UPSC Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS : 24 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
Q1. What were the key ideological strands within the Indian National Movement in the 20th century? How did these ideologies influence mass mobilisation? Evaluate their legacy in post-independence India. (15 M)
Introduction
The Indian National Movement evolved as a tapestry of diverse ideological strands, ranging from moderate constitutionalism to radical socialism, which collectively shaped its inclusive and mass-based character.
Key ideological strands within the Indian National Movement
• Moderate constitutionalism: Advocated gradual reforms through petitions and legal methods, led by early INC leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Eg:– The 1909 Morley-Minto Reforms were supported by moderates as a constitutional gain, despite their limited nature.
• Eg:– The 1909 Morley-Minto Reforms were supported by moderates as a constitutional gain, despite their limited nature.
• Extremist nationalism: Sought assertive methods and emotional appeal to cultural pride, rejecting the British model. Eg:– Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Home Rule League (1916) mobilised public sentiment through festivals and vernacular press.
• Eg:– Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Home Rule League (1916) mobilised public sentiment through festivals and vernacular press.
• Gandhian ideology (Satyagraha and non-violence): Introduced mass civil disobedience rooted in ethics, truth, and self-reliance. Eg:– The Salt March (1930) mobilised millions under a moral and non-violent platform challenging colonial laws.
• Eg:– The Salt March (1930) mobilised millions under a moral and non-violent platform challenging colonial laws.
• Revolutionary socialism: Advocated armed resistance and martyrdom to inspire national awakening, especially among youth. Eg:– Bhagat Singh’s Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) popularised revolutionary ideals through court speeches and Lahore Conspiracy Case.
• Eg:– Bhagat Singh’s Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) popularised revolutionary ideals through court speeches and Lahore Conspiracy Case.
• Communist and Marxist thought: Highlighted class struggle, anti-imperialism, and peasant-worker mobilisation. Eg:– The 1920s formation of Communist Party of India led to labour strikes in Bombay and Bengal, integrating class with nationalist politics.
• Eg:– The 1920s formation of Communist Party of India led to labour strikes in Bombay and Bengal, integrating class with nationalist politics.
• Hindu revivalist and cultural nationalism: Emphasised ancient heritage, often with exclusionary undertones. Eg:– Arya Samaj and Hindu Mahasabha promoted Vedic culture and re-conversion (Shuddhi movement), influencing identity-based mobilisation.
• Eg:– Arya Samaj and Hindu Mahasabha promoted Vedic culture and re-conversion (Shuddhi movement), influencing identity-based mobilisation.
• Islamic reformist and pan-Islamic ideologies: Combined anti-colonial resistance with religious reform and pan-Islamic solidarity. Eg:– The Khilafat Movement (1919–24) created Hindu-Muslim unity under a shared anti-British sentiment, later co-opted into the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Eg:– The Khilafat Movement (1919–24) created Hindu-Muslim unity under a shared anti-British sentiment, later co-opted into the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Feminist and gender justice ideologies: Linked freedom struggle with women’s emancipation and rights. Eg:– Leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay combined nationalist activism with campaigns for suffrage and education.
• Eg:– Leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay combined nationalist activism with campaigns for suffrage and education.
Influence of ideologies on mass mobilisation
• Inclusivity of diverse social groups: Varied ideologies brought peasants, women, students, and workers into the fold. Eg:– Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha (1917) united peasants against indigo planters using non-violent resistance.
• Eg:– Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha (1917) united peasants against indigo planters using non-violent resistance.
• Multiple pathways of participation: Enabled both constitutional protest and revolutionary activism to coexist under a broader nationalist umbrella. Eg:– Parallel developments of Non-Cooperation Movement and armed revolutionaries like Chandrashekhar Azad in 1920s show ideological plurality.
• Eg:– Parallel developments of Non-Cooperation Movement and armed revolutionaries like Chandrashekhar Azad in 1920s show ideological plurality.
• Regional assertion and linguistic mobilisation: Cultural nationalism promoted mass identity-based mobilisation. Eg:– Annie Besant’s Home Rule Movement in South India used English education and Theosophy to connect with local elites and students.
• Eg:– Annie Besant’s Home Rule Movement in South India used English education and Theosophy to connect with local elites and students.
• Strengthening of press and vernacular media: Each ideological strand built its own media platforms for mobilisation. Eg:– Kesari (Tilak) and Al-Hilal (Maulana Azad) became critical ideological mouthpieces.
• Eg:– Kesari (Tilak) and Al-Hilal (Maulana Azad) became critical ideological mouthpieces.
• Emergence of class-based organisations: Communist ideologies mobilised labour and tenant groups around economic justice. Eg:– The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC, 1920) mobilised over 2 lakh workers by 1929 under leftist ideology.
• Eg:– The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC, 1920) mobilised over 2 lakh workers by 1929 under leftist ideology.
