UPSC Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS : 20 May 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: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
Q1. Discuss the contributions of women leaders in shaping the ideological spectrum of India’s freedom struggle. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question: There is renewed attention on the underrepresented role of women in India’s freedom movement, especially as their ideological contributions beyond participation are being critically re-evaluated in academic and public discourse. Key Demand of the question: The answer must identify how women leaders contributed to various ideological currents—revolutionary, Gandhian, socialist, feminist—and illustrate their influence in shaping the broader political and intellectual framework of the national movement. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Highlight that women were not just participants but also ideological contributors to the national struggle. Body Show how women participated in revolutionary activities and armed struggle. Mention their leadership in Gandhian movements and non-violent resistance. Discuss their role in constitutional debates and institution building. Include contributions to feminist and reformist ideologies. Highlight their influence in cultural and educational spheres. Conclusion Note how their ideological legacy continues to influence India’s democratic and social justice aspirations.
Why the question: There is renewed attention on the underrepresented role of women in India’s freedom movement, especially as their ideological contributions beyond participation are being critically re-evaluated in academic and public discourse.
Key Demand of the question: The answer must identify how women leaders contributed to various ideological currents—revolutionary, Gandhian, socialist, feminist—and illustrate their influence in shaping the broader political and intellectual framework of the national movement.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Highlight that women were not just participants but also ideological contributors to the national struggle.
• Show how women participated in revolutionary activities and armed struggle.
• Mention their leadership in Gandhian movements and non-violent resistance.
• Discuss their role in constitutional debates and institution building.
• Include contributions to feminist and reformist ideologies.
• Highlight their influence in cultural and educational spheres.
Conclusion Note how their ideological legacy continues to influence India’s democratic and social justice aspirations.
Introduction
Women leaders did not merely participate in the freedom movement—they shaped its ideological directions, from revolution and non-violence to socialism, constitutionalism, and feminism.
• Revolutionary participation: Women leaders actively joined militant uprisings against British imperialism. Eg: Pritilata Waddedar led an attack on the European Club (1932) in Chittagong, embodying revolutionary nationalism.
• Eg: Pritilata Waddedar led an attack on the European Club (1932) in Chittagong, embodying revolutionary nationalism.
• Gandhian mass mobilisation: They energised grassroots resistance through non-violence, khadi, and constructive work. Eg: Kasturba Gandhi mobilised women during the Salt Satyagraha (1930) and advocated social reform through Gandhian methods.
• Eg: Kasturba Gandhi mobilised women during the Salt Satyagraha (1930) and advocated social reform through Gandhian methods.
• Political leadership within Congress: Women shaped centrist-nationalist discourse through leadership roles in INC. Eg: Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian woman President of Congress (1925, Kanpur Session), advocating civil liberties and unity.
• Eg: Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian woman President of Congress (1925, Kanpur Session), advocating civil liberties and unity.
• Feminist constitutional advocacy: They merged the freedom struggle with demands for women’s rights and social justice. Eg: Hansa Mehta, a member of the Constituent Assembly, opposed Hindu Code Bill dilution and advocated gender equality in the Constitution.
• Eg: Hansa Mehta, a member of the Constituent Assembly, opposed Hindu Code Bill dilution and advocated gender equality in the Constitution.
• Promotion of secularism and communal harmony: Women stood for inclusive nationalism against divisive politics. Eg: Begum Rokeya promoted modern education for Muslim girls in colonial Bengal, strengthening secular reformist ideas.
• Eg: Begum Rokeya promoted modern education for Muslim girls in colonial Bengal, strengthening secular reformist ideas.
• Peasant and worker mobilisation: Women aligned nationalist goals with agrarian and labour rights. Eg: Matangini Hazra led a peasant procession in Tamluk (1942 Quit India Movement) and was martyred holding the tricolour.
• Eg: Matangini Hazra led a peasant procession in Tamluk (1942 Quit India Movement) and was martyred holding the tricolour.
• Education as ideological tool: Many women linked freedom with the intellectual awakening of society. Eg: Savitribai Phule, though preceding the formal Congress phase, laid the ideological foundation by pioneering women’s education in the 19th century.
• Eg: Savitribai Phule, though preceding the formal Congress phase, laid the ideological foundation by pioneering women’s education in the 19th century.
• Role in internationalism: Women leaders drew inspiration from global freedom and peace movements. Eg: Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, as India’s representative to the UN (1946), built international support for India’s independence and post-colonial justice.
• Eg: Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, as India’s representative to the UN (1946), built international support for India’s independence and post-colonial justice.
• Assertion of Dalit and backward caste voices: Women highlighted caste and gender within the freedom narrative. Eg: Ramabai Ambedkar supported Dr. Ambedkar’s campaigns against caste oppression, adding intersectional critique to nationalism.
• Eg: Ramabai Ambedkar supported Dr. Ambedkar’s campaigns against caste oppression, adding intersectional critique to nationalism.
• Cultural and symbolic influence: Women artists, poets, and thinkers shaped nationalist sentiment and cultural identity. Eg: Subhadra Kumari Chauhan’s poem Jhansi ki Rani became a rallying cry celebrating heroic female resistance.
