UPSC Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS : 11 June 2025

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: Population and associated issues

Q1. Discuss the causes and consequences of India’s declining fertility rate. How should social and economic policy adapt to this transition? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Easy

Reference: TH

Why the question:

India’s population is estimated to have reached 146.39 crore by April, says a new UN demographic report, which adds that the country’s total fertility rate (TFR) has declined to 1.9, falling below the replacement level of 2.1.

Key demand of the question:

The question demands an examination of the underlying social and economic causes behind declining fertility, a discussion of its societal and demographic consequences, and a roadmap for social and economic policy adaptation in response to this transition.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Introduce India’s sub-replacement fertility rate with reference to the 2025 UNFPA data, positioning it within the broader demographic transition.

Body

• Causes: Point to rising education levels, urban lifestyles, economic insecurity, and greater contraceptive access.
• Consequences: Note the growing elderly population, shrinking workforce, regional imbalance, and changing family structures.
• Social adaptation: Suggest reproductive rights expansion, eldercare infrastructure, parental incentives, and timely Census-based planning.
• Economic adaptation: Recommend investment in skilling, pension coverage, boosting workforce participation, and demographic-sensitive fiscal federalism.

Conclusion
Conclude with a brief insight on how India can transform this demographic shift into an opportunity through equitable and future-ready governance.

Introduction

India’s TFR has declined to 1.9 in 2025 (UNFPA), falling below replacement level for the first time. This reflects deep structural shifts in society and economy that call for policy recalibration.

Body

Causes of declining fertility

1. Expansion of female education and autonomy: Greater access to education has empowered women to delay marriage and childbirth.
   • Eg: NFHS-5 (2021) reported women with higher education had TFR as low as 1.7, compared to 2.8 for those with no education.
2. Access to contraception and reproductive healthcare: Family planning services have enabled voluntary fertility control.
   • Eg: Contraceptive prevalence rate stood at 67% nationwide with sharp rises in urban areas (NFHS-5).
3. Urbanisation and lifestyle changes: Nuclear families, job mobility, and urban cost pressures have led to preference for fewer children.
   • Eg: NSS 75th Round shows over 70% of urban families live in nuclear households with limited space.
4. Economic insecurity and delayed family planning: Young couples delay childbirth due to employment instability and rising living costs.
   • Eg: PLFS 2023 showed youth unemployment rate at 15.3%, discouraging early parenthood.

Consequences of declining fertility

1. Rapid ageing and dependency burden: A shrinking base of young workers will need to support a growing elderly population.
   • Eg: UNFPA 2025 estimates 65+ population will double by 2050, raising dependency ratio from 15% to 28%.
2. Falling demographic dividend window: Fewer youth may lower India’s growth potential if productivity isn’t enhanced.
   • Eg: NITI Aayog 2023 warned of workforce decline post-2041, particularly in southern states.
3. Intergenerational care imbalance: Fewer children means weaker family-based care for the elderly, especially in urban settings.
   • Eg: LASI 2020 found only 47% of elderly receive routine care from their children.
4. Regional disparities in population dynamics: Northern states have higher fertility while southern states face rapid ageing.
   • Eg: SRS 2021 reports Bihar TFR at 2.8 vs Kerala at 1.7, posing asymmetric planning challenges.

Social policy adaptation

1. Ensure reproductive agency and awareness: Guarantee access to contraception, sex education, and informed family planning.
2. Expand geriatric and elder care services: Build community-based, home-care, and palliative care infrastructure.
   • Eg: National Policy for Senior Citizens (2011) recommends integrated elder care centres across districts.
3. Support child-rearing through social incentives: Provide tax breaks, crèches, and parental leave to reduce the cost of raising children.
   • Eg: Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 mandates 26 weeks paid leave, aiding work-family balance.
4. Strengthen demographic data systems: Accelerate Census and health surveys for better social planning.
   • Eg: Census 2021, delayed due to COVID-19, is now rescheduled for March 2027 (MHA 2025).

