UPSC Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS : 18 June 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same
General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Q1. How do rediscovered substructures in stupas inform us about ritual evolution and architectural continuity in early Indian Buddhism? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Reference: NIE
Why the question: Recent excavations undertaken at the Tejpur Deora Stupa, also known as ‘Kesariya Stupa’, have exposed the true extent of the architecturally-imposing structure in Bihar’s East Champaran. Key Demand of the question: The question requires examining how rediscovered substructures reveal shifts in Buddhist ritual practices and demonstrate continuity in architectural techniques and design traditions. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Mention how stupas serve as both sacred and archaeological records of evolving Buddhist traditions. Body Highlight how rediscovered layers show changes in ritual practices, such as movement from symbolic to image-based worship. Explain how architectural continuity is seen in layered construction, reuse of materials, and preservation of design elements over time. Conclusion Suggest how such excavations enrich understanding of India’s religious history and underscore the need for proactive heritage conservation.
Why the question: Recent excavations undertaken at the Tejpur Deora Stupa, also known as ‘Kesariya Stupa’, have exposed the true extent of the architecturally-imposing structure in Bihar’s East Champaran.
Key Demand of the question: The question requires examining how rediscovered substructures reveal shifts in Buddhist ritual practices and demonstrate continuity in architectural techniques and design traditions.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Mention how stupas serve as both sacred and archaeological records of evolving Buddhist traditions.
• Highlight how rediscovered layers show changes in ritual practices, such as movement from symbolic to image-based worship.
• Explain how architectural continuity is seen in layered construction, reuse of materials, and preservation of design elements over time.
Conclusion Suggest how such excavations enrich understanding of India’s religious history and underscore the need for proactive heritage conservation.
Introduction
The buried layers of ancient stupas reveal a stratified record of ritual innovations and architectural endurance, enriching our understanding of Buddhism’s evolving material culture.
Ritual evolution in early Buddhism
• Wider circumambulatory paths reflect enhanced collective ritual movement: Rediscovered pathways show increasing emphasis on public ritual participation through expanded pradakshina. Eg: Kesariya Stupa unearthed a crescent-shaped outer path, expanding beyond earlier known boundaries
• Eg: Kesariya Stupa unearthed a crescent-shaped outer path, expanding beyond earlier known boundaries
• Presence of Buddha icons marks a shift to image-based devotion: Subterranean cells housing Buddha images indicate a doctrinal transition from aniconic to Mahayana worship. Eg: Stucco images of seated Buddha found on the third terrace of Kesariya reflect Mahayana influence
• Eg: Stucco images of seated Buddha found on the third terrace of Kesariya reflect Mahayana influence
• Cellular structures show formalisation of monastic rituals: Discovery of ritual-specific enclosed spaces points to growing institutionalisation of meditation and ritual practice. Eg: Two meditation cells at Kesariya housed ritual Buddha figures, showing structured devotional usage.
• Eg: Two meditation cells at Kesariya housed ritual Buddha figures, showing structured devotional usage.
• Drainage and floors reveal adaptation for congregational gatherings: Ritual floors with drainage suggest mass congregation planning and emphasis on hygienic sacred space. Eg: Lime-plastered brick floors and drains uncovered in Kesariya indicate large-scale ritual use.
• Eg: Lime-plastered brick floors and drains uncovered in Kesariya indicate large-scale ritual use.
• Use of ritual flooring materials indicates standardisation in sacred design: Materials like brick jelly and lime plaster point to a refined and consistent ritual architectural grammar. Eg: Brick jelly top with kankar base discovered in substructures shows standardised flooring
• Eg: Brick jelly top with kankar base discovered in substructures shows standardised flooring
Architectural continuity across time
• Layered terraces show evolution without erasure of older structures: Each new layer retained the sanctity of the previous, showing a non-destructive architectural progression. Eg: 7th terrace found beneath Kesariya’s base illustrates vertical evolution over time.
• Eg: 7th terrace found beneath Kesariya’s base illustrates vertical evolution over time.
• Use of consistent brickwork shows continuity in construction methods: Similarity in size, binding, and layering indicates sustained architectural traditions across dynasties. Eg: Brick styles at Kesariya and Lauria Nandangarh reveal shared regional construction patterns.
• Eg: Brick styles at Kesariya and Lauria Nandangarh reveal shared regional construction patterns.
• Cylindrical drum structure remains a symbolic constant: The persistence of the drum design across sites reflects continuity of sacred symbolism in Buddhist stupas. Eg: Drum forms at Sanchi, Kesariya, and Amravati display consistent design lineage.
• Eg: Drum forms at Sanchi, Kesariya, and Amravati display consistent design lineage.
• Use of fired bricks and lime plaster signals enduring material traditions: These choices show a long-standing architectural vocabulary across centuries. Eg: Identical brick-lime compositions in Kesariya and Sarnath support continuity in sacred architecture – IGNCA Reports
• Eg: Identical brick-lime compositions in Kesariya and Sarnath support continuity in sacred architecture – IGNCA Reports
• Vertical additions indicate ritual layering over time: Later structures were built above older ones, preserving the ritual core of the original monument. Eg: From Mauryan to Gupta era, Kesariya expanded vertically, retaining original sacred base.