Legacy in post-independence India
• Pluralism in democratic institutions: Coexistence of ideologies laid foundation for India’s multi-party system and democratic debates. Eg:– The Indian Constitution accommodates liberalism, socialism, and social justice under its Preamble and DPSPs.
• Eg:– The Indian Constitution accommodates liberalism, socialism, and social justice under its Preamble and DPSPs.
• Integration of social reform into governance: Feminist and reformist ideologies shaped welfare policies and legal rights. Eg:– Hindu Code Bills (1955–56) advanced women’s rights in marriage and inheritance, pushed by earlier feminist demands.
• Eg:– Hindu Code Bills (1955–56) advanced women’s rights in marriage and inheritance, pushed by earlier feminist demands.
• Challenge of identity politics: Some revivalist ideologies transitioned into religious nationalism, complicating secular governance. Eg:– Rise of communal politics post-1980s reflects ideological continuities and divergences from pre-independence days.
• Eg:– Rise of communal politics post-1980s reflects ideological continuities and divergences from pre-independence days.
• Grassroots and civil society activism: Legacy of decentralised mobilisation inspired post-independence movements. Eg:– The JP Movement (1974) echoed Gandhian mass mobilisation rooted in moral authority.
• Eg:– The JP Movement (1974) echoed Gandhian mass mobilisation rooted in moral authority.
• Ideological fragmentation and contestation: Post-1947 witnessed ideological competition within and outside Parliament. Eg:– The split of the Indian National Congress (1969) reflected Nehruvian socialism versus pro-market liberalism.
• Eg:– The split of the Indian National Congress (1969) reflected Nehruvian socialism versus pro-market liberalism.
Conclusion
The ideological richness of the Indian National Movement not only fuelled its success against colonialism but also embedded the DNA of ideological pluralism in India’s democratic evolution. Reclaiming this legacy today demands deepening democratic dialogue over divisive dogmas.
Q2. “Rising oil inventories and sluggish demand signal a structural transformation in global energy geography”. Explain this shift. Assess its implications for petroleum-based economies. (10 M)
Introduction
A growing mismatch between oil supply and demand, amid the rise of electric mobility, green transitions, and non-OECD demand centres, marks a significant transformation in global energy geography.
Structural transformation in global energy geography
• Declining demand in advanced economies: OECD countries are experiencing sustained fall in oil consumption due to decarbonisation and efficiency norms. Eg:– IEA 2025 forecasts a 240 kb/d decline in OECD oil demand by 2026, citing record EV sales and efficiency regulations.
• Eg:– IEA 2025 forecasts a 240 kb/d decline in OECD oil demand by 2026, citing record EV sales and efficiency regulations.
• Shift in consumption to emerging markets: Demand growth is being led by non-OECD nations, shifting consumption geography towards the Global South. Eg:– According to IEA May 2025, non-OECD countries will add 860 kb/d in demand this year and 1 mb/d in 2026, with India and China leading.
• Eg:– According to IEA May 2025, non-OECD countries will add 860 kb/d in demand this year and 1 mb/d in 2026, with India and China leading.
• New supply geographies beyond OPEC+: Increased production in regions like Brazil, Guyana, and the North Sea reduces spatial dominance of West Asia. Eg:– IEA 2025 notes 1.3 mb/d supply rise in 2025 from non-OPEC+ countries, mainly from offshore fields in Brazil and Guyana.
• Eg:– IEA 2025 notes 1.3 mb/d supply rise in 2025 from non-OPEC+ countries, mainly from offshore fields in Brazil and Guyana.
• Changing geography of oil storage: Build-up of inventories is redefining trade and storage logistics globally. Eg:– In March 2025, global inventories rose by 25.1 million barrels, with total storage reaching 7.67 billion barrels, per IEA.
• Eg:– In March 2025, global inventories rose by 25.1 million barrels, with total storage reaching 7.67 billion barrels, per IEA.
• Refining geography shift to Asia and Middle East: Refinery margins have risen in these regions due to cost advantages and rising local demand. Eg:– In April 2025, refinery margins hit a 12-month high in Asia and Middle East, as per IEA, due to narrow heavy-light crude spreads.
• Eg:– In April 2025, refinery margins hit a 12-month high in Asia and Middle East, as per IEA, due to narrow heavy-light crude spreads.
Implications for petroleum-based economies
• Revenue volatility and fiscal pressure: Oversupply and price decline strain oil-export-dependent budgets. Eg:– Saudi Arabia required oil at $96/barrel in 2024 for a balanced budget, while prices risk falling to mid-$50s, per IEA’s inventory forecast.
• Eg:– Saudi Arabia required oil at $96/barrel in 2024 for a balanced budget, while prices risk falling to mid-$50s, per IEA’s inventory forecast.
• Risk of stranded assets: Long-term investments in hydrocarbons may become economically unviable. Eg:– IEA Net Zero report 2023 warned that nearly $1.3 trillion in oil infrastructure could become stranded by 2050.