• Eg: Subhadra Kumari Chauhan’s poem Jhansi ki Rani became a rallying cry celebrating heroic female resistance.
Conclusion
The ideological diversity of India’s freedom movement owes much to women leaders who infused it with values of justice, equality, and inclusive nationalism—principles still relevant to India’s democratic journey.
Topic: Role of women and women’s organization.
Topic: Role of women and women’s organization.
Q2. Analyse the challenges faced by women in outdoor jobs due to rising temperatures and poor sanitation. How do these affect their reproductive and occupational health? Suggest ways to integrate gendered health risks into climate and labour policy. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question Studies show that the combination of excessive heat exposure and limited fluid intake significantly raises the risk of health problems for women Key Demand of the question To examine how extreme heat and sanitation issues impact women in outdoor work, especially in terms of reproductive and occupational health, and to suggest climate and labour policy reforms that address these gendered risks. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Mention the gendered nature of climate vulnerability and informal work, linking it with systemic infrastructure gaps. Body Challenges: Outline environmental and structural challenges women face due to heat and sanitation deficits in outdoor workspaces. Health impact: Link these challenges to reproductive issues, chronic fatigue, and absenteeism due to poor hygiene and dehydration. Policy integration: Suggest climate-smart and gender-sensitive reforms in occupational health and labour policy frameworks. Conclusion Call for gender-responsive planning to ensure inclusive urban resilience and equitable labour rights.
Why the question Studies show that the combination of excessive heat exposure and limited fluid intake significantly raises the risk of health problems for women
Key Demand of the question To examine how extreme heat and sanitation issues impact women in outdoor work, especially in terms of reproductive and occupational health, and to suggest climate and labour policy reforms that address these gendered risks.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Mention the gendered nature of climate vulnerability and informal work, linking it with systemic infrastructure gaps.
• Challenges: Outline environmental and structural challenges women face due to heat and sanitation deficits in outdoor workspaces.
• Health impact: Link these challenges to reproductive issues, chronic fatigue, and absenteeism due to poor hygiene and dehydration.
• Policy integration: Suggest climate-smart and gender-sensitive reforms in occupational health and labour policy frameworks.
Conclusion Call for gender-responsive planning to ensure inclusive urban resilience and equitable labour rights.
Introduction
India’s intensifying heatwaves and sanitation deficits disproportionately burden women in outdoor informal jobs, creating a compounded crisis of health, dignity, and livelihood.
Challenges faced by women in outdoor jobs
• Lack of safe and accessible sanitation: Absence of toilets forces women to avoid urinating for long periods. Eg: A 2016 study by Sri Ramachandra Institute found that 64% of informal women workers in Tamil Nadu lacked workplace toilets (Global Health Action).
• Eg: A 2016 study by Sri Ramachandra Institute found that 64% of informal women workers in Tamil Nadu lacked workplace toilets (Global Health Action).
• Fear of harassment in using public toilets: Insecure, unlit spaces discourage women from using available facilities. Eg: ActionAid India (2021) reported that 72% of women in Delhi’s informal sector feared using public toilets due to safety concerns.
• Eg: ActionAid India (2021) reported that 72% of women in Delhi’s informal sector feared using public toilets due to safety concerns.
• Disruption of hydration cycles: To avoid urination, women consciously reduce water intake, heightening risk of dehydration. Eg: In Chennai, vendors ration water, worsening fatigue and heat stress .
• Eg: In Chennai, vendors ration water, worsening fatigue and heat stress .
• Informal work with no protective infrastructure: No shade, rest stations, or hydration points at work locations. Eg: ICMR-NIE study (2024) found that 97% of female construction workers in Chennai had no heat-safety facilities.
• Eg: ICMR-NIE study (2024) found that 97% of female construction workers in Chennai had no heat-safety facilities.
• Inflexible work hours and double burden: Women must complete household duties before heading to market or fieldwork under peak sun. Eg: Case of women hawkers in M.G.R. Nagar, managing both cooking and vending, resulting in extended exposure.
• Eg: Case of women hawkers in M.G.R. Nagar, managing both cooking and vending, resulting in extended exposure.
Impact on reproductive and occupational health
• Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs): Holding urine and poor menstrual hygiene raise infection risk. Eg: Vidhya Venugopal’s study showed 6x higher UTI risk in women without sanitation facilities (Global Health Action, 2023).
• Eg: Vidhya Venugopal’s study showed 6x higher UTI risk in women without sanitation facilities (Global Health Action, 2023).
• Heat-induced menstrual discomfort and absenteeism: Heat aggravates rashes, infections, and cramps, especially during menstruation. Eg: Women fruit vendors in Chennai skip work 2 days/month due to menstrual hygiene issues .
• Eg: Women fruit vendors in Chennai skip work 2 days/month due to menstrual hygiene issues .
• Prevalence of reproductive complications: Dehydration and exposure impact reproductive organs and cycles. Eg: Lancet 2022 linked heatwaves in late pregnancy to a rise in preterm deliveries among outdoor female workers.
• Eg: Lancet 2022 linked heatwaves in late pregnancy to a rise in preterm deliveries among outdoor female workers.