• Eg: From Mauryan to Gupta era, Kesariya expanded vertically, retaining original sacred base.
Conclusion
Rediscovered stupa substructures act as archaeological palimpsests—preserving centuries of ritual innovation and architectural continuity that collectively narrate the enduring legacy of Indian Buddhism.
Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century
Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century
Q2. Kissinger’s diplomacy in West Asia reflected a blend of realism and restraint. Critically examine this approach. Analyse its influence on Cold War power balancing. Evaluate its relevance in the 21st century multipolar world. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Reference: TH
Why the question: In the context of 50 years since Kissinger’s 1975 peace efforts and the revival of great power diplomacy in West Asia amid current multipolar geopolitics. Key Demand of the question: The answer must critically examine the realist and restrained nature of Kissinger’s diplomacy, analyse how it impacted Cold War superpower equations, and assess its applicability in current multipolar global affairs. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Briefly highlight Kissinger’s role as a Cold War strategist using West Asia diplomacy to prevent escalation and secure U.S. interests. Body Kissinger’s approach: Show how realism and strategic restraint shaped his diplomacy in West Asia. Cold War balancing: Analyse how it served to weaken Soviet influence and recalibrate regional power alignments. Contemporary relevance: Evaluate the utility and limitations of such diplomacy in today’s multipolar, non-state driven conflict landscape. Conclusion Emphasise the need to adapt realist frameworks to today’s inclusive, justice-oriented diplomacy for sustainable peace.
Why the question: In the context of 50 years since Kissinger’s 1975 peace efforts and the revival of great power diplomacy in West Asia amid current multipolar geopolitics.
Key Demand of the question: The answer must critically examine the realist and restrained nature of Kissinger’s diplomacy, analyse how it impacted Cold War superpower equations, and assess its applicability in current multipolar global affairs.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Briefly highlight Kissinger’s role as a Cold War strategist using West Asia diplomacy to prevent escalation and secure U.S. interests.
• Kissinger’s approach: Show how realism and strategic restraint shaped his diplomacy in West Asia.
• Cold War balancing: Analyse how it served to weaken Soviet influence and recalibrate regional power alignments.
• Contemporary relevance: Evaluate the utility and limitations of such diplomacy in today’s multipolar, non-state driven conflict landscape.
Conclusion Emphasise the need to adapt realist frameworks to today’s inclusive, justice-oriented diplomacy for sustainable peace.
Introduction Kissinger’s post-1973 diplomacy was a masterclass in pragmatic engagement—aiming to freeze conflicts, realign allies, and preserve American strategic dominance through limited, calculated peace rather than justice-driven solutions.
Kissinger’s approach: A blend of realism and restraint
• Strategic interests over ideological alignment: Kissinger aligned with regimes that secured U.S. regional leverage
• Eg: Sinai II Agreement (1975) prioritised Israeli-Egyptian disengagement while ignoring the Palestinian right to self-determination, securing Egypt’s pivot to the U.S.
• Stepwise disengagement: Diplomacy was driven by achievable, incremental goals instead of idealistic endgames
• Eg: Through shuttle diplomacy (1974–75), Kissinger brokered phased military pullbacks between Israel, Egypt, and Syria without proposing a long-term peace vision.
• Controlled escalation: Kissinger restrained superpower involvement while allowing regional adjustments
• Eg: During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, he delayed ceasefire implementation to let Israel regain ground while avoiding direct Soviet intervention.
• Oil geopolitics as a peace driver: Diplomacy was shaped by energy security imperatives
• Eg: Following the 1973 Arab oil embargo, Kissinger stabilised ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran to ensure reliable U.S. access to Gulf oil supplies.
• Exclusion of complex actors: Simplified negotiations by avoiding non-state and multilateral participation
• Eg: The PLO was deliberately excluded from early peace talks, postponing Palestinian representation until the Madrid Conference (1991).
Influence on Cold War power balancing
• Shift of Arab powers from Soviet to U.S. bloc: Diplomacy realigned key players in favour of Washington
• Eg: Anwar Sadat’s Egypt, once aligned with the USSR, decisively moved towards the U.S. after Kissinger’s mediation post-1973 war.
• Flexible bloc-building: U.S. promoted regional alliances based on strategic compatibility over ideological affinity
• Eg: The U.S. deepened ties with authoritarian allies like the Shah of Iran and the Saudi monarchy, ensuring a pro-Western buffer against Soviet influence.
• Counterweight to Soviet proxies: Kissinger’s diplomacy diplomatically isolated hardline Soviet-aligned regimes
• Eg: The 1974 Golan Heights disengagement agreement limited Syrian military options and curbed Soviet leverage in Damascus.
• Stabilising regional fronts for global gains: Reduced volatility in West Asia helped the U.S. pursue détente and Asian realignments
• Eg: West Asian stability enabled the U.S.-China rapprochement (1972) and SALT II talks, while freeing U.S. bandwidth from Middle Eastern entanglements.