• Eg:– IEA Net Zero report 2023 warned that nearly $1.3 trillion in oil infrastructure could become stranded by 2050.
• Need for energy transition planning: Oil economies must diversify to mitigate risks from structural demand decline. Eg:– UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 targets 50% renewable mix, reflecting proactive spatial-economic diversification.
• Eg:– UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 targets 50% renewable mix, reflecting proactive spatial-economic diversification.
• Geopolitical influence erosion: Traditional petrostates may lose leverage in global geopolitics amid declining dependency. Eg:– OPEC+ share in global production is projected to decline due to non-OPEC supply surges, per IEA 2025 projections.
• Eg:– OPEC+ share in global production is projected to decline due to non-OPEC supply surges, per IEA 2025 projections.
• Regional inequalities in transition pace: Some economies face technological and financial barriers in diversifying. Eg:– African oil-exporters like Nigeria face challenges due to limited green finance access and over-dependence on crude exports.
• Eg:– African oil-exporters like Nigeria face challenges due to limited green finance access and over-dependence on crude exports.
Conclusion
The decoupling of oil from growth geographies signals not just a market shift, but a strategic pivot. Petroleum-based economies must navigate this transition with urgency, innovation, and economic foresight to remain resilient in the evolving energy landscape.
Q3. Analyse the interplay of physical geography and human factors in shaping India’s fisheries sector. How do these influence regional disparities in production? (10 M)
Introduction India’s diverse physical environment and socio-economic interventions jointly shape its fisheries sector. As a global fisheries powerhouse, regional variation stems from both geophysical settings and human agency.
Interplay of physical geography and human factors
• Shelf width and marine potential: Wider continental shelves offer ideal conditions for pelagic and demersal fisheries. Eg: Gujarat’s broad shelf supports large-scale trawling and contributes over 20% of India’s marine catch.
• Eg: Gujarat’s broad shelf supports large-scale trawling and contributes over 20% of India’s marine catch.
• Estuarine and deltaic ecosystems: Confluence zones enable breeding and nursery habitats for high-value species. Eg: The Godavari and Krishna estuaries boost brackish water aquaculture and support prawn cultivation in Andhra Pradesh.
• Eg: The Godavari and Krishna estuaries boost brackish water aquaculture and support prawn cultivation in Andhra Pradesh.
• Monsoon cycles and productivity: Coastal upwelling during monsoons enhances nutrient flow and fish catch. Eg: Kerala’s Malabar upwelling improves sardine and mackerel yield during the southwest monsoon.
• Eg: Kerala’s Malabar upwelling improves sardine and mackerel yield during the southwest monsoon.
• Aquaculture-friendly inland geography: Water-abundant regions foster freshwater fish farming through tank and pond systems. Eg: West Bengal’s Gangetic plains enable inland aquaculture, especially rohu and catla.
• Eg: West Bengal’s Gangetic plains enable inland aquaculture, especially rohu and catla.
• Human capital and infrastructure: Cold chains, training, and mechanised boats raise output and post-harvest value. Eg: Visakhapatnam’s fishing harbour has enabled deep-sea fishing and high export volumes from Andhra Pradesh .
• Eg: Visakhapatnam’s fishing harbour has enabled deep-sea fishing and high export volumes from Andhra Pradesh .
Influence on regional disparities in production
• Marine-inland resource variation: Coastal states with favourable marine geography dominate marine fisheries. Eg: Tamil Nadu and Gujarat together account for over 35% of marine landings.
• Eg: Tamil Nadu and Gujarat together account for over 35% of marine landings.
• Aquaculture policy push: States with structured aquaculture missions lead inland fish production. Eg: Andhra Pradesh’s Matsya Sampada Yojana made it the largest fish-producing state.
• Eg: Andhra Pradesh’s Matsya Sampada Yojana made it the largest fish-producing state.
• Climatic vulnerability: Frequent cyclones and sea erosion hamper fishing in some coastal zones. Eg: Odisha’s Chilika region faces regular weather-related disruptions, reducing consistency in output.
• Eg: Odisha’s Chilika region faces regular weather-related disruptions, reducing consistency in output.
• Technology and mechanisation levels: States with better access to modern vessels and digital tools yield more efficient catch. Eg: Tamil Nadu’s e-fish governance system streamlined auctions and real-time fish availability.
• Eg: Tamil Nadu’s e-fish governance system streamlined auctions and real-time fish availability.
• Infrastructural inequality: Inland states lacking cold chains, storage, or training centres lag behind in fishery output. Eg: Despite water availability, Bihar and Jharkhand contribute less than 3% to national production due to weak logistics.
• Eg: Despite water availability, Bihar and Jharkhand contribute less than 3% to national production due to weak logistics.