• Lower work efficiency and fatigue: Chronic fatigue from sun exposure reduces ability to complete physical tasks. Eg: 2023 NSSO microdata found reduced working hours among women in construction and agriculture sectors during heat spells.
• Eg: 2023 NSSO microdata found reduced working hours among women in construction and agriculture sectors during heat spells.
• Job discontinuity and economic vulnerability: Recurrent health issues force many to take frequent leaves or quit. Eg: A 2025 IIED report noted a drop in labour force participation of women during peak summer in Chennai’s informal markets.
• Eg: A 2025 IIED report noted a drop in labour force participation of women during peak summer in Chennai’s informal markets.
Integrating gendered health risks into climate and labour policy
• Mandate gender-segregated sanitation in informal zones: Update Model Shops & Establishments Act and Smart City plans. Eg: Kerala’s Gender Inclusive Urban Design Guidelines (2024) recommend mandatory toilet provisioning in street vending zones.
• Eg: Kerala’s Gender Inclusive Urban Design Guidelines (2024) recommend mandatory toilet provisioning in street vending zones.
• Include heat stress in national occupational health standards: Add female-specific exposure metrics in the OSH Code, 2020. Eg: ILO Technical Brief (2023) recommends gender-disaggregated heat vulnerability thresholds in labour law.
• Eg: ILO Technical Brief (2023) recommends gender-disaggregated heat vulnerability thresholds in labour law.
• Introduce menstrual leave and climate-linked insurance: Recognise menstrual health as a work-related concern for informal women. Eg: SEWA’s 2024 initiative in Gujarat provides menstrual leave and heat-related medical cover for street vendors.
• Eg: SEWA’s 2024 initiative in Gujarat provides menstrual leave and heat-related medical cover for street vendors.
• Climate mission convergence with women’s safety schemes: Integrate with NULM, SBM, and National Climate Mission sub-components. Eg: Chennai Corporation (2024) began heat-resilient shelter zones under both NULM and the TN Climate Mission.
• Eg: Chennai Corporation (2024) began heat-resilient shelter zones under both NULM and the TN Climate Mission.
• Decentralised climate-health mapping: Conduct gendered heat vulnerability mapping to prioritise mitigation efforts. Eg: Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan (2023) uses ward-level data to target shade structures and rest spaces for women workers.
• Eg: Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan (2023) uses ward-level data to target shade structures and rest spaces for women workers.
Conclusion
A climate-resilient India cannot exclude half its workforce. Recognising and addressing gendered health burdens is vital to build inclusive, just, and sustainable urban labour ecosystems.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
Q3. How does the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) reflect broader issues in India’s public service delivery system? Suggest measures to enhance convergence, efficiency, and accountability. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question A study by LibTech India revealed that while the coverage of MGNREGS has increased with 8.6% rise in registered households under the programme, the delivery of promised employment has actually gone down Key Demand of the question To examine how MGNREGS serves as a microcosm of broader systemic problems in public service delivery, and to suggest concrete measures that strengthen convergence with other schemes, improve implementation efficiency, and ensure accountability. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Introduce MGNREGS as a rights-based rural employment scheme whose uneven implementation reveals structural weaknesses in India’s welfare delivery systems. Body Discuss how MGNREGS exposes larger issues like under-provisioned budgets, wage payment delays, digital exclusions, weak decentralisation, and interstate disparities. Suggest convergence reforms like aligning with rural asset schemes, integrating into GPDPs, and planning for durable assets. Recommend efficiency reforms such as formula-based budgeting, empowering local institutions, and building field staff capacities. Propose accountability measures like enforceable social audits, active grievance redressal systems, and digital tools for worker participation and monitoring. Conclusion Emphasise that reforming MGNREGS is critical not just for rural livelihoods, but for setting a benchmark in transparent, inclusive and demand-responsive governance.
Why the question A study by LibTech India revealed that while the coverage of MGNREGS has increased with 8.6% rise in registered households under the programme, the delivery of promised employment has actually gone down
Key Demand of the question To examine how MGNREGS serves as a microcosm of broader systemic problems in public service delivery, and to suggest concrete measures that strengthen convergence with other schemes, improve implementation efficiency, and ensure accountability.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Introduce MGNREGS as a rights-based rural employment scheme whose uneven implementation reveals structural weaknesses in India’s welfare delivery systems.
• Discuss how MGNREGS exposes larger issues like under-provisioned budgets, wage payment delays, digital exclusions, weak decentralisation, and interstate disparities.
• Suggest convergence reforms like aligning with rural asset schemes, integrating into GPDPs, and planning for durable assets.
• Recommend efficiency reforms such as formula-based budgeting, empowering local institutions, and building field staff capacities.
• Propose accountability measures like enforceable social audits, active grievance redressal systems, and digital tools for worker participation and monitoring.
Conclusion Emphasise that reforming MGNREGS is critical not just for rural livelihoods, but for setting a benchmark in transparent, inclusive and demand-responsive governance.
Introduction
MGNREGS has become a mirror to India’s welfare governance—while legally guaranteeing work, its execution exposes critical gaps in fund allocation, decentralisation, inclusion, and state capacity.