• Tactical arms diplomacy: U.S. weapon flows built military dependencies that cemented Cold War loyalties
• Eg: Post-1973, U.S. military aid to Israel tripled, turning Israel into a long-term strategic partner within the U.S. Cold War framework.
Relevance in the 21st century multipolar world
• Return of power-based diplomacy: Realism is again dominating international peace negotiations
• Eg: The China-brokered Iran-Saudi agreement (2023) reflected Kissingerian pragmatism—focusing on strategic accommodation over ideological transformation.
• Strategic ambiguity in multipolarity: Countries are increasingly adopting non-aligned, flexible approaches
• Eg: India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war balances Western engagement with BRICS commitments, echoing Kissinger-style restraint.
• Challenges with non-state actors: Traditional diplomacy fails in asymmetric, identity-based conflicts
• Eg: In the 2023–24 Israel-Hamas conflict, state-to-state models were inadequate for resolving deeper political and cultural grievances.
• Short-term stability vs long-term legitimacy: Realist deals often avoid structural injustice, leading to recurring crises
• Eg: The Doha Agreement with the Taliban (2020) enabled U.S. withdrawal but triggered regime collapse and humanitarian disaster soon after.
• Lessons for Indian foreign policy: Blending strategic realism with inclusive regional engagement is essential
• Eg: India’s balanced ties in West Asia via I2U2, INSTC, and Operation Dost (2023) reflect a hybrid approach combining power and compassion.
Conclusion Kissinger’s strategy of calculated restraint remains instructive in a volatile world, but diplomacy today must look beyond containment and control—to create peace that is participatory, just, and resilient in a multipolar age.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
Q3. “Delays in India’s district judiciary stem from deeper failures of institutional design rather than mere underfunding”. Discuss. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Reference: IE
Why the question: The persistent delays in India’s district judiciary have become a structural governance issue, especially with recent debates (2025) shifting focus from resource crunch to institutional design failures highlighted by legal scholars and reports. Key Demand of the question: The question requires examining how delays are rooted in systemic design flaws beyond funding issues, analysing the consequences of such delays on justice delivery, and suggesting comprehensive institutional reforms. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Mention the growing pendency despite financial investments and expansion of judges, highlighting institutional design as the core issue. Body: Deeper failures of institutional design causing delays: Discuss opaque disciplinary systems, flawed performance metrics, frequent transfers, weak judicial administration, and underutilisation of technology. Implications: Explain public trust erosion, socio-economic burdens, backlog amplification, distortion of legal outcomes, and corruption perception. Solutions: Suggest reforms in disciplinary transparency, complexity-based performance evaluation, transfer stability, administrative separation, and digital integration. Conclusion: Conclude by emphasising that judicial governance reforms are essential to uphold constitutional promises of timely and effective justice.
Why the question: The persistent delays in India’s district judiciary have become a structural governance issue, especially with recent debates (2025) shifting focus from resource crunch to institutional design failures highlighted by legal scholars and reports.
Key Demand of the question: The question requires examining how delays are rooted in systemic design flaws beyond funding issues, analysing the consequences of such delays on justice delivery, and suggesting comprehensive institutional reforms.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Mention the growing pendency despite financial investments and expansion of judges, highlighting institutional design as the core issue.
• Deeper failures of institutional design causing delays: Discuss opaque disciplinary systems, flawed performance metrics, frequent transfers, weak judicial administration, and underutilisation of technology.
• Implications: Explain public trust erosion, socio-economic burdens, backlog amplification, distortion of legal outcomes, and corruption perception.
• Solutions: Suggest reforms in disciplinary transparency, complexity-based performance evaluation, transfer stability, administrative separation, and digital integration.
Conclusion: Conclude by emphasising that judicial governance reforms are essential to uphold constitutional promises of timely and effective justice.
Introduction: The district judiciary, handling over 87% of India’s total pending cases (NJA, 2024), suffers not due to lack of resources alone but because of systemic design failures undermining judicial efficiency.
Deeper failures of institutional design causing delays
• Opaque disciplinary mechanisms: Fear of arbitrary action restricts judicial independence. Eg: District Judge K Ganesan’s dismissal (Madras HC, 2021) based on hearsay evidence illustrates the Kafkaesque nature of inquiries.
• Eg: District Judge K Ganesan’s dismissal (Madras HC, 2021) based on hearsay evidence illustrates the Kafkaesque nature of inquiries.
• Flawed performance appraisal: Unit-based targets distort judicial priorities. Eg: “Unit system” allows equal credits for simple and complex cases (NITI Aayog’s Strategy for New India, 2018).
• Eg: “Unit system” allows equal credits for simple and complex cases (NITI Aayog’s Strategy for New India, 2018).
• Frequent judicial transfers: Revolving docket hampers case continuity. Eg: Law Commission 230th Report (2009) highlighted how transfers prevent single-judge accountability for case disposal.
• Eg: Law Commission 230th Report (2009) highlighted how transfers prevent single-judge accountability for case disposal.
• Lack of specialized judicial management: Administrative functions handled by judges reduce adjudicatory time. Eg: Court Manager Scheme (13th Finance Commission, 2010) remains poorly implemented across states.