Economic policy adaptation

1. Invest in workforce skilling and productivity: Upskill youth in digital, green, and care economy sectors to offset labour decline.
   • Eg: PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (2024) aims to skill 1 crore youth in three years.
2. Widen social security coverage: Strengthen pension, insurance, and healthcare coverage for the growing elderly population.
   • Eg: Atal Pension Yojana crossed 5.25 crore subscribers by 2024 (PFRDA), yet remains limited among informal workers.
3. Boost female and migrant labour force participation: Tapping underutilised human capital can compensate for shrinking youth base.
   • Eg: NITI Aayog’s Women@Work Strategy (2023) targets 45% female LFPR by 2030.
4. Revise intergovernmental fiscal formulae: Reflect regional demographic divergence in resource allocation and governance support.
   • Eg: 15th Finance Commission warned against solely using 2011 population as base post-2026 devolution.

Conclusion

India’s declining fertility offers both warnings and opportunities. Proactive, inclusive, and region-sensitive social and economic planning today will decide whether the country ages with dignity or disarray.

Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

Q2. What are the key climatic and geomorphological factors contributing to avalanche formation in the Indian Himalayas? How do they differ from those in mid-latitude mountain systems? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: IE

Why the question:
Avalanches are no longer seasonal inconveniences. They demand urgent attention.

Key demand of the question:
The question requires an understanding of both climatic and geomorphological triggers specific to the Indian Himalayas and a comparison with mid-latitude avalanche systems to highlight spatial and process-based contrasts.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly define avalanche and highlight its increasing relevance in Indian high-altitude terrain under climate stress.

Body

• Point on unique climatic triggers such as temperature fluctuation, rain-on-snow events, and monsoonal disturbances.
• Point on geomorphological characteristics like tectonic instability, slope gradient, and glacial debris presence.
• How these features differ from those in Alps or Rockies in terms of snow quality, predictability, altitude, and anthropogenic pressure.

Conclusion
Suggest that India must adopt a terrain-responsive disaster mitigation strategy, backed by geospatial and climate forecasting integration.

Introduction
The Himalayas are now experiencing frequent, unseasonal, and unpredictable avalanches, intensified by climate shifts and unstable terrain, unlike the more stable patterns of mid-latitude regions.

Body

Climatic factors in the Indian Himalayas contributing to avalanche

1. Wet and dense snow from western disturbances: Heavy moisture-laden snow increases snowpack instability.
   • Eg: January 2024 avalanche in Gurez (J&K) followed heavy western disturbance snowfall.
2. Sudden temperature rise after snowfall: Sharp warming weakens snowpack bonding and triggers slab failure.
   • Eg: Chamoli disaster (2021) was preceded by rapid warming after snowfall.
3. Increased rain-on-snow events due to climate change: Rising temperatures cause rainfall over snow, destabilising it.
   • Eg: IMD’s Climate Report 2023 recorded a 30% increase in rain-on-snow episodes in Himachal Pradesh.
4. Erratic and unseasonal snowfall patterns: Late or early-season snow accumulates unevenly, worsening risk.
   • Eg: DGRE (2023) noted off-season snow buildup in Lahaul-Spiti linked to multiple avalanche warnings.

Geomorphological factors in the Indian Himalayas contributing to avalanche

1. Steep slopes and elevation gradients: The Himalayas’ terrain exceeds 30–45°, ideal for slab avalanches.
   • Eg: Siachen sector frequently records slides on 45° slopes (DGRE slope profile data 2022).
2. Tectonic activity and seismic micro-shocks: Constant crustal movements loosen snow anchors.
   • Eg: USGS (2023) recorded over 120 tremors in the Garhwal belt, influencing slope instability.
3. Glacial moraine and loose debris fields: Retreating glaciers leave unstable substrates beneath snow.
   • Eg: South Lhonak lake burst (Oct 2023) involved moraine dam failure triggering cascading effects.
4. Sparse high-altitude vegetation: Lack of trees reduces friction and anchoring capacity for snow layers.
   • Eg: Ladakh’s bare upper slopes above 3500m linked to frequent slides (MoEFCC Forest Survey Report 2021).