Conclusion India’s fisheries success hinges on region-specific geography and tailored human input. Targeted infrastructure, training, and climate-smart strategies are vital to reduce spatial inequities and harness full sectoral potential.
General Studies – 2
Q4. “Freedom of expression is not just a right—it is essential to democratic governance”. Discuss. (15 M)
Introduction Freedom of expression is the bedrock of an open society, ensuring that power is questioned and democratic participation is meaningful. Without it, constitutional democracy risks descending into silent compliance.
Freedom of expression as the foundation of democratic governance
• Enabler of participatory governance: It empowers citizens to critique state actions and engage in decision-making. Eg: RTI Act, 2005 was born from campaigns led by Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, using free speech to demand government transparency.
• Eg: RTI Act, 2005 was born from campaigns led by Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, using free speech to demand government transparency.
• Promotes electoral accountability: A robust public discourse shapes rational voter behaviour and deters misuse of state power. Eg: Election Commission’s censure of hate speech during 2024 Lok Sabha polls showcased the value of regulated but open political dialogue.
• Eg: Election Commission’s censure of hate speech during 2024 Lok Sabha polls showcased the value of regulated but open political dialogue.
• Fosters policy innovation through dissent: Critical voices help improve governance by highlighting blind spots. Eg: The Farmers’ protests (2020–21) led to repeal of the farm laws, reflecting dissent’s role in policy reversal.
• Eg: The Farmers’ protests (2020–21) led to repeal of the farm laws, reflecting dissent’s role in policy reversal.
• Strengthens judicial independence and review: Legal criticism fosters jurisprudential clarity and people’s trust in the judiciary. Eg: Debates post the Sabarimala judgment helped the Court reconsider balancing rights and tradition.
• Eg: Debates post the Sabarimala judgment helped the Court reconsider balancing rights and tradition.
• Enables civil society and activism: It ensures space for NGOs, academics, and citizens to advocate for the marginalised. Eg: Shaheen Bagh movement demonstrated peaceful protest as legitimate democratic expression under Article 19(1)(a).
• Eg: Shaheen Bagh movement demonstrated peaceful protest as legitimate democratic expression under Article 19(1)(a).
Challenges to freedom of expression
• Misuse of penal provisions: Broad and vague laws enable arbitrary arrests and censorship. Eg: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita charges against a professor for a social media post highlight this risk.
• Eg: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita charges against a professor for a social media post highlight this risk.
• Institutional censorship and surveillance: State agencies increasingly monitor dissent under the guise of national security. Eg: Pegasus spyware revelations (2021) showed unlawful surveillance of journalists and activists.
• Eg: Pegasus spyware revelations (2021) showed unlawful surveillance of journalists and activists.
• Shrinking academic and campus freedoms: Universities face external pressure over critical research and political speech. Eg: The resignations from Ashoka University (2021–24) revealed indirect suppression of academic expression.
• Eg: The resignations from Ashoka University (2021–24) revealed indirect suppression of academic expression.
• Digital platform regulation without safeguards: Governmental control over online content risks curtailing independent voices. Eg: IT Rules, 2021 were challenged in multiple High Courts for enabling executive overreach in content takedown.
• Eg: IT Rules, 2021 were challenged in multiple High Courts for enabling executive overreach in content takedown.
• Mob violence and social backlash: Majoritarian pressures suppress unpopular or minority viewpoints. Eg: Bengaluru violence over a Facebook post showed how public outrage can spiral into silencing of expression.
• Eg: Bengaluru violence over a Facebook post showed how public outrage can spiral into silencing of expression.
Way forward
• Codify speech-related protections: Enact clear statutory guidelines on what constitutes protected speech under Article 19. Eg: Law Commission of India (267th Report) suggested narrowly tailoring sedition and similar laws to prevent misuse.
• Eg: Law Commission of India (267th Report) suggested narrowly tailoring sedition and similar laws to prevent misuse.
• Judicial oversight on arrests: Mandate pre-arrest judicial review for speech-related offences. Eg: SC judgment in Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar (2014) discourages routine arrests under cognisable offences.
• Eg: SC judgment in Arnesh Kumar vs State of Bihar (2014) discourages routine arrests under cognisable offences.
• Strengthen institutional autonomy: Ensure independence of universities, media, and cultural institutions from executive control. Eg: U.G.C. Guidelines 2022 stress non-interference in academic research and curriculum design.
• Eg: U.G.C. Guidelines 2022 stress non-interference in academic research and curriculum design.
• Promote civic education and digital literacy: Citizens must be educated to tolerate opposing views and verify misinformation. Eg: NCERT’s 2023 revised civics syllabus includes modules on media literacy and democratic dialogue.
• Eg: NCERT’s 2023 revised civics syllabus includes modules on media literacy and democratic dialogue.
• Establish independent media and speech regulators: Create a non-partisan commission to oversee speech-related disputes and ensure proportionality. Eg: The UK’s Ofcom model balances free speech with content regulation, avoiding excessive executive control.