• Eg: Court Manager Scheme (13th Finance Commission, 2010) remains poorly implemented across states.
• Inadequate integration of technology in procedural reforms: E-filing and virtual hearings remain underutilized. Eg: e-Courts Phase III (2023) rollout is still inconsistent across district courts (Source: Department of Justice, 2024).
• Eg: e-Courts Phase III (2023) rollout is still inconsistent across district courts (Source: Department of Justice, 2024).
Implications
• Erosion of public trust: Persistent delays weaken faith in justice delivery. Eg: India Justice Report (Tata Trusts, 2023): 71% citizens distrust lower courts for timely justice.
• Eg: India Justice Report (Tata Trusts, 2023): 71% citizens distrust lower courts for timely justice.
• Socio-economic burden: Delays disproportionately affect weaker sections unable to bear long litigation costs. Eg: CESTAT (2022) noted over 35% of district court litigants are first-generation litigants from vulnerable groups.
• Eg: CESTAT (2022) noted over 35% of district court litigants are first-generation litigants from vulnerable groups.
• Increased case backlog: Structural inefficiencies amplify pendency despite judicial expansions. Eg: As per NJDG (2024), 4.5 crore cases pending, with 3.3 crore in district courts.
• Eg: As per NJDG (2024), 4.5 crore cases pending, with 3.3 crore in district courts.
• Distortion in legal outcomes: Incentive to prioritize easy disposals undermines quality adjudication. Eg: High acquittal rates in complex criminal trials (NCRB, 2023) reflect weakened trial quality.
• Eg: High acquittal rates in complex criminal trials (NCRB, 2023) reflect weakened trial quality.
• Rise in judicial corruption perception: Opaque governance fosters rent-seeking behaviour. Eg: Transparency International (2022) identified judiciary among top five institutions vulnerable to corruption perceptions.
• Eg: Transparency International (2022) identified judiciary among top five institutions vulnerable to corruption perceptions.
Way Forward
• Reform disciplinary processes: Ensure transparency, due process and appellate oversight. Eg: SC in C.S. Karnan Case (2017) stressed fair procedures even for judges; RTI Act (2005) should cover inquiry reports post-conclusion.
• Eg: SC in C.S. Karnan Case (2017) stressed fair procedures even for judges; RTI Act (2005) should cover inquiry reports post-conclusion.
• Revamp performance evaluation: Move to complexity-weighted disposal metrics. Eg: Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy (2021) recommends differentiated disposal targets based on case difficulty.
• Eg: Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy (2021) recommends differentiated disposal targets based on case difficulty.
• Stabilize judicial postings: Limit mid-trial transfers and adopt ‘one judge one case’ model. Eg: UK’s Continuous Trial Model ensures stability throughout trial duration.
• Eg: UK’s Continuous Trial Model ensures stability throughout trial duration.
• Separate judicial and administrative roles: Professional court managers to assist judicial functioning. Eg: 13th Finance Commission recommendation (2010): Dedicated cadre of trained court administrators.
• Eg: 13th Finance Commission recommendation (2010): Dedicated cadre of trained court administrators.
• Accelerate digital integration: Expand e-Courts, AI-based scheduling, and virtual hearings. Eg: Justice Chandrachud’s e-Sewa Kendra model (SC e-Committee, 2023) enables remote filing and hearings.
• Eg: Justice Chandrachud’s e-Sewa Kendra model (SC e-Committee, 2023) enables remote filing and hearings.
Conclusion: Unless design failures are addressed, resource infusion alone cannot resolve systemic delays. A governance-driven judicial reform can secure both efficiency and constitutional legitimacy.
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests,
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests,
Q4. The collapse of bilateral arms control regimes in the Global North is fuelling a multipolar nuclear race. Analyse. What challenges does this pose for Global South diplomacy? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question: If thinking on deterrence shifts in this age of global realignment and potential instability, we are entering a period of self-inflicted nuclear insecurity Key Demand of the question: The question requires an analysis of how the end of bilateral arms control in the Global North is leading to a multipolar nuclear race, and a separate examination of the unique diplomatic challenges this creates for the Global South. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Mention the ongoing nuclear modernisation and treaty collapses marking a shift to unregulated nuclear competition. Body Analyse how bilateral treaty breakdowns (e.g., INF, New START) are accelerating a multipolar nuclear build-up. Examine the diplomatic challenges for the Global South such as marginalisation in nuclear discourse, proliferation threats, and weakened disarmament platforms. Conclusion Suggest the need for a united Global South initiative for inclusive nuclear governance and renewed multilateralism.
Why the question: If thinking on deterrence shifts in this age of global realignment and potential instability, we are entering a period of self-inflicted nuclear insecurity
Key Demand of the question: The question requires an analysis of how the end of bilateral arms control in the Global North is leading to a multipolar nuclear race, and a separate examination of the unique diplomatic challenges this creates for the Global South.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Mention the ongoing nuclear modernisation and treaty collapses marking a shift to unregulated nuclear competition.
• Analyse how bilateral treaty breakdowns (e.g., INF, New START) are accelerating a multipolar nuclear build-up.
• Examine the diplomatic challenges for the Global South such as marginalisation in nuclear discourse, proliferation threats, and weakened disarmament platforms.