Differences from mid-latitude mountain systems

1. Snow type contrast: Indian Himalayas receive wet, heavy snow, while mid-latitudes get dry powder snow.
   • Eg: DGRE (2023) reported higher snow density in Kargil than in the Swiss Alps.
2. Altitude and gradient difference: Avalanches in India occur at 3000–6000m, unlike 1500–2500m in Europe.
   • Eg: Avalanche zones in Uttarakhand lie far higher than those in Austria or Italy.
3. Anthropogenic pressure is higher: Indian regions have more military posts, pilgrims, and road construction.
   • Eg: Chopta road widening (2022) in Uttarakhand disrupted natural snow pathways.
4. Erratic snow-weather cycles: Indian systems are influenced by western disturbances and ENSO, unlike predictable mid-latitude systems.
   • Eg: 2023 Western Himalayas saw 3 snowstorms in March, highly unusual in Swiss Alps timeline (IMD).

Conclusion
To minimise avalanche impacts in India, climate-resilient infrastructure, real-time snowpack monitoring, and terrain-specific planning must become integral to both civil and military strategies.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

Q3. What are the constitutional provisions governing the election and tenure of the Deputy Speaker? How does their status differ from that of the Speaker? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
Leader of Opposition urged the Prime Minister to initiate the process of electing a Deputy Speaker. His letter comes ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which is set to begin from July 21.

Key demand of the question:
The question demands an explanation of the constitutional framework related to the election and tenure of the Deputy Speaker and a comparative analysis of their status with respect to the Speaker.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly highlight the constitutional role and relevance of the Deputy Speaker in ensuring continuity and neutrality in Lok Sabha functioning.

Body

• Explain constitutional provisions (like Article 93 and 94) governing the election, removal, and tenure of the Deputy Speaker.
• Compare the status of Deputy Speaker with that of the Speaker in terms of powers, removal process, ceremonial ranking, and committee roles.

Conclusion
Suggest the need to institutionalise conventions and strengthen procedural clarity to uphold the Deputy Speaker’s constitutional role.

Introduction
The office of the Deputy Speaker plays a crucial constitutional role in ensuring continuity of legislative proceedings, acting as the presiding officer in the absence of the Speaker.

Body

Constitutional provisions governing election and tenure

1. Election by the House: Deputy Speaker is elected by the members of Lok Sabha or State Assembly from among themselves.

• Eg: Article 93 (Lok Sabha), Article 178 (State Assemblies).

1. No mandatory timeframe: The Constitution uses the phrase “as soon as may be” but does not fix any deadline for the election.

• Eg: The 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024) remained without a Deputy Speaker throughout its tenure.

1. Election process: Elected through a simple majority of members present and voting.
2. Tenure co-terminus with the House: Holds office till the dissolution of the House unless removed or resigns earlier.

• Eg: Article 94 (Lok Sabha), Article 179 (State Assemblies).

1. Resignation procedure: Resignation is submitted to the Speaker.

• Eg: Article 94(b), Article 179(b).

1. Removal procedure: Can be removed by a resolution of the House passed by an effective majority (majority of total membership).

• Eg: Article 94(c), Article 179(c).

Status differences between Speaker and Deputy Speaker

1. Presiding authority: Speaker presides over House regularly; Deputy Speaker presides only during Speaker’s absence, vacancy or when delegated.
   Eg: Article 95(1), Article 180(1).
2. Administrative control: Speaker controls Lok Sabha Secretariat and administrative affairs; Deputy Speaker has no independent administrative authority.
3. Committee roles: Speaker is ex-officio chair of key parliamentary committees; Deputy Speaker generally heads select committees as assigned (e.g. Private Members’ Bills Committee).
4. Authority while presiding: Deputy Speaker, while presiding, exercises all powers of the Speaker and rulings are binding.
5. Warrant of Precedence: Speaker holds 6th rank; Deputy Speaker has lower position in the Warrant of Precedence.

Conclusion
Ensuring timely election and strengthening the functional role of the Deputy Speaker can reinforce legislative balance, procedural neutrality, and constitutional accountability.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Q4. Analyse the evolution of India’s multilateral diplomacy on cross-border terrorism since the 1990s. What factors have limited its success? How should India align its layered diplomatic strategies to counter terrorism effectively? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

In the light of India’s post–Operation Sindoor global outreach and its decades-long push for defining terrorism internationally, highlighting the need to revisit diplomatic strategy.

Key demand of the question
The question demands a historical analysis of India’s multilateral approach to terrorism, an examination of structural and geopolitical constraints, and a way forward for aligning its bilateral, regional, and global counter-terror frameworks.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Mention how terrorism became central to India’s foreign policy agenda post-1990s and why multilateral diplomacy became its preferred instrument.