• Eg: The UK’s Ofcom model balances free speech with content regulation, avoiding excessive executive control.
Conclusion Democracy without free expression is rule without voice. Ensuring constitutional, institutional, and cultural protections for expression is vital to preserve India’s democratic soul in the face of rising pressures.
Q5. “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?(10 M)
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.
Body
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.
• Weaponization 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
Q6. “Rising private procurement signals a shift in India’s grain market dynamics”. Discuss its implications for market competition. Examine whether it reduces farmer dependence on Minimum Support Price (MSP). (10 M)
Introduction The 2025 Rabi season witnessed record private wheat procurement in Punjab, reflecting a structural shift in agricultural markets where private players are increasingly shaping price and access dynamics beyond government procurement.
Implications for market competition
• Higher price realisation for farmers: Competitive bidding by private players can drive prices above the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Eg: In Punjab 2025, private traders offered ₹2,800/quintal, well above the MSP of ₹2,640, especially in Sangrur and Patiala.
• Eg: In Punjab 2025, private traders offered ₹2,800/quintal, well above the MSP of ₹2,640, especially in Sangrur and Patiala.
• Diversification of procurement base: Entry of multiple buyers reduces the monopoly of government procurement agencies. Eg: 10.79 LMT of wheat was procured by private entities, the highest ever in Punjab, compared to 7.5 LMT in 2024 (Punjab Food Department).
• Eg: 10.79 LMT of wheat was procured by private entities, the highest ever in Punjab, compared to 7.5 LMT in 2024 (Punjab Food Department).
• Encouragement of direct producer-industry linkages: Direct sourcing bypasses intermediaries and enhances efficiency in value chains. Eg: Flour millers in Sangrur procured 6–9 months of stock directly from farmers fearing delays in OMSS.
• Eg: Flour millers in Sangrur procured 6–9 months of stock directly from farmers fearing delays in OMSS.
• Improved quality and grading incentives: Private buyers may offer premiums for superior grain quality, encouraging better farm practices. Eg: In Ludhiana East, traders paid more for cleaned and stored wheat, rewarding post-harvest handling.
• Eg: In Ludhiana East, traders paid more for cleaned and stored wheat, rewarding post-harvest handling.
• Pressure on mandi-based procurement systems: Increased private participation may weaken APMC revenues and regulatory control. Eg: APMC officials in Faridkot reported rise in out-of-mandi procurement, impacting mandi fee collections.
• Eg: APMC officials in Faridkot reported rise in out-of-mandi procurement, impacting mandi fee collections.
Whether it reduces farmer dependence on Minimum Support Price (MSP)
Yes, it reduces dependence
• Higher private prices incentivise non-MSP sales: Farmers shift towards market-driven sales if offered better rates. Eg: In Sangrur and Patiala, many farmers deferred sales waiting for better-than-MSP private offers in April–May 2025.
• Eg: In Sangrur and Patiala, many farmers deferred sales waiting for better-than-MSP private offers in April–May 2025.
• MSP acts more as a benchmark, not safety net: Farmers increasingly view MSP as a reference rather than the only viable option. Eg: CACP reports (2022) found that MSP influenced only 23% of national crop sales directly.
• Eg: CACP reports (2022) found that MSP influenced only 23% of national crop sales directly.
• Improved bargaining through buyer diversity: Private demand strengthens farmer negotiating capacity in competitive zones. Eg: Millers’ long-term contracts for 6–9 months in Punjab encouraged direct farm-level negotiations.
• Eg: Millers’ long-term contracts for 6–9 months in Punjab encouraged direct farm-level negotiations.
No, it does not reduce dependence fully
• Market access remains uneven across states: In low-surplus or remote regions, private buyers are absent or offer lower prices. Eg: In states like Chhattisgarh and Bihar, MSP procurement still dominates due to weak market infrastructure.
• Eg: In states like Chhattisgarh and Bihar, MSP procurement still dominates due to weak market infrastructure.
• Private demand is volatile and seasonal: In absence of assured procurement, farmers may face distress sales. Eg: In 2023, delay in OMSS release till December forced many to sell below MSP in July–Sept window.
• Eg: In 2023, delay in OMSS release till December forced many to sell below MSP in July–Sept window.
• Small and marginal farmers lack bargaining power: Fragmented holdings and information asymmetry weaken their position in private deals. Eg: NITI Aayog (2021) warned of private traders excluding smallholders who cannot meet volume or quality thresholds.
• Eg: NITI Aayog (2021) warned of private traders excluding smallholders who cannot meet volume or quality thresholds.
Conclusion Private procurement offers promising signals for market diversification and higher returns, but MSP remains critical for inclusion, stability, and food security. A calibrated dual-market model backed by institutional safeguards is essential for equitable agricultural transformation.