Conclusion Suggest the need for a united Global South initiative for inclusive nuclear governance and renewed multilateralism.
Introduction The breakdown of bilateral arms control treaties has disrupted deterrence stability, replacing it with competitive modernisation and unchecked proliferation. This has reshaped nuclear geopolitics and undermined the diplomatic leverage of Global South nations.
Collapse of arms control and rise of a multipolar nuclear race
• End of New START and absence of successor treaty: The expiry of the last arms control pact has removed the final constraint on US-Russia arsenals. Eg: New START (2010) capped US and Russian deployed warheads at 1,550 each; no successor treaty exists as of mid-2025 (US State Dept).
• Eg: New START (2010) capped US and Russian deployed warheads at 1,550 each; no successor treaty exists as of mid-2025 (US State Dept).
• Nuclear modernisation without limits: Key nuclear powers are investing in new warhead designs and delivery systems without oversight. Eg: China’s arsenal doubled to over 600 warheads by 2024, with projections of 1,000 by 2030 (SIPRI Yearbook 2024).
• Eg: China’s arsenal doubled to over 600 warheads by 2024, with projections of 1,000 by 2030 (SIPRI Yearbook 2024).
• Strategic ambiguity and tactical deployments: Nations are redeploying or expanding nuclear reach through tactical weapons. Eg: Russia’s 2023 tactical nuclear deployment to Belarus challenges prior disarmament trends (Carnegie Endowment).
• Eg: Russia’s 2023 tactical nuclear deployment to Belarus challenges prior disarmament trends (Carnegie Endowment).
• Collapse of INF and Open Skies treaties: The breakdown of verification and medium-range missile controls weakens transparency. Eg: US withdrawal from INF in 2019 and Open Skies in 2020 led to Russia’s retaliatory exit in 2021.
• Eg: US withdrawal from INF in 2019 and Open Skies in 2020 led to Russia’s retaliatory exit in 2021.
• Rise of new nuclear actors and doctrines: Informal nuclear powers and aggressive doctrines complicate strategic predictability. Eg: Israel’s 2025 airstrike on Iran highlights pre-emptive deterrence logics beyond treaty constraints.
• Eg: Israel’s 2025 airstrike on Iran highlights pre-emptive deterrence logics beyond treaty constraints.
Challenges for Global South diplomacy
• Marginalisation in global nuclear governance: Non-nuclear Global South countries are excluded from key decisions by the P5. Eg: TPNW 2017, supported by over 90 Global South nations, was boycotted by all nuclear powers.
• Eg: TPNW 2017, supported by over 90 Global South nations, was boycotted by all nuclear powers.
• Breakdown of disarmament legitimacy under NPT: Nuclear states are ignoring Article 6’s disarmament obligation, weakening faith in the regime. Eg: India’s 2023 UNGA speech criticised the NPT’s structural inequity and stagnant disarmament progress.
• Eg: India’s 2023 UNGA speech criticised the NPT’s structural inequity and stagnant disarmament progress.
• Regional destabilisation from strategic spillovers: Nuclear build-ups near the Global South create direct security threats. Eg: China’s expansion of nuclear bases in Tibet escalates threats along India’s northern borders (IDSA 2024).
• Eg: China’s expansion of nuclear bases in Tibet escalates threats along India’s northern borders (IDSA 2024).
• Proliferation incentives among regional actors: Insecurity and lack of deterrence parity may encourage nuclear aspirations. Eg: Saudi Arabia’s 2023 statement warned of developing nuclear weapons if Iran acquires them.
• Eg: Saudi Arabia’s 2023 statement warned of developing nuclear weapons if Iran acquires them.
• Loss of moral authority on disarmament: The Global South’s push for disarmament appears ineffective amidst great power defiance. Eg: NAM’s 2022 working paper on disarmament failed to influence any policy shift during the NPT RevCon 2022.
• Eg: NAM’s 2022 working paper on disarmament failed to influence any policy shift during the NPT RevCon 2022.
Conclusion The Global South faces a crisis of relevance in nuclear diplomacy. Only a unified, reform-oriented multilateral push can restore fairness, prevent proliferation, and reinvigorate the global disarmament discourse.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy
Q5. Analyse the economic and labour market implications of clean energy adoption in rural households. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question Due to the rising importance of clean cooking energy schemes like PMUY and their impact on rural economy, labour, and gender empowerment. Key Demand of the question The answer must analyse how clean energy adoption influences both economic factors like savings, entrepreneurship, productivity and labour market factors like female workforce participation, job creation and skill development. Structure of the Answer: Introduction State how clean energy access transforms rural economic and labour dynamics. Body Economic implications: healthcare cost reduction, income savings, rural entrepreneurship, disposable income rise, macroeconomic benefits. Labour market implications: increase in women’s labour participation, improved productivity, care economy support, sectoral job creation, supply chain employment. Conclusion Emphasize how clean energy access acts as a multiplier for inclusive rural growth and sustainable development.
Why the question Due to the rising importance of clean cooking energy schemes like PMUY and their impact on rural economy, labour, and gender empowerment.