Issues in public service delivery reflected in MGNREGS
• Funding without demand linkage: Allocations are supply-driven, ignoring ground-level demand trends. Eg: In 2025, only ₹86,000 crore was allocated against ₹2.64 lakh crore recommended by PAEG (People’s Action for Employment Guarantee).
• Eg: In 2025, only ₹86,000 crore was allocated against ₹2.64 lakh crore recommended by PAEG (People’s Action for Employment Guarantee).
• Technological exclusion of beneficiaries: Digitisation has led to denial of rights due to Aadhaar errors, payment failures, and deletions. Eg: Between 2022–24, 7.8 crore job cards were deleted, but only 1.92 crore added—LibTech India Report (2025).
• Eg: Between 2022–24, 7.8 crore job cards were deleted, but only 1.92 crore added—LibTech India Report (2025).
• Administrative delays and wage backlogs: Payments are routinely delayed, violating the 15-day limit under the Act. Eg: Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development (2023) flagged delays in 90% of wage payments beyond the legal deadline.
• Eg: Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development (2023) flagged delays in 90% of wage payments beyond the legal deadline.
• Poor local capacity and decentralisation: Panchayats often lack technical staff to prepare labour budgets or monitor works. Eg: CAG Audit (2022) found that labour budget preparation was missing in over 40% of Gram Panchayats.
• Eg: CAG Audit (2022) found that labour budget preparation was missing in over 40% of Gram Panchayats.
• Regional disparity in outcomes: Delivery varies widely across states due to inconsistent Centre-State coordination. Eg: In FY 2024–25, Odisha (-34.8%) saw a sharp fall in person-days, while Maharashtra (+39.7%) saw a rise—LibTech India.
• Eg: In FY 2024–25, Odisha (-34.8%) saw a sharp fall in person-days, while Maharashtra (+39.7%) saw a rise—LibTech India.
Measures to enhance convergence
• Asset-based convergence with allied schemes: Link with PMAY-G, Jal Jeevan Mission for durable, demand-linked works. Eg: Rajasthan (2023) integrated MGNREGS with water conservation and rural housing, increasing productivity and workdays.
• Eg: Rajasthan (2023) integrated MGNREGS with water conservation and rural housing, increasing productivity and workdays.
• Unified planning through GPDP: Integrate MGNREGS labour budget into Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs). Eg: Kerala’s Kudumbashree model aligns MGNREGS with NRLM for women’s self-help work convergence.
• Eg: Kerala’s Kudumbashree model aligns MGNREGS with NRLM for women’s self-help work convergence.
• Digital convergence platforms: Use interoperable MIS systems for fund flow and activity tracking across schemes. Eg: Andhra Pradesh’s e-FMS portal links MGNREGS with livelihoods and housing schemes, improving fund release efficiency.
• Eg: Andhra Pradesh’s e-FMS portal links MGNREGS with livelihoods and housing schemes, improving fund release efficiency.
Measures to improve efficiency
• Timely and adequate fund release: Adopt dynamic formula-based budgeting linked to real-time demand and inflation. Eg: SEWA and PAEG proposed indexing allocations to consumer price index and actual person-day demand.
• Eg: SEWA and PAEG proposed indexing allocations to consumer price index and actual person-day demand.
• Decentralised procurement and execution: Empower Gram Sabhas to approve works and maintain transparency. Eg: Jharkhand’s community-driven procurement policy under MGNREGS helped reduce leakages and delays.
• Eg: Jharkhand’s community-driven procurement policy under MGNREGS helped reduce leakages and delays.
• Skill and capacity enhancement of field staff: Regular training and MIS literacy for Rozgar Sahayaks and Panchayat Secretaries. Eg: UNDP-District Collector initiative in Tamil Nadu (2024) trained field staff on digital job card tracking and MIS tools.
• Eg: UNDP-District Collector initiative in Tamil Nadu (2024) trained field staff on digital job card tracking and MIS tools.
Measures to strengthen accountability
• Legally mandated social audits with penalty enforcement: Make audit findings binding with consequences for non-compliance. Eg: MoRD Social Audit Guidelines (2023) call for State Audit Units with independent staffing and legal mandate.
• Eg: MoRD Social Audit Guidelines (2023) call for State Audit Units with independent staffing and legal mandate.
• Grievance redressal through Lokpal strengthening: Appoint district-level Lokpals with powers to enforce decisions. Eg: MGNREG Act Section 27 provides for Lokpals, but only 15% of districts had active Lokpals by end of 2024—MoRD data.
• Eg: MGNREG Act Section 27 provides for Lokpals, but only 15% of districts had active Lokpals by end of 2024—MoRD data.
• Citizen-led monitoring through ICT tools: Enable workers to track attendance, wages, and raise complaints in local languages. Eg: Maharashtra’s Kaamgaar mobile app (2023) allows real-time tracking of job status and wage slips by workers.
• Eg: Maharashtra’s Kaamgaar mobile app (2023) allows real-time tracking of job status and wage slips by workers.
Conclusion
MGNREGS must evolve from a stop-gap rural safety net to a model of participatory, accountable, and convergent welfare delivery. Its success lies in empowering citizens, decentralising decisions, and restoring trust in welfare guarantees.
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 Arctic is no longer a zone of scientific cooperation but a strategic theatre of multipolar competition”. Examine. How should India prepare for the emerging Arctic dynamics?