Q7. What explains the persisting regional disparities in energy access across Indian states? Analyse the causes rooted in demand-supply mismatch and assess the effectiveness of the national grid in addressing them. Also suggest measures to ensure equitable and reliable electricity distribution. (15 M)
Introduction While India has achieved near energy sufficiency at the national level, disparities across states persist due to uneven infrastructure, renewable capacities, and transmission connectivity—undermining the goal of inclusive energy access.
Reasons for persisting regional disparities in energy access
• Unequal generation capacity among states: Power generation is concentrated in a few surplus states, leaving others reliant on imports. Eg:– Maharashtra and Gujarat have maintained <0.1% energy gap, while Jharkhand and Bihar reported 0.4% and 0.5% gap respectively in 2024–25 (Power Ministry Annual Report 2025).
• Eg:– Maharashtra and Gujarat have maintained <0.1% energy gap, while Jharkhand and Bihar reported 0.4% and 0.5% gap respectively in 2024–25 (Power Ministry Annual Report 2025).
• Poor renewable energy adoption in lagging states: States with low solar and wind potential have failed to diversify energy sources. Eg:– Tripura, Manipur, Jharkhand, and Goa each generated less than 40 MU from renewables in 2024–25 (MNRE data).
• Eg:– Tripura, Manipur, Jharkhand, and Goa each generated less than 40 MU from renewables in 2024–25 (MNRE data).
• Weak financial health of DISCOMs: Revenue losses and delayed payments restrict power procurement and infrastructure expansion. Eg:– Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand DISCOMs face AT&C losses exceeding 25%, limiting local supply capacity (MoP UDAY portal 2024).
• Eg:– Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand DISCOMs face AT&C losses exceeding 25%, limiting local supply capacity (MoP UDAY portal 2024).
• Geographical and logistical challenges: Difficult terrain and remoteness delay transmission line deployment and raise costs. Eg:– Meghalaya’s gap ranged from 7.6% to 0% despite low demand, due to connectivity delays and poor access to grid power.
• Eg:– Meghalaya’s gap ranged from 7.6% to 0% despite low demand, due to connectivity delays and poor access to grid power.
Demand-supply mismatch and its contribution
• Mismatch between growing demand and stagnant supply: Rising urbanisation and industry raise demand faster than infrastructure upgrades. Eg:– Rajasthan’s demand rose from 89,000 MU to 1,07,000 MU, causing its gap to spike to 1.7% in 2022–23 before recovering.
• Eg:– Rajasthan’s demand rose from 89,000 MU to 1,07,000 MU, causing its gap to spike to 1.7% in 2022–23 before recovering.
• Ineffective peak load forecasting: Several states under- or overestimate daily peak demands, leading to forced outages or underutilisation. Eg:– Andhra Pradesh’s mismatch in 2022 led to load curtailments, despite overall sufficiency.
• Eg:– Andhra Pradesh’s mismatch in 2022 led to load curtailments, despite overall sufficiency.
• Limited intra-state transmission networks: Poor last-mile connectivity hampers distribution from central pool to local feeders. Eg:– Himachal Pradesh’s energy gap increased from 27 MU to 37 MU despite surplus supply, showing intra-state bottlenecks.
• Eg:– Himachal Pradesh’s energy gap increased from 27 MU to 37 MU despite surplus supply, showing intra-state bottlenecks.
• Non-synchronous local systems and grid imbalances: Lack of real-time balancing within some SLDCs leads to uneven availability. Eg:– Assam’s energy gap fluctuated from 0.8% to 0% due to periodic balancing failures in NE load dispatch centres.
• Eg:– Assam’s energy gap fluctuated from 0.8% to 0% due to periodic balancing failures in NE load dispatch centres.
National grid performance – success and challenges
• Enhanced national transmission capacity: Grid interconnection and new EHV lines have improved inter-regional balancing. Eg:– Addition of 14,360 ckm and 2,200 MW interregional capacity in 2024 helped reduce national energy gap to 0.1% (CEA data).
• Eg:– Addition of 14,360 ckm and 2,200 MW interregional capacity in 2024 helped reduce national energy gap to 0.1% (CEA data).
• Real-time coordination through dispatch centres: The NLDC-RLDC-SLDC system has strengthened operational efficiency. Eg:– PGCIL’s National Load Dispatch Centre now manages 45% of India’s transmission capacity (Power Grid, 2024).
• Eg:– PGCIL’s National Load Dispatch Centre now manages 45% of India’s transmission capacity (Power Grid, 2024).
• Limited reach to remote regions and islands: Islands and border regions remain disconnected or weakly linked to the national grid. Eg:– Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are still not part of the synchronous national grid.
• Eg:– Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are still not part of the synchronous national grid.
• Under-utilisation of renewable generation: Grid congestion and lack of storage lead to renewable power curtailment in surplus states. Eg:– Rajasthan and Gujarat have reported solar curtailments despite generating >50,000 MU combined in 2024–25.