Key Demand of the question The answer must analyse how clean energy adoption influences both economic factors like savings, entrepreneurship, productivity and labour market factors like female workforce participation, job creation and skill development.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction State how clean energy access transforms rural economic and labour dynamics.
• Economic implications: healthcare cost reduction, income savings, rural entrepreneurship, disposable income rise, macroeconomic benefits.
• Labour market implications: increase in women’s labour participation, improved productivity, care economy support, sectoral job creation, supply chain employment.
Conclusion Emphasize how clean energy access acts as a multiplier for inclusive rural growth and sustainable development.
Introduction Clean energy adoption in rural areas redefines household economics by saving time, improving health, and expanding women’s labour force participation, contributing to inclusive development.
Economic implications of clean energy adoption
• Reduction in healthcare expenditure: Lower indoor air pollution reduces out-of-pocket health expenses. Eg: WHO (2023) estimated 2 million global deaths due to indoor air pollution; in India, around 5 lakh deaths annually (WHO 2020).
• Eg: WHO (2023) estimated 2 million global deaths due to indoor air pollution; in India, around 5 lakh deaths annually (WHO 2020).
• Savings on fuel collection costs: Eliminates costs associated with firewood collection or purchase. Eg: NITI Aayog (2023) observed that PMUY households saved up to ₹1200 annually on biomass fuel purchase.
• Eg: NITI Aayog (2023) observed that PMUY households saved up to ₹1200 annually on biomass fuel purchase.
• Boost to rural entrepreneurship: Creation of local LPG distributorships and maintenance services generates rural non-farm employment. Eg: Over 12,000 new LPG distributorships created under PMUY Phase II (Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, 2025).
• Eg: Over 12,000 new LPG distributorships created under PMUY Phase II (Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, 2025).
• Increased disposable income: Time and cost savings allow higher allocation towards education, nutrition, and assets. Eg: Oxfam India (2019) found women spent 1 hour more on paid work after adopting LPG.
• Eg: Oxfam India (2019) found women spent 1 hour more on paid work after adopting LPG.
• Macroeconomic contribution: Supports national energy security by reducing dependency on biomass, with secondary benefits for climate commitments. Eg: India’s Energy Transition Roadmap (IEA, 2022) links clean cooking with achieving net-zero by 2070.
• Eg: India’s Energy Transition Roadmap (IEA, 2022) links clean cooking with achieving net-zero by 2070.
Labour market implications of clean energy adoption
• Expansion of female workforce participation: Reduced unpaid work enables women to engage in income-generating activities. Eg: Time Use Survey 2024 (MoSPI) reported unpaid domestic work reduced from 315 mins (2019) to 305 mins (2024).
• Eg: Time Use Survey 2024 (MoSPI) reported unpaid domestic work reduced from 315 mins (2019) to 305 mins (2024).
• Improvement in worker productivity: Better health due to reduced smoke exposure enhances physical capacity for work. Eg: Indonesia study (2023, J-PAL) found 22 L/min increase in women’s lung capacity after switching to LPG.
• Eg: Indonesia study (2023, J-PAL) found 22 L/min increase in women’s lung capacity after switching to LPG.
• Support for care economy reforms: Frees women for formal sector jobs while enabling better caregiving balance. Eg: ILO (2023) recommends integrating energy policies with care economy expansion for gender-balanced growth.
• Eg: ILO (2023) recommends integrating energy policies with care economy expansion for gender-balanced growth.
• Creation of energy sector jobs: LPG logistics, distribution, and maintenance create rural semi-skilled employment. Eg: Skill India Mission (2024) integrated LPG mechanics training into rural skilling programs.
• Eg: Skill India Mission (2024) integrated LPG mechanics training into rural skilling programs.
• Indirect employment through supply chains: Manufacturing of cylinders, stoves, and accessories boosts industrial employment. Eg: PMUY Phase II (2025) linked to growth in domestic LPG cylinder manufacturing units.
• Eg: PMUY Phase II (2025) linked to growth in domestic LPG cylinder manufacturing units.
Conclusion Clean energy adoption not only improves rural living standards but also unlocks latent economic potential, particularly for women, driving India towards inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment
Q6. The challenge of employment in India lies at the intersection of formalisation, skilling, and labour market flexibility. Comment. Also examine how formal staffing agencies can contribute to achieving these goals. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question Due to rising policy focus on labour codes, formalisation, skilling gaps, and emerging role of staffing agencies in India’s evolving employment structure. Key Demand of the question The answer must explain how employment challenges involve interlinked issues of formalisation, skill mismatch, and flexibility, and then examine how formal staffing agencies address these problems through institutional mechanisms. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Briefly highlight India’s demographic dividend challenge linked to job quality. Body Challenges: informality, skilling-employability mismatch, labour rigidity, low productivity sectors, weak social security, uneven labour code implementation, populist schemes. Role of staffing agencies: formalisation support, targeted skilling, labour market flexibility, social security integration, MSME compliance support, emerging sector absorption, tripartite partnerships. Conclusion Emphasise how formal staffing can integrate reforms to secure both economic growth and worker protection.