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question: The potential entry of new players into the Arctic require a wider reimagining of the Arctic governance architecture. Key demand of the question: The answer must analyse the shift in Arctic geopolitics from scientific to strategic rivalry, and outline India’s preparedness and policy measures to navigate and contribute to this evolving landscape. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Mention the decline of Arctic exceptionalism and its transformation into a zone of strategic importance. Body Explain how the Arctic has shifted from cooperation to competition, citing Russia, China, NATO tensions, and resource exploitation. Suggest India’s strategic, diplomatic, and scientific options under its Arctic Policy to engage in the new geopolitical realities. Conclusion Highlight the need for India to evolve from observer to proactive stakeholder in Arctic governance, rooted in peace, law, and sustainability.
Why the question: The potential entry of new players into the Arctic require a wider reimagining of the Arctic governance architecture.
Key demand of the question: The answer must analyse the shift in Arctic geopolitics from scientific to strategic rivalry, and outline India’s preparedness and policy measures to navigate and contribute to this evolving landscape.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Mention the decline of Arctic exceptionalism and its transformation into a zone of strategic importance.
• Explain how the Arctic has shifted from cooperation to competition, citing Russia, China, NATO tensions, and resource exploitation.
• Suggest India’s strategic, diplomatic, and scientific options under its Arctic Policy to engage in the new geopolitical realities.
Conclusion Highlight the need for India to evolve from observer to proactive stakeholder in Arctic governance, rooted in peace, law, and sustainability.
Introduction
The post-Cold War idea of Arctic exceptionalism is eroding, with nations like Russia, China, and the US asserting hard interests over scientific collaboration, triggering the rise of a new polar geopolitics.
From scientific cooperation to multipolar competition
• Polar militarisation and strategic alignments: Arctic states are deploying naval and air assets; joint drills are increasingly military-focused. Eg: Russia-China naval patrols in Arctic waters (2023) underscored growing Sino-Russian military coordination in the region.
• Eg: Russia-China naval patrols in Arctic waters (2023) underscored growing Sino-Russian military coordination in the region.
• Weaponisation of governance institutions: Russia’s limited engagement post-2022 has paralysed Arctic Council decision-making. Eg: Post-Ukraine war deadlock in the Arctic Council (Source: Arctic Council, 2024) has stalled several multilateral scientific missions.
• Eg: Post-Ukraine war deadlock in the Arctic Council (Source: Arctic Council, 2024) has stalled several multilateral scientific missions.
• Resource and route competition: Thawing ice has unlocked critical minerals and new sea lanes, intensifying strategic rivalries. Eg: US push to secure Greenland (2025) is linked to control over Arctic resources and shipping lanes.
• Eg: US push to secure Greenland (2025) is linked to control over Arctic resources and shipping lanes.
• China’s ‘near-Arctic state’ doctrine: Despite no territorial claim, China has ramped up infrastructure and polar research as part of its Polar Silk Road. Eg: China’s white paper on the Arctic (2018) outlines its ambition to become a “Polar Power”, reinforced by its Yamal LNG investments.
• Eg: China’s white paper on the Arctic (2018) outlines its ambition to become a “Polar Power”, reinforced by its Yamal LNG investments.
• NATO’s expansion and new alignments: Sweden and Finland’s entry into NATO alters the regional military balance. Eg: Sweden and Finland joining NATO in 2023 intensified Arctic-Russia standoffs ( NATO Reports, 2023).
• Eg: Sweden and Finland joining NATO in 2023 intensified Arctic-Russia standoffs ( NATO Reports, 2023).
India’s preparation for evolving Arctic dynamics
• Strengthening Arctic scientific diplomacy: Expand polar research infrastructure and collaborative studies under India’s Arctic Policy (2022). Eg: India’s Himadri Station in Svalbard facilitates climate studies and showcases peaceful Arctic engagement.
• Eg: India’s Himadri Station in Svalbard facilitates climate studies and showcases peaceful Arctic engagement.
• Leveraging observer status for strategic dialogue: Use its role in Arctic Council to push for inclusive, multilateral governance. Eg: India’s statement at the Arctic Council (2023) called for demilitarisation and sustainable development principles.
• Eg: India’s statement at the Arctic Council (2023) called for demilitarisation and sustainable development principles.
• Building Arctic resource partnerships: Collaborate with Norway, Canada on mining, green hydrogen and shipping to gain early foothold. Eg: India-Norway MoU (2022) focused on sustainable ocean economy with Arctic linkages (MoEFCC).
• Eg: India-Norway MoU (2022) focused on sustainable ocean economy with Arctic linkages (MoEFCC).
• Integrating Arctic into national security thinking: Incorporate Arctic into maritime and climate security doctrines under NDMA and NMF. Eg: National Maritime Security Coordinator framework (2022) enables wider maritime domain awareness including polar regions.
• Eg: National Maritime Security Coordinator framework (2022) enables wider maritime domain awareness including polar regions.
• Promoting rule-based polar governance: Advocate UNCLOS-based norms and oppose unilateral military assertions by any power. Eg: India’s Arctic Policy (2022) emphasizes “respect for international law” and global commons principles.
