughout the Tukaram Omble- “Fortitude is marshal

fortitude in his fight ongoing COVID-19 During 26/11 terror of thought, armour
against British colonial pandemic, healthcare attack in Mumbai, of the will and the
rule. Despite knowing workers, including Omble stood in front fort of reason.”-
the risks involved, he doctors, nurses, and of Ajmal Kasab and Francis Bacon
fearlessly challenged other medical staff, held on to the barrel
the British through acts have shown immense of Kasab's rifle, thus
of protest. fortitude in their preventing the bullets
tireless efforts to save from hitting anyone
lives and provide care else but him. The rest
to those affected by of the team managed
the virus. to overpower and
apprehend Kasab.
Omble took over 40
bullets from an Ak-47
at point blank range
and accepted
martyrdom.

pg. 16
 22. FRUGALITY

Definition: It is a practice or mindset characterized by the careful and deliberate management of

resources, particularly in relation to money and material possessions

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Gandhi ji was known for Frugal approach by "Being frugal does

his frugality and GOI ensures that not mean being
simplicity. subsidies reach those cheap! It means
who truly need them beingeconomical
while reducing the and avoiding
overall financial waste."- Catherine
burden on the Pulsifer
government.

23. GENEROSITY

Definition: It is a quality or virtue characterized by a willingness to give, share, or provide

resources, time, or support to others without expecting anything in return.

pg. 17
 Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Jamsetji Tata, the The spirit and “Real generosity is

founder of the Tata generosity of the Odia doing something
Group, demonstrated people stood out nice for someone
generosity through his (hundreds of people who will never find
philanthropic initiatives. reached the spot to out.” – Frank A.
rescue the injured, Clark
donate blood) in the
midst of the balasore
train collision.

24. GRATITUDE

Definition: It is a positive emotion and an attitude of thankfulness or appreciation for something

or someone.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Chhatrapati Shivaji IAS Suhas LY, when he Gratitude towards “Joy is the simplest
Maharaj, the founder of won the Paralympic doctors and form of gratitude.”
the Maratha Empire, silver medal,he healthcare workers (UPSC Essay 2017)
held great respect and extended gratitude to during COVID-19.
gratitude towards his his upbringing and
spiritual guru, Samarth people in his life
Ramdas. despite having
challenges in his life.

pg. 18
 25. Harmony

Definition: It refers to the concept of creating and maintaining a state of balance, cooperation,
and peaceful coexistence among individuals, communities, and the natural world.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Langar at Gurudwara The temple of Jwala “Happiness is when

exemplifies social Mata comes to life what you think,
harmony by providing a every year on Ashad what you say, and
platform for people Chaturdashi as what you do are in
from diverse Muslims and Hindus harmony.” -
backgrounds to come alike throng it to mark Mahatma Gandhi
together and share a the birthday of the
meal, breaking barriers presiding deity and
and promoting equality. offer their prayers to
her.

pg. 19
 26. Honesty

Definition: It is the quality of being trustworthy and free from deceit.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Gandhi ji preached and In 2019, an auto-

practiced honesty in all rickshaw driver Rajesh,
aspects of life, and his returned a bag
integrity played a containing 7.75 lakh
significant role in rupees to a passenger
inspiring millions of who had forgotten it in
people. his vehicle.

27. Humility

Definition: As an ethical principle encourages individuals to avoid excessive self-importance, pride,

and the desire for excessive recognition or validation.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Gandhi ji always gave When the cavalcade of Katihar district “Humility is not
credit to others for their President Draupadi magistrate Udyan thinking less of
contribution and was Murmu returned, a Mishra sits on floor yourself, it's thinking
responsive to the needs bigger crowd was and eats midday meal of yourself less.”- CS
of the people. waiting near the with kids. Lewis
school. That’s when
she stopped the
vehicle, got out,
interacted with the
kids and gave them
chocolates.

pg. 20
 28. Impartiality

Definition: It refers to the quality or state of being fair, unbiased, and neutral in making
judgments, decisions, or assessments.

Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Dr B.R.Ambedkar's Throughout the Judicial impartiality is "The impartiality of

commitment to social COVID-19 pandemic so important that it is history is not that of
justice and equality health professionals a fundamental reason the mirror, which
reflected his impartiality have put their personal for the constitution’s merely reflects
in addressing the biases aside and creation of the three objects, but of the
historical injustices and treated individuals separate branches of judge, who sees,
discrimination faced by without discrimination government. listens, and
these communities. based on factors such decides." Alphonse
as caste, religion, or de Lamartine
socio-economic status.

. PERSUASION

Definition: It means the process of changing the views, opinion and of others along the pre
intended direction done by public servant for common good and progressive changes.

pg. 21
 Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

Bhoodan and Gramdan Gurugram Municipal ECI persuading “If you would
movement Corporation to give young voters to persuade, you must
"Family sanitation register and practice appeal to interest
Challan book" to their power of rather than
"Swachata captain" franchise. intellect.”––
children who will write Benjamin Franklin
"Challan" to Family
members For unhygienic
habits.

Shop picketing during Enlarged picture Swach Bharat “Character may

Swadeshi and boycott depicting lungs cancer movement almost be called the
movement on tobacco product. and Ujjwala most effective
Yojana’s give it up means of
campaign persuasion.”––
Aristotle

30. INTEGRITY

Definition: It is consistency of thought, speech and action while adhering to highest moral
standards.

pg. 22
 Administration
Historical Examples Current Examples Quotes
Based Example

M. K. Gandhi believed Erode Collector R. Mr. Ashok Khemka “What you profess is
in non- violence and Ananda Kumar (a 1991 batch IAS what you practice -
stood for it even in admitted his daughter officer of the .”–– Gandhiji
adversity there by in the government Haryana Cadre) who
withdrawing Non- school. This was has been transferred
Cooperation Movement consistent to his belief 51st times in his 24
after Chauri Chaura in quality of education years of Civil Service
non- violence. in public schools. career.

Lal Bahadur Shastri IAS officer Saumya Personalities with “Whoever is careless
condemned US attack Pandey cut short her highest degree of with the truth in
on Vietnam despite maternity leaves and integrity are T N small matters
threat of cancellation of joined service within Sheshan, Tukaram cannot be trusted
food subsidy by U.S. few days after delivery, Mundhe, Abdul with important
to serve the society Kalam. matters.” –– Albert
during covid-19 crisis Einstein

pg. 23