Why the question Due to rising policy focus on labour codes, formalisation, skilling gaps, and emerging role of staffing agencies in India’s evolving employment structure.
Key Demand of the question The answer must explain how employment challenges involve interlinked issues of formalisation, skill mismatch, and flexibility, and then examine how formal staffing agencies address these problems through institutional mechanisms.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Briefly highlight India’s demographic dividend challenge linked to job quality.
• Challenges: informality, skilling-employability mismatch, labour rigidity, low productivity sectors, weak social security, uneven labour code implementation, populist schemes.
• Role of staffing agencies: formalisation support, targeted skilling, labour market flexibility, social security integration, MSME compliance support, emerging sector absorption, tripartite partnerships.
Conclusion Emphasise how formal staffing can integrate reforms to secure both economic growth and worker protection.
Introduction India’s demographic dividend offers immense growth potential, but fragmented skilling, persistent informality, and rigid labour markets threaten to turn this advantage into a liability.
Employment challenges at the intersection of formalisation, skilling, and flexibility
• High informality in workforce: Over 85% of India’s workforce is in the informal sector, lacking security and benefits. Eg: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 shows informal sector employment still dominates rural and urban non-agricultural sectors.
• Eg: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 shows informal sector employment still dominates rural and urban non-agricultural sectors.
• Skilling-employability mismatch: Inadequate alignment between skilling programs and market needs limits productive employment. Eg: MSDE 2024 data shows only 4.69% workforce received formal vocational training, despite annual workforce addition of 12 million.
• Eg: MSDE 2024 data shows only 4.69% workforce received formal vocational training, despite annual workforce addition of 12 million.
• Labour market rigidity: Strict hire-and-fire rules and compliance burdens discourage formal sector job creation. Eg: OECD Employment Outlook 2023 highlights India’s stringent labour codes on job security as a bottleneck for formal job creation.
• Eg: OECD Employment Outlook 2023 highlights India’s stringent labour codes on job security as a bottleneck for formal job creation.
• Low productivity sectors dominating absorption: Sectors like construction and low-end services absorb surplus labour but limit productivity gains. Eg: Economic Survey 2023-24 shows construction sector’s high share of new jobs but stagnant productivity levels.
• Eg: Economic Survey 2023-24 shows construction sector’s high share of new jobs but stagnant productivity levels.
• Limited social security coverage: Absence of universal social protection discourages formal transition. Eg: NSSO 2023 shows only 24% workers covered under any form of social security.
• Eg: NSSO 2023 shows only 24% workers covered under any form of social security.
• Fragmented implementation of labour reforms: Uneven adoption of the 4 Labour Codes across states hampers uniform formalisation. Eg: Labour Ministry 2025 reports full implementation still pending in major industrial states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
• Eg: Labour Ministry 2025 reports full implementation still pending in major industrial states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
• Populist employment schemes favouring quantity over quality: Short-term schemes often prioritise job numbers without ensuring productivity or protection. Eg: CAG report 2024 flagged concerns about limited formal job creation under some urban wage employment pilot schemes.
• Eg: CAG report 2024 flagged concerns about limited formal job creation under some urban wage employment pilot schemes.
Role of formal staffing agencies in addressing employment challenges
• Facilitating formalisation of workforce: Staffing agencies directly employ and formalise contractual workers while ensuring compliance. Eg: Indian Staffing Federation (ISF) 2025 report notes 4.2 million formal workers placed through organised staffing agencies.
• Eg: Indian Staffing Federation (ISF) 2025 report notes 4.2 million formal workers placed through organised staffing agencies.
• Bridging skilling gaps with demand-driven training: They provide targeted upskilling aligned to employer requirements, reducing employability gaps. Eg: Collaboration between ISF and NSDC (2024) designed industry-specific skilling modules for logistics and IT sectors.
• Eg: Collaboration between ISF and NSDC (2024) designed industry-specific skilling modules for logistics and IT sectors.
• Enhancing labour market flexibility: Offer flexibility to employers while ensuring security and benefits to workers. Eg: ILO Global Staffing Industry Statistics 2023 lists India’s staffing sector as among the fastest-growing globally in providing flexible formal employment.
• Eg: ILO Global Staffing Industry Statistics 2023 lists India’s staffing sector as among the fastest-growing globally in providing flexible formal employment.
• Integration with social security schemes: Staffing firms ensure coverage under EPFO, ESIC, gratuity, maternity benefits etc. Eg: Under Code on Social Security 2020, staffing agencies brought gig and platform workers under formal coverage.
• Eg: Under Code on Social Security 2020, staffing agencies brought gig and platform workers under formal coverage.
• Reducing compliance burden for MSMEs: Staffing agencies handle HR, legal and payroll functions, enabling small enterprises to hire formal workers without complexity. Eg: SIDBI 2024 survey highlights staffing as a preferred hiring route for MSMEs adopting formalisation.
• Eg: SIDBI 2024 survey highlights staffing as a preferred hiring route for MSMEs adopting formalisation.
• Enabling sectoral formalisation in emerging sectors: Staffing supports formal employment in gig economy, IT-ITeS, logistics, fintech, and healthcare. Eg: IT-ITeS sector (NASSCOM 2025) employs over 5 lakh contract staff through formal staffing agencies.