• Eg: India’s Arctic Policy (2022) emphasizes “respect for international law” and global commons principles.
Conclusion
India’s Arctic vision must balance science, sustainability, and strategic foresight. As the Arctic warms geopolitically and climatically, India’s role must evolve from passive observer to proactive shaper of cooperative polar governance.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Q5. Why has global biodiversity finance failed to reach those most responsible for protecting ecosystems? Critically analyse the institutional and structural barriers behind this exclusion. Suggest mechanisms for fairer fund distribution. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question: The IIED May 2025 report exposed how biodiversity finance mechanisms bypass indigenous peoples and women despite global targets under the KMGBF, raising concerns over equity and governance. Key Demand of the question: Explain why IPLCs are excluded from biodiversity finance, analyse the institutional and structural causes of this exclusion, and propose reforms to ensure equitable and direct fund access. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Mention how IPLCs manage most of the Earth’s biodiversity yet remain underfunded, citing Target 19 of KMGBF. Body Reasons why IPLCs and women are not receiving biodiversity finance despite being key custodians Institutional and structural barriers including governance design, fund delivery systems, and gender invisibility Mechanisms for reform such as direct-access models, gender budgeting, transparency tools, and decentralised planning Conclusion Emphasise the need to align biodiversity finance with justice and local leadership to meet 2030 global biodiversity goals.
Why the question: The IIED May 2025 report exposed how biodiversity finance mechanisms bypass indigenous peoples and women despite global targets under the KMGBF, raising concerns over equity and governance.
Key Demand of the question: Explain why IPLCs are excluded from biodiversity finance, analyse the institutional and structural causes of this exclusion, and propose reforms to ensure equitable and direct fund access.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Mention how IPLCs manage most of the Earth’s biodiversity yet remain underfunded, citing Target 19 of KMGBF.
• Reasons why IPLCs and women are not receiving biodiversity finance despite being key custodians
• Institutional and structural barriers including governance design, fund delivery systems, and gender invisibility
• Mechanisms for reform such as direct-access models, gender budgeting, transparency tools, and decentralised planning
Conclusion Emphasise the need to align biodiversity finance with justice and local leadership to meet 2030 global biodiversity goals.
Introduction
Despite being primary custodians of global biodiversity, indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) receive only a fraction of international conservation finance, due to entrenched systemic barriers. This exclusion undermines both climate justice and biodiversity goals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Reasons for exclusion of key custodians from biodiversity finance
• Over-reliance on intermediary institutions: Large development banks and UN agencies dominate GEF disbursal. Eg: GEF-funded projects (GEF-6 and GEF-7) allocated only 24–30% of funds to “local actors”, mostly through intermediaries (IIED Report, May 2025).
• Eg: GEF-funded projects (GEF-6 and GEF-7) allocated only 24–30% of funds to “local actors”, mostly through intermediaries (IIED Report, May 2025).
• Lack of direct access channels for IPLCs: Absence of institutional frameworks enabling grassroots applications. Eg: Indigenous groups in the Philippines failed to access funds since 2009 due to lack of clarity on application processes .
• Eg: Indigenous groups in the Philippines failed to access funds since 2009 due to lack of clarity on application processes .
• Inadequate representation in project design: IPLCs are often consulted post-approval, limiting their influence. Eg: A Malawian tribal group was added to a GEF project only after another NGO dropped out .
• Eg: A Malawian tribal group was added to a GEF project only after another NGO dropped out .
• Opaque fund flow and poor accountability: Donor-to-recipient tracking is fragmented, preventing course correction. Eg: Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) factsheet (2025) found major gaps in tracking and verifying biodiversity fund flow.
• Eg: Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) factsheet (2025) found major gaps in tracking and verifying biodiversity fund flow.
• Gender-blind financial frameworks: Biodiversity funds rarely include targeted allocation for women-led groups. Eg: No IPLC women’s organisation in any of the 5 countries studied received direct funding .
• Eg: No IPLC women’s organisation in any of the 5 countries studied received direct funding .
Institutional and structural barriers
• Centralised architecture of GEF: National governments and large INGOs dominate approvals and disbursals. Eg: GEF Operational Focal Points (OFPs) are typically ministry officials with limited linkage to IPLCs .
• Eg: GEF Operational Focal Points (OFPs) are typically ministry officials with limited linkage to IPLCs .
• Absence of rights-based frameworks: Global funders do not legally mandate inclusion of IPLC rights or participation. Eg: UNDRIP (2007) remains under-implemented in global finance architecture (UN PFII reports).
• Eg: UNDRIP (2007) remains under-implemented in global finance architecture (UN PFII reports).
• Lack of gender-disaggregated financial data: No tracking of how much biodiversity funding reaches women. Eg: GEF gender indicators exist but are poorly monitored or enforced.
• Eg: GEF gender indicators exist but are poorly monitored or enforced.
• Short-term, rigid funding cycles: These are misaligned with the long-term, seasonal, and adaptive nature of community conservation. Eg: SGP projects face delays in approvals and fixed timelines that constrain remote community planning.
• Eg: SGP projects face delays in approvals and fixed timelines that constrain remote community planning.