Body

• Briefly chart the evolution of India’s efforts from CCIT to post-9/11 activism and recent strategic assertions post-Balakot and Sindoor.
• Identify major constraints including definitional disagreements, geopolitical vetoes, and weak global enforcement mechanisms.
• Suggest reforms such as legal harmonisation, narrative recalibration, and leveraging regional and global platforms more effectively.

Conclusion
Stress the need to embed India’s counter-terror diplomacy in global security norms, backed by legal credibility and strategic partnerships.

Introduction
India’s global efforts against cross-border terrorism have transitioned from normative appeals to proactive strategic diplomacy, but entrenched global ambiguities continue to constrain tangible outcomes.

Body

Evolution of India’s multilateral diplomacy on terrorism

1. CCIT proposal at UN (1996): India’s push for a Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism aimed to define terrorism globally.
   • Eg: The CCIT draft submitted by India in 1996 remains pending due to disagreements on state-sponsored and freedom-struggle-related terrorism.
2. Post-9/11 global momentum: India leveraged global attention on terrorism to raise Pakistan-based threats.
   • Eg: After 2001 Indian Parliament attack, India cited UNSC Resolution 1373 to demand action against cross-border terror infrastructure.
3. Institutional engagement with UNSC bodies: India worked through the UN CTC and FATF to designate individuals and entities.
   • Eg: India’s efforts led to the UN listing of Masood Azhar (2019) after overcoming a Chinese technical hold at UN 1267 Committee.
4. G20 and BRICS platform activism: India has raised terrorism as a priority theme in economic and political groupings.
   • Eg: The BRICS Summit Declaration 2023 condemned cross-border terrorism without naming Pakistan, reflecting partial success.
5. Post-Uri and Balakot narrative shifts: India’s global pitch now invokes the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
   • Eg: In 2025, India justified Operation Sindoor under self-defence and proportionality, briefed to P5 and G20 partners.

Factors limiting the success of India’s global strategy

1. Lack of global consensus on terrorism definition: Differing views on ‘freedom struggle’ vs. ‘terrorism’ dilute efforts.
   • Eg: OIC and some Western states cite Palestine and Kashmir to resist binding terrorism definitions (UNGA debates).
2. Geopolitical realignments and veto politics: Strategic interests often override security concerns.
   • Eg: China blocked India’s attempts to blacklist Pakistan-based actors at UN Sanctions Committees for years.
3. Non-alignment of domestic laws with global protocols: India lacks a unified framework linking international conventions with enforcement.
   • Eg: India is not yet a party to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) which affects coordination on terror financing and arms diversion.
4. Perceived militarisation of counter-terror responses: India’s strategic strikes are viewed cautiously in forums promoting restraint.
   • Eg: The UNSC did not formally endorse Balakot airstrikes (2019) despite India’s diplomatic outreach.
5. Hyphenation with Pakistan in global forums: Historical framing of Kashmir as a bilateral dispute clouds India’s terror narrative.
   • Eg: UN maps still carry disclaimers on LoC and Kashmir, affecting narrative clarity.

Strategies to align India’s layered diplomacy effectively

1. Recalibrating bilateral engagement for credibility: India must strengthen high-level dialogues with key powers to pre-empt neutrality.
   • Eg: India’s post-Sindoor special envoy briefings in May 2025 helped clarify intent to France, UAE and Japan.
2. Leveraging regional groupings beyond SAARC: Use of IOR, BIMSTEC, SCO can expand India’s consensus base.
   • Eg: The BIMSTEC counter-terror framework (2023) was initiated under India’s leadership for intelligence sharing.
3. Institutionalising a unified counter-terror doctrine: India should integrate foreign policy, legal, and military frameworks.
   • Eg: A proposal for a National Commission on Counter-Terror Diplomacy was floated by think tanks like IDSA in 2024.
4. Linking counter-terrorism with global development goals: Framing terror as a barrier to SDGs can widen support.
   • Eg: India’s G20 presidency (2023) linked terror-financing and illicit trade with Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Institutions).
5. Enhancing legal diplomacy and treaty harmonisation: Push for binding international legal instruments on terror financing, extradition and border control.
   • Eg: India ratified the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime in 2022, but follow-up legal reforms remain pending.