• Eg: IT-ITeS sector (NASSCOM 2025) employs over 5 lakh contract staff through formal staffing agencies.
• Supporting tripartite partnerships: Facilitate collaboration between government, educational institutions and industry for skill development. Eg: Skill India and ISF MoU (2024) on integrated apprenticeship and staffing solutions.
• Eg: Skill India and ISF MoU (2024) on integrated apprenticeship and staffing solutions.
Conclusion A robust formal staffing ecosystem can strategically unlock India’s employment potential by synchronising formalisation, skilling and flexibility, thereby securing both economic growth and social inclusion in the coming decades.
General Studies – 4
Q7. Why is mob justice considered ethically illegitimate even when directed at individuals accused of immoral behaviour? Analyse the dangers of such moral vigilantism. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question: A surge in mob-led violence justified on moral or religious grounds has triggered ethical and constitutional concerns. It demands a critical reflection on collective moral behaviour and the rule of law. Key Demand of the question: The question requires evaluating the ethical illegitimacy of mob justice even when provoked by perceived immorality, and examining its wider implications for justice, liberty, and democratic ethics. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Define mob justice in ethical terms and briefly state its contradiction with constitutional morality. Body: Show how mob justice violates ethical principles of fairness, legal due process, and moral universality. Highlight the institutional and social dangers of legitimising vigilantism in the name of morality. Conclusion: Reaffirm the need to anchor moral reasoning in constitutional ethics, legal restraint, and civic responsibility.
Why the question: A surge in mob-led violence justified on moral or religious grounds has triggered ethical and constitutional concerns. It demands a critical reflection on collective moral behaviour and the rule of law.
Key Demand of the question: The question requires evaluating the ethical illegitimacy of mob justice even when provoked by perceived immorality, and examining its wider implications for justice, liberty, and democratic ethics.
Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Define mob justice in ethical terms and briefly state its contradiction with constitutional morality. Body:
• Show how mob justice violates ethical principles of fairness, legal due process, and moral universality.
• Highlight the institutional and social dangers of legitimising vigilantism in the name of morality.
Conclusion:
Reaffirm the need to anchor moral reasoning in constitutional ethics, legal restraint, and civic responsibility.
Introduction: Mob justice reflects ethical collapse where collective outrage bypasses lawful procedure. It undermines constitutional morality, individual dignity, and rational public order.
Why mob justice is ethically illegitimate
• Violates natural justice and due process: It denies the right to be heard, violating the principle of audi alteram partem under Article 21.
• Eg: In the Dadri lynching (2015), Mohammad Akhlaq was killed based on false beef storage rumours without any legal process or fair trial.
• Contradicts constitutional morality and rule of law: It displaces legal mechanisms with emotional community action, undermining liberty and equality.
• Eg: In Tehseen S. Poonawalla (2018), the Supreme Court termed lynching “a horrendous act of mobocracy” that must be countered by special laws.
• Destroys ethical individual accountability: Ethical frameworks emphasise personal culpability, which mob action diffuses.
• Eg: In the Tabrez Ansari case (2019), he was lynched by a mob in Jharkhand; initial action failed to fix responsibility on individuals.
• Driven by prejudice, not objective morality: Mobs often act on communal or casteist triggers, not genuine ethical reasoning.
• Eg: In the Udaipur beheading (2022), the attackers cited moral outrage over a social media post, justifying murder in the name of faith.
• Erodes institutional legitimacy: Frequent mob incidents show weakening public trust in police and judiciary.
• Eg: As per NCRB 2023, India reported over 650 mob violence cases between 2015–2022, reflecting systemic failure and public impatience.
Dangers of moral vigilantism
• Legitimises unlawful violence through moral claims: It creates an illusion of righteousness behind unethical actions.
• Eg: In the Bulli Bai app case (2022), targeted women were dehumanised under the pretext of punishing ‘immoral’ behaviour.
• Suppresses freedom of expression and dissent: Fear of mob retaliation discourages people from expressing lawful views.
• Eg: Munawar Faruqui, a stand-up comic, faced arrests and cancellations in 2021 for jokes that were deemed offensive by vigilante groups.
• Radicalises the public and disrupts civil order: It normalises crowd-led enforcement, leading to societal fragmentation
• Eg: In Karbi Anglong, Assam (2018), two men were lynched over fake rumours of child kidnapping spread via WhatsApp.
• Targets marginalised communities disproportionately: Such actions reflect social hierarchies more than moral conduct.
• Eg: In the Una flogging case (2016), Dalits were assaulted by cow vigilantes for skinning dead cattle, under the pretext of moral duty.
• Distorts religious or cultural teachings for coercion: Selective interpretation of faith is used to justify extrajudicial actions.
• Eg: The Sri Lanka Easter bombings (2019) were claimed by extremists as acts of religious purity—an abuse of ethical and spiritual principles.
Conclusion: Mob justice is not a form of moral correction but a rejection of ethical governance. A just society must reinforce constitutional morality, swift legal redress, and civic ethics education to prevent such breakdowns.
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