• Language, legal, and digital exclusion: Application materials, reporting requirements, and eligibility criteria exclude marginalised groups. Eg: Indigenous applicants in Vanuatu cited complex online systems as a barrier .
• Eg: Indigenous applicants in Vanuatu cited complex online systems as a barrier .
Mechanisms for fairer fund distribution
• Scaling up direct-access models: Establish decentralised, IPLC-led fund allocation mechanisms. Eg: Amazon Fund (Brazil) gives direct community access with multi-stakeholder governance.
• Eg: Amazon Fund (Brazil) gives direct community access with multi-stakeholder governance.
• Institutionalise gender budgeting in biodiversity finance: Mandatory allocations and monitoring for women-led groups. Eg: MoEFCC’s Gender Action Plan 2023 recommends sector-specific targets in India’s biodiversity planning.
• Eg: MoEFCC’s Gender Action Plan 2023 recommends sector-specific targets in India’s biodiversity planning.
• Expand the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP): Mainstream its structure across all GEF funding modalities. Eg: SGP-funded reservoir restoration in Antigua gave full control to a village community (IIED 2025).
• Eg: SGP-funded reservoir restoration in Antigua gave full control to a village community (IIED 2025).
• Legally mandate community consent and design role: Align global funds with FPIC (Free, Prior and Informed Consent) standards. Eg: Nagaland Communitisation Act (2002) institutionalised local decision-making in conservation planning.
• Eg: Nagaland Communitisation Act (2002) institutionalised local decision-making in conservation planning.
• Create transparent digital dashboards for fund tracking: Real-time fund flow visibility to donors, governments, and communities. Eg: India’s Public Financial Management System (PFMS) offers a model for adaptation in biodiversity finance .
• Eg: India’s Public Financial Management System (PFMS) offers a model for adaptation in biodiversity finance .
Conclusion
Biodiversity finance must evolve from a trickle-down model to a justice-based model that recognises IPLCs and women as frontline protectors. Achieving KMGBF’s vision by 2030 hinges not on more money alone—but on who controls it, who uses it, and who benefits.
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
Q6. “Indigenous knowledge offers adaptive, low-cost, and ecologically viable strategies for disaster mitigation”. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of using such knowledge in modern disaster management systems. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question Kerala’s new disaster management plan to safeguard its tribal communities, use indigenous knowledge Key demand of the question The question asks for a balanced evaluation of the advantages and drawbacks of using indigenous knowledge in disaster mitigation, especially in the context of its integration with modern systems. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Briefly introduce the relevance of indigenous knowledge in disaster-prone, ecologically fragile regions using a current example like Kerala’s THDMP. Body Highlight key strengths of indigenous knowledge in disaster mitigation (ecological fit, community participation, etc.). Discuss limitations in practical integration with modern systems (lack of standardisation, climate unpredictability, etc.). Conclusion Conclude with a forward-looking line on integrating traditional wisdom with scientific tools for inclusive and adaptive disaster frameworks.
Why the question Kerala’s new disaster management plan to safeguard its tribal communities, use indigenous knowledge
Key demand of the question The question asks for a balanced evaluation of the advantages and drawbacks of using indigenous knowledge in disaster mitigation, especially in the context of its integration with modern systems.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Briefly introduce the relevance of indigenous knowledge in disaster-prone, ecologically fragile regions using a current example like Kerala’s THDMP.
• Highlight key strengths of indigenous knowledge in disaster mitigation (ecological fit, community participation, etc.).
• Discuss limitations in practical integration with modern systems (lack of standardisation, climate unpredictability, etc.).
Conclusion Conclude with a forward-looking line on integrating traditional wisdom with scientific tools for inclusive and adaptive disaster frameworks.
Introduction The recent Kerala THDMP (2025) highlights a shift toward integrating tribal ecological wisdom with formal disaster management. Such knowledge, passed through generations, holds immense promise but faces systemic challenges.
Strengths of indigenous knowledge in disaster mitigation
• Context-specific adaptability: Indigenous practices are tailored to local geography, climate, and ecology.
• Eg:- Kurumbanmoozhi hamlet’s elevated hut design helped avoid flood damage during 2023 monsoons in Kerala’s Western Ghats (KSDMA, 2024).
• Low-cost and resource-efficient: It relies on locally available materials and knowledge, reducing external dependence.
• Eg:- Zabo water harvesting in Nagaland captures hill runoff without external infrastructure (NITI Aayog Report on Traditional Water Systems, 2021).
• Early warning through ecological cues: Communities often interpret signs like bird behavior, soil patterns, or wind direction.
• Eg:- Mishing tribe of Assam reads riverbank cracks and fish movement to predict Brahmaputra floods (NDMA).
• Community-centric and participatory: Ensures greater social acceptance and collective action during disasters.
• Eg:- Apatanis in Arunachal Pradesh conduct annual mock drills during rice-fish farming cycle as part of traditional rituals.
• Ecological sustainability: Promotes harmony with nature and avoids over-engineering.
• Eg:- Toda tribes of Nilgiris practice sacred groves conservation, which reduce landslide risk in deforested slopes (MoEFCC Biodiversity Report, 2022).
Limitations of indigenous knowledge in modern systems
• Limited documentation and standardisation: Much of this knowledge is oral and lacks scientific validation.