Conclusion
To succeed in the long term, India must balance legal legitimacy, strategic restraint, and multilateral coalition-building, ensuring its terror narrative transcends regional contestations and anchors itself in global security frameworks.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

Q5. What are the main drivers of over-indebtedness in India’s microfinance sector? How does this affect borrower behaviour and credit institutions? Suggest structural solutions to address this challenge. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: BS

Why the question:

RBI Deputy Governor while addressing HSBC’s event for financial inclusion said that while microfinance has played an important role in financial inclusion, there are some issues which need attention.

Key demand of the question:

The question requires analysing the root causes of over-indebtedness, understanding its impacts on borrowers and lending institutions, and recommending long-term structural reforms to ensure responsible microfinance.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Begin with recent data or observation highlighting the crisis of over-indebtedness in the microfinance sector.

Body

• Identify major drivers such as poor credit checks, loan recycling, and incentive flaws.
• Explain impact on borrowers and institutions like defaults, withdrawal from formal credit, and loss of trust.
• Suggest structural solutions including borrower data integration, agent reforms, income-based caps, and regulatory frameworks.

Conclusion
Conclude with a forward-looking remark on balancing credit inclusion and borrower protection to preserve the developmental role of microfinance.

Introduction

The recent surge in microfinance defaults and coercive recoveries reflects a systemic build-up of over-indebtedness, weakening both borrower welfare and institutional stability. This crisis demands urgent structural introspection.

Body

Main drivers of over-indebtedness

1. Multiple lending without consolidated borrower profiling: Borrowers access parallel loans due to lack of a unified credit check.
   • Eg: As per CRIF High Mark (2025), states like Bihar and Odisha saw 27%+ duplication across MFIs and banks.
2. Weak income-based credit appraisal: Lenders often ignore actual repayment capacity in favour of group-based metrics.
   • Eg: RBI Deputy Governor Rao (2025) highlighted that many institutions use “proxy indicators” instead of verifiable income checks.
3. Agent-centric disbursal models: Field agents are incentivised for volume, not quality, compromising due diligence.
   • Eg: Telangana 2023 audit found agent-led disbursement bypassed income checks in 40% of rural loans.
4. Short-term loan recycling under distress: Borrowers use new loans to repay existing ones due to irregular earnings.
   • Eg: SEBI Household Finance Report (2022) showed 43% of borrowers relied on fresh loans to cover old dues.
5. Aggressive cross-selling by institutions: Lenders push multiple loans or top-ups without borrower demand or capacity.
   • Eg: NBFC-MFI top-up loans grew 22% year-on-year in FY24 (MFIN Micrometer, 2024).

Effects on borrower behaviour and credit institutions

1. Repayment stress and mental health fallout: Persistent loan pressure creates psychological distress and fatal outcomes.
   • Eg: In Kandhamal (Odisha, 2024), three borrower suicides were directly linked to coercive recovery calls.
2. Withdrawal from formal finance ecosystem: Defaulting borrowers avoid future engagement with formal institutions.
   • Eg: MFIN 2023 report revealed 20% first-time defaulters permanently exited formal credit access.
3. Institutional asset quality deterioration: Rising borrower insolvency leads to mounting NPAs and liquidity risks.
   • Eg: PAR >30 days rose 163% in FY25, reaching ₹43,075 crore (CRIF High Mark, 2025).
4. Credit tightening and financial exclusion: Lenders become risk-averse, limiting outreach to needy segments.
   • Eg: Gross Loan Portfolio dropped by 13.9% in FY25, from ₹4.42 lakh crore to ₹3.81 lakh crore (MFIN, 2025).
5. Loss of sectoral credibility and reputational damage: Media and regulatory scrutiny create trust deficits and investor caution.
   • Eg: After the Andhra Pradesh 2010 microfinance crisis, RBI introduced stricter recovery norms via Malegam Committee recommendations.