• Eg:– Rajasthan and Gujarat have reported solar curtailments despite generating >50,000 MU combined in 2024–25.
Measures for equitable and reliable electricity distribution
• Targeted investment in under-served states: Focus on enhancing generation and transmission in East and NE India. Eg:– Centre plans ₹9.15 lakh crore investment for grid expansion and RE evacuation by 2030 (MoP roadmap, 2025).
• Eg:– Centre plans ₹9.15 lakh crore investment for grid expansion and RE evacuation by 2030 (MoP roadmap, 2025).
• Accelerated renewable deployment in lagging regions: Rooftop solar, off-grid, and hybrid systems for difficult terrain. Eg:– PM-KUSUM and Rooftop Solar Phase II can be expanded to states like Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand.
• Eg:– PM-KUSUM and Rooftop Solar Phase II can be expanded to states like Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand.
• Financial reform of DISCOMs: Reduce AT&C losses, improve billing, and ensure timely subsidy payments. Eg:– Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) launched in 2021 aims to reduce losses to <15% by 2025.
• Eg:– Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) launched in 2021 aims to reduce losses to <15% by 2025.
• Grid modernisation and smart metering: Digitisation, demand-side management, and smart load balancing tools. Eg:– Smart Grid Pilot Projects in states like Karnataka and Puducherry have shown promising results in reliability and efficiency.
• Eg:– Smart Grid Pilot Projects in states like Karnataka and Puducherry have shown promising results in reliability and efficiency.
Conclusion Bridging regional energy disparities is critical to India’s inclusive development and green transition. A forward-looking approach must combine transmission upgrades, decentralised renewables, and DISCOM reform to ensure reliable, affordable, and equitable energy access.
Q8. Identify the key limitations in India’s digital payment security architecture. Examine how predictive intelligence tools like the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) aim to bridge these structural gaps. (10 M)
Introduction
India’s rapid digitalisation in financial services has increased exposure to cyber frauds. The launch of the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) by the Department of Telecommunications in May 2025 reflects a shift from reactive to predictive security governance.
Limitations in India’s digital payment security architecture
• Absence of real-time intelligence sharing mechanisms: Risk signals are not integrated across telecom and financial institutions. Eg: RBI Annual Report 2022–23 highlighted that over 40% of digital frauds were detected only after the transaction due to siloed risk monitoring.
• Eg: RBI Annual Report 2022–23 highlighted that over 40% of digital frauds were detected only after the transaction due to siloed risk monitoring.
• Exploitation of short SIM lifecycle for frauds: Fraudsters use short-lived SIMs before detection and disconnection. Eg: As per DoT MNRL data (2024), over 66,000 mobile numbers used for frauds were disconnected within a few days of activation.
• Eg: As per DoT MNRL data (2024), over 66,000 mobile numbers used for frauds were disconnected within a few days of activation.
• Fragmented regulatory architecture: Lack of synchronisation among CERT-In, DoT, RBI hampers rapid response. Eg: The Standing Committee on Finance (2023) flagged inadequate convergence between telecom and financial fraud surveillance.
• Eg: The Standing Committee on Finance (2023) flagged inadequate convergence between telecom and financial fraud surveillance.
• Limited predictive analytics at platform level: Most payment platforms still rely on static rules, not behaviour-based AI models. Eg: PhonePe Protect (2025) was one of the first to apply FRI-based predictive alerts, unlike conventional filters.
• Eg: PhonePe Protect (2025) was one of the first to apply FRI-based predictive alerts, unlike conventional filters.
• Inadequate user alert systems and risk disclosures: Users are often unaware of fraud risks during transactions. Eg: Google Pay (2024) introduced on-screen warnings and transaction delays only after a surge in phishing fraud cases.
• Eg: Google Pay (2024) introduced on-screen warnings and transaction delays only after a surge in phishing fraud cases.
FRI’s role in bridging structural gaps
• Enables mobile number–based fraud risk scoring: Classifies numbers as Medium, High or Very High risk using multi-agency data. Eg: PhonePe data (2025) showed high predictive accuracy in fraud detection for Very High FRI-tagged numbers, as confirmed by DoT.
• Eg: PhonePe data (2025) showed high predictive accuracy in fraud detection for Very High FRI-tagged numbers, as confirmed by DoT.
• Supports pre-emptive intervention by stakeholders: Enables rejection or delay of transactions before the fraud happens. Eg: Paytm and PhonePe, using FRI, now decline or delay payments to flagged numbers, lowering success rate of fraud attempts.
• Eg: Paytm and PhonePe, using FRI, now decline or delay payments to flagged numbers, lowering success rate of fraud attempts.
• Operationalises DIP for real-time risk sharing: The Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) enables swift alert circulation. Eg: By May 2025, DIP was fully integrated with PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm, covering 90% of UPI volume.