• Eg:- Gadchiroli tribes’ bamboo flood barriers failed in 2019 due to lack of structural assessment.
• Inadequate scalability: Often hyper-local, making replication in diverse geographies difficult.
• Eg:- Wayanad tribal alert systems using animal migration patterns are ineffective in urbanised flood zones.
• Vulnerability to ecosystem change: Climate change may render some traditional indicators obsolete.
• Eg:- Ladakhi farmers failed to anticipate 2022 flash floods as glacier melting patterns changed due to global warming (ICIMOD, 2023).
• Exclusion from formal DM policies: Lack of institutional recognition weakens integration into national frameworks.
• Eg:- Sendai Framework (2015-30) mentions local knowledge, but India’s DM Act 2005 lacks operational mandates for it.
• Intergenerational erosion of knowledge: Youth migration and formal education reduce the transmission of traditional wisdom.
• Eg:- In Jharkhand, the Ho community’s ancestral weather interpretation practices are disappearing.
Conclusion Integrating indigenous wisdom with scientific tools can build hybrid, adaptive, and inclusive disaster frameworks. India’s future resilience will hinge on recognising that resilience is not just built in labs, but also lived in forests.
General Studies – 4
Q7. Moral relativism can often justify inhumane acts in the garb of tradition. Discuss. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question Three women hacked to death on suspicion of practicing witchcraft in Chhattisgarh Key demand of the question Explain how moral relativism enables justification of violence in the name of tradition. Suggest ethical approaches to counter such justifications and promote universal human values. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Define moral relativism briefly and mention its ethical conflict with universal human rights. Body Show how moral relativism leads to acceptance of inhumane acts under cultural norms Discuss ethical ways to counter it, including constitutional morality, ethical education, and reformist leadership Conclusion Suggest a value-based approach where cultural identity does not override human dignity and rights.
Why the question Three women hacked to death on suspicion of practicing witchcraft in Chhattisgarh
Key demand of the question Explain how moral relativism enables justification of violence in the name of tradition. Suggest ethical approaches to counter such justifications and promote universal human values.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Define moral relativism briefly and mention its ethical conflict with universal human rights.
• Show how moral relativism leads to acceptance of inhumane acts under cultural norms
• Discuss ethical ways to counter it, including constitutional morality, ethical education, and reformist leadership
Conclusion Suggest a value-based approach where cultural identity does not override human dignity and rights.
Introduction When ethical norms are judged purely by local traditions, even inhuman acts gain social legitimacy, shielding them from universal moral scrutiny. This creates ethical conflict between cultural pluralism and universal human dignity.
How moral relativism justifies inhumane acts
• Normalisation of harmful customs: Cultural traditions often normalise violence, evading scrutiny under the guise of identity.
• Eg:– In May 2025, three women were hacked to death in Chhattisgarh after being branded Tonhi (witch), despite the Tonhi Pratadna Nivaran Act, 2005.
• Suppression of dissent and reform: Moral relativism suppresses reformers by equating criticism of tradition with disrespect to culture.
• Eg:– Social activists in Jharkhand and Odisha working against witch-hunting have faced threats and social boycott .
• Clash with constitutional morality: Such acts violate Article 21 (Right to life and dignity) and Article 51A(h) (promoting scientific temper).
• Eg:– The Supreme Court in Nandini Sundar vs. State of Chhattisgarh (2011) warned against state inaction in preventing tribal violence rooted in belief systems.
• Weak ethical autonomy: Relativism makes individuals surrender personal morality to community norms, diluting ethical responsibility.
• Eg:– Villagers involved in witch killings in Dantewada later claimed they “acted on village belief”.
• Institutional indifference: Authorities often hesitate to intervene in ‘cultural’ matters, enabling silent approval of injustice.
• Eg:– National Commission for Women (2024 Report) noted lack of police registration in 35% of witch-branding complaints in tribal belts.
Tackling moral relativism ethically
• Promoting universal ethical principles: Anchoring public conduct in human dignity, non-violence, and justice to counter harmful traditions.
• Eg:– The NHRC advisory (2023) on eradicating witch-branding recommended using UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights standards in state campaigns.
• Ethical literacy and critical thinking: Value-based education must instill the ability to question unjust traditions.
• Eg:– Maharashtra’s Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti uses scientific workshops to critique superstition through ethical reasoning.
• Administrative courage and ethical enforcement: Officers must uphold constitutional morality even when it clashes with local belief.
• Eg:– IAS officer Shalini Agnihotri in Kanker district led successful action against witch-hunters despite local resistance .
• Community-centric moral reforms: Use of community leaders, healers and traditional forums to reform norms from within.
• Eg:– Odisha’s Ganjam district campaign (2022) empowered tribal elders to promote rational alternatives to witch-branding.
• Role of media in moral awakening: Ethical journalism should highlight the human cost of such acts and promote collective empathy.
• Eg:– BBC’s documentary on witch-hunting in India (2023) helped spark debate on moral versus cultural justifications in global forums.
Conclusion Tradition must not become a shield for cruelty. Ethical courage, rational education, and constitutional values must converge to end the tyranny of moral relativism cloaked in custom.
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