Structural solutions to address over-indebtedness

1. Establish a unified real-time borrower registry: Mandate borrower-level data sharing across MFIs, NBFCs, SFBs, and banks.
   • Eg: The upcoming Public Credit Registry (RBI) aims to streamline borrower tracking and exposure capping.
2. Introduce loan caps and repayment-to-income thresholds: Limit loan volumes based on verifiable income and household liabilities.
   • Eg: The Malegam Committee (2011) capped total borrower exposure at ₹50,000, guiding subsequent RBI norms.
3. Reform field-agent incentives: Link rewards to long-term loan quality and ethical behaviour, not disbursal volume.
   • Eg: SIDBI’s 2023 pilot in Uttar Pradesh tied agent incentives to 90-day repayment consistency, reducing defaults by 18%.
4. Expand borrower financial literacy and rights awareness: Educate borrowers on credit risks, grievance tools, and negotiation rights.
   • Eg: RBI’s Financial Literacy Week 2024 focused on “Rights in Credit Contracts” across 100+ districts.
5. Create a sector-wide borrower protection code: Institutionalise norms for non-coercive recovery and grievance redress.
   • Eg: Sa-Dhan’s Voluntary Code of Conduct (2022) includes borrower dignity clauses adopted by major MFIs.

Conclusion

Over-indebtedness is not merely a financial metric—it is a social risk with economic consequences. The future of microfinance lies in transitioning from loan proliferation to responsible credit ecosystems grounded in empathy, ethics, and institutional accountability.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Q6. Examine the structural weaknesses in the existing legal frameworks governing the high seas. How does the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty attempt to address them? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: DTE

Why the question:

49 states, EU ratify high seas treaty but still short of 60 mark required.

Key demand of the question:

It asks to first examine the structural deficiencies in current legal mechanisms like UNCLOS for governing the high seas, and then explain how the BBNJ treaty attempts to plug those gaps through binding global reforms.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly define high seas and highlight the legal vacuum in biodiversity governance beyond national jurisdiction, with reference to the BBNJ treaty.

Body

• Highlight major institutional and legal shortcomings under UNCLOS and other fragmented frameworks, such as lack of enforcement, absence of binding norms, and no benefit-sharing mechanism.
• Explain how the BBNJ treaty introduces new legal instruments—like EIAs, MPAs, equitable access to marine genetic resources, and a COP mechanism—to fill these governance gaps.

Conclusion
Suggest that timely ratification and effective implementation of the BBNJ treaty is vital to achieving the 30×30 biodiversity target and ensuring sustainable use of the high seas.

Introduction

Over two-thirds of the global oceans lie beyond national jurisdiction, but existing legal regimes like UNCLOS (1982) lack enforceable mechanisms to conserve marine biodiversity. The BBNJ treaty (2023) addresses these long-standing gaps.

Body

Structural weaknesses in existing frameworks

1. Fragmented sectoral governance: Various agencies regulate independently with overlapping or conflicting mandates.
   • Eg: IMO, International Seabed Authority, and RFMOs regulate shipping, mining, and fisheries without coordination.
2. Lack of binding conservation provisions: UNCLOS contains general obligations but lacks binding biodiversity protection norms.
   • Eg: UNCLOS Article 192 mandates general environmental protection but has no enforceable targets (UNCLOS text, 1982).
3. No mechanism for benefit-sharing of marine genetic resources (MGRs): Existing frameworks allow unregulated bio-prospecting by developed nations.
   • Eg: Over 10,000 MGR patents are held globally, with 90% from 12 countries, mostly without equitable sharing .
4. Weak environmental oversight: There are no uniform EIA standards for projects like deep-sea mining in ABNJ.
   • Eg: ISA guidelines (2023) for seabed activities remain voluntary and non-binding (ISA Secretariat Report, 2023).
5. Absence of enforcement and compliance mechanisms: UNCLOS lacks a centralised authority to monitor or penalise violations in high seas.
   • Eg: No global body monitors compliance for MPAs beyond national jurisdiction (Ocean Protection Gap Report, 2025).