• Eg: By May 2025, DIP was fully integrated with PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm, covering 90% of UPI volume.
• Shortens intervention window against SIM-based frauds: Detects suspicious numbers before full KYC flags them. Eg: As per DoT (2025), FRI reduces average detection lag by 3–5 days, matching the active window of most telecom-linked frauds.
• Eg: As per DoT (2025), FRI reduces average detection lag by 3–5 days, matching the active window of most telecom-linked frauds.
• Creates a standardised national fraud-risk model: Offers an algorithmic and scalable framework across sectors. Eg: Chakshu platform inputs are now routed into FRI, building a cross-sectoral early warning system .
• Eg: Chakshu platform inputs are now routed into FRI, building a cross-sectoral early warning system .
Conclusion
Tools like FRI mark a decisive shift towards anticipatory cybersecurity governance. Scaling such innovations with legal safeguards, inter-agency protocols, and public trust mechanisms is essential for a resilient digital economy.
General Studies – 4
Q9. Moral relativism can often justify inhumane acts in the garb of tradition. Discuss. (10 M)
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.
Q10. “Neglect of the voiceless in public policy is a reflection of ethical deficit in governance”. Examine this in the context of animal welfare. Discuss how empathy can shape administrative responsibility. (10 M)
Introduction
The ethical health of governance is judged by how it treats the most vulnerable—including animals, who cannot speak for themselves. Their neglect exposes the lack of empathy, moral imagination, and duty consciousness in public administration.
Ethical deficit in governance and animal welfare neglect
• Failure of compassion in decision-making: Policies rarely account for sentient beings who suffer silently due to human actions. Eg:– In 2025, a pregnant elephant in Tamil Nadu died after ingesting plastic waste, highlighting systemic neglect of waste regulation and wildlife protection .
• Eg:– In 2025, a pregnant elephant in Tamil Nadu died after ingesting plastic waste, highlighting systemic neglect of waste regulation and wildlife protection .
• Absence of duty-based ethics in institutions: Officials overlook their Kantian moral duty to protect non-human life, treating animals as policy externalities. Eg:– Despite Article 48A mandating protection of wildlife, many urban local bodies lack zoo-sanitation or animal rescue protocols.
• Eg:– Despite Article 48A mandating protection of wildlife, many urban local bodies lack zoo-sanitation or animal rescue protocols.
• Violation of constitutional and legal safeguards: Ethical indifference leads to violations of rights under Section 3 and 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Eg:– MoEFCC’s 2023 audit found over 40% of State forest departments had no trained veterinary staff for wildlife emergencies.
• Eg:– MoEFCC’s 2023 audit found over 40% of State forest departments had no trained veterinary staff for wildlife emergencies.
• Lack of anticipatory ethical governance: Reactive responses show absence of moral foresight and administrative alertness. Eg:– Standing Committee on Environment (2023) flagged delayed rescue infrastructure in eco-sensitive zones as a recurring governance gap.
• Eg:– Standing Committee on Environment (2023) flagged delayed rescue infrastructure in eco-sensitive zones as a recurring governance gap.
Role of empathy in shaping administrative responsibility
• Promotes proactive ethical sensitivity: Empathy enables administrators to anticipate suffering and act without legal compulsion. Eg:– Udaipur Forest Division (2022) set up early warning garbage zones near elephant corridors, driven by officer-led empathy-based planning.
• Eg:– Udaipur Forest Division (2022) set up early warning garbage zones near elephant corridors, driven by officer-led empathy-based planning.
• Aligns governance with constitutional morality: Empathy internalises Fundamental Duties (Article 51A(g)) towards compassion for living beings. Eg:– Kerala High Court (2021) ruled that animals are entitled to “Right to Life under Article 21”, urging humane governance.
• Eg:– Kerala High Court (2021) ruled that animals are entitled to “Right to Life under Article 21”, urging humane governance.
• Strengthens emotional intelligence in policy delivery: Empathetic officials exhibit Daniel Goleman’s EI traits—self-awareness and concern—especially in local planning. Eg:– Gujarat’s 2023 Urban Wildlife Protocols trained municipal staff in animal crisis response, leading to a drop in urban-wildlife deaths.
• Eg:– Gujarat’s 2023 Urban Wildlife Protocols trained municipal staff in animal crisis response, leading to a drop in urban-wildlife deaths.
• Fosters trust and civic engagement: Citizens resonate with compassionate administration, promoting public participation in conservation. Eg:– Hyderabad’s “Animal-Friendly Zone” initiative (2022) saw community vet camps and school campaigns, enhancing public value ethics.
• Eg:– Hyderabad’s “Animal-Friendly Zone” initiative (2022) saw community vet camps and school campaigns, enhancing public value ethics.
Conclusion
Governance that ignores the voiceless fails its moral mandate. Ethical administration must embed compassion as a policy lens, transforming institutions from insensitive mechanisms to responsive moral agents.
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