Corrective measures under BBNJ treaty

1. Legally binding conservation framework: BBNJ establishes binding obligations to protect biodiversity in ABNJ.
   • Eg: Adopted in June 2023, signed by 134 countries; aims to cover 30% of oceans by 2030 (UNOC3, 2025).
2. Equitable benefit-sharing of MGRs: Introduces fair access rules and revenue-sharing for developing nations.
   • Eg: Article 10 mandates capacity building and transfer of marine technology to Global South (BBNJ 2023).
3. Uniform EIAs and SEIAs: Mandates Environmental Impact Assessments for high-seas projects based on transparent global criteria.
   • Eg: All activities affecting marine ecosystems must undergo EIA under Article 22 .
4. Creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Enables designation of ecologically representative MPAs beyond national boundaries.
   • Eg: Less than 1.5% of high seas currently protected; treaty aims to fill this gap (WDPA data, 2025).
5. Establishment of Conference of Parties (COP): Institutionalises a global governance structure for monitoring and compliance.
   • Eg: First PrepCom held in New York (April 2025) to prepare COP rules (UN Meeting Record, 2025).

Conclusion

The BBNJ treaty offers a second-generation ocean governance regime, but urgent ratification is key. Operationalising it can ensure the high seas are no longer a legal void but a shared ecological responsibility.

General Studies – 4

Q7. “In times of war, the first casualty is often ethics”. Discuss how moral values erode in armed conflict. Examine the role of ethical codes in restraining state power. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question
An independent United Nations commission said on Tuesday Israeli attacks on schools, religious and cultural sites in Gaza amount to war crimes and the crime against humanity of seeking to exterminate Palestinians.

Key demand of the question
The question demands analysis of how ethical norms deteriorate during armed conflict and an evaluation of formal ethical frameworks that seek to regulate state conduct in war.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Start with a powerful observation on the moral consequences of war and how ethical boundaries are tested during armed conflict.

Body

• Briefly outline how wars lead to dehumanisation, civilian targeting, erosion of moral responsibility, and institutional collapse.
• Explain the role of international humanitarian law, military ethics codes, and global justice systems in upholding accountability.

Conclusion
Conclude by emphasising the need for ethical restraint, institutional checks, and global solidarity to prevent moral collapse in conflict zones.

Introduction
War creates a moral vacuum where violence is legitimised, and ethical restraints are weakened by fear, propaganda, and political expediency.

Body

How moral values erode in armed conflict

1. Dehumanisation of opponents: Viewing enemies as subhuman justifies mass violence and cruelty.
   • Eg: During the Rwandan genocide (1994), Hutu extremists called Tutsis “cockroaches”, enabling systematic slaughter (UNHRC).
2. Normalisation of civilian harm: Civilian suffering becomes a by-product of military strategy.
   • Eg: The June 2025 UN report accused Israel of causing mass civilian casualties in Gaza schools and religious sites.
3. Suppression of dissent and truth: Whistleblowers, journalists, and peace advocates are silenced.
   • Eg: In Russia’s Ukraine offensive (2022–23), journalists exposing civilian attacks faced intimidation and state prosecution (Human Rights Watch).
4. Moral disengagement in troops: Soldiers justify actions under obedience, anonymity, or emotional detachment.
   • Eg: Abu Ghraib prison abuse (2003) showed US soldiers involved in systematic torture under stress and poor leadership.
5. Abuse of emergency powers: States bypass human rights under the guise of national security.
   • Eg: The USA PATRIOT Act (2001) led to racial profiling and unlawful detentions, weakening civil liberty norms (ACLU report).

Role of ethical codes in restraining state power

1. International humanitarian law (IHL): Codifies conduct in war, ensuring distinction and proportionality.
   • Eg: The Geneva Conventions (1949) mandate protection of civilians, medics, and prisoners of war.
2. Doctrine of command responsibility: Leaders are held accountable for the actions of their subordinates.
   • Eg: The Rome Statute (1998) empowers the ICC to prosecute command-level war crimes.
3. UN oversight and global justice mechanisms: Ensure scrutiny of states even beyond national jurisdiction.
   • Eg: The ICJ’s 2024 order on Israel asked it to prevent incitement to genocide and allow humanitarian aid.
4. Domestic constitutional checks: Judicial review and separation of powers protect individual rights in war contexts.
   • Eg: Article 32 of Indian Constitution enables citizens to approach SC against state overreach, even during internal conflict.
5. Military ethics training and institutional codes: Foster accountability and value-based behaviour among soldiers.
   • Eg: The Indian Army’s Code of Conduct stresses non-combatant protection and civilian dignity in counterinsurgency operations.

Conclusion
When war overwhelms morality, institutions must anchor themselves in ethical law, humanitarian principles, and moral accountability to prevent irreversible human and civilisational loss.

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