UPSC Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS : 2 October 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: Ancient & Medieval India

Q1. Discuss the significance of prehistoric cave paintings in understanding early human life and artistic expression. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question
The knowledge of prehistoric art as a source of history, archaeology, and culture, and to assess how it helps reconstruct early human life and artistic evolution.

Key Demand of the question
You need to explain the significance of cave paintings in revealing aspects of early human society, environment, cognition, and spirituality, while also highlighting their artistic value and techniques.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction

Define prehistoric cave paintings, mention time-period and key sites like Bhimbetka.

Body

• Significance for understanding early human life – daily activities, survival strategies, spiritual beliefs, environmental clues.
• Significance for artistic expression – techniques, use of colour, representation of movement, symbolic abstraction.

Conclusion

Summarise cave paintings as both historical evidence and artistic milestones, showing the evolution of human culture and creativity.

Introduction

Prehistoric cave paintings, dating back to the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods, are some of the earliest forms of artistic expression by humans. These artworks, discovered in caves and shelters, often depict animals, hunting scenes, and symbolic patterns. In India, notable examples include the Bhimbetka caves in Madhya Pradesh, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Body

Significance of Prehistoric Cave Paintings in understanding Early Human life

Fig:- Bhimbhetka cave paintings

Fig: Hand-linked dancing figure,

1. Documentation of Early Human Life: Cave paintings offer a vivid depiction of early human life. The paintings frequently portray animals, hunting scenes, and human figures, giving us clues about the daily activities and survival strategies of prehistoric societies.
   • E.g. the Bhimbetka paintings depict hunting with spears, bows, and arrows, indicating the use of tools for survival.
   • The presence of animals like bison, elephants, and tigers suggests the coexistence of humans with wild fauna and provides clues about the biodiversity of that era.
   • The representation of group activities in these paintings highlights the importance of social cohesion and collective efforts in prehistoric communities.
2. Cognitive and Intellectual Development: The creation of cave paintings marks a significant leap in human cognitive and intellectual development. The ability to represent objects, animals, and events symbolically suggests an advanced level of abstract thinking and problem-solving.

E.g. The use of geometric patterns and symbols in many cave paintings implies that prehistoric humans had a developed understanding of space, symmetry, and proportions.

1. Spiritual and Religious Beliefs: Prehistoric cave paintings often have spiritual or religious connotations. Some scholars believe that these paintings were created as part of rituals, possibly to invoke the spirits of animals for successful hunting or to communicate with deities.

E.g. many cave paintings depict animals in a larger-than-life form, suggesting that these creatures held significant symbolic or sacred meaning for early humans.

1. Clues about Early Environmental Conditions: Cave paintings are also valuable for understanding the environmental conditions of prehistoric times. The depiction of extinct animals in these paintings provides clues about climate changes and the fauna that existed in different regions during the prehistoric era.

E.g. The Bhimbetka and Chitrakoot paintings include images of animals like rhinoceroses and elephants, providing evidence of the once-flourishing wildlife and environmental conditions in prehistoric India.

Significance of prehistoric cave paintings in understanding in understanding Artistic expression:

1. Artistic Techniques: Prehistoric cave paintings in India showcase early humans’ mastery over artistic techniques such as shading, outlining, and the use of natural pigments like ochre, red, and white.

E.g. The Bhimbetka caves depict animals and humans with intricate detailing, demonstrating early artists’ understanding of proportion and form.

1. Use of Colour: The choice of colours in Indian cave paintings reflects aesthetic sensibilities, with natural pigments being skilfully used to create contrast and depth.

E.g. In Bhimbetka, red and white pigments are frequently used to depict scenes of daily life, hunting, and rituals.

1. Expression of Movement: Indian prehistoric paintings often depict animals and humans in dynamic motion, reflecting an early understanding of rhythm and movement.

E.g. The dancing figures in Bhimbetka show fluidity and grace, emphasizing artistic creativity in depicting motion.

1. Symbolism and Abstraction: Abstract shapes and geometric patterns are found alongside more realistic depictions, hinting at symbolic or ritualistic purposes.

E.g. The zigzag patterns and abstract animal forms found in central Indian caves suggest an early form of symbolic representation.

Conclusion

Prehistoric cave paintings are a window into early human life, offering profound insights into the artistic, cognitive, and cultural dimensions of our ancestors. They reveal the early development of symbolic thinking, the importance of ritual and spirituality, and the connection between humans and their natural environment.

Topic: Ancient & Medieval India

Q2. “The Bhakti and Sufi movements not only transformed Indian spirituality but also gave rise to a rich vernacular literary tradition”. Elucidate (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question
How Bhakti and Sufi movements impacted Indian spirituality as well as literature, particularly through vernacular traditions, and to assess the candidate’s ability to link social and cultural history.

Key Demand of the question
The candidate must explain the spiritual transformation brought by Bhakti and Sufi ideas, outline their role in fostering vernacular literature, and show how both together shaped India’s plural cultural identity.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction

Briefly define the Bhakti and Sufi movements and mention their dual role in democratizing spirituality and nurturing vernacular traditions.

Body

• Transformation of Indian spirituality – devotion over ritual, equality, rejection of orthodoxy, interfaith harmony.
• Bhakti contributions to vernacular literature – regional texts, devotional genres, folk elements, women poets, emotional depth.
• Sufi contributions to vernacular literature – enrichment of regional languages, Urdu development, mystical symbolism, influence on Sikh and musical traditions.

Conclusion

Summarise their dual legacy in spirituality and literature and link to India’s enduring pluralism and cultural syncretism.

Introduction

The Bhakti and Sufi movements, flourishing between the 8th and 17th centuries, democratized spirituality by emphasizing personal devotion, inclusivity, and love, while also laying the foundation for regional vernacular literary traditions, making spiritual and poetic expressions accessible to the masses.

Body

Transformation of Indian spirituality

1. Focus on devotion over rituals: Both movements prioritized personal devotion over priestly mediation and ritualistic practices.

Eg: Kabir’s dohas criticized the orthodoxy of both Hinduism and Islam.

1. Emphasis on equality and social justice: Saints rejected caste and class barriers, promoting a message of equality.

Eg: Ravidas preached the dignity of labor and caste-free spirituality.

1. Fusion of religious ideas: The movements bridged Hindu and Islamic philosophies, encouraging interfaith dialogue.

Eg: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s teachings emphasized harmony between Muslims and Hindus.

1. Rejection of orthodoxy: Both traditions critiqued rigid hierarchies and ritualistic dominance.

Eg: Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, written in Awadhi, made spirituality accessible to non-Sanskrit speakers.

Rise of vernacular literary traditions

Contributions of the Bhakti movement

1. Regionalization of religious texts: Saints composed works in regional languages, moving away from Sanskrit dominance.

Eg: Eknath’s Bhagavata Purana in Marathi, and Narsi Mehta’s hymns in Gujarati.

1. Expansion of devotional genres: Bhakti saints developed literary forms such as bhajans, abhangas, and vachanas.

Eg: Vachanas of Basavanna in Kannada spoke against societal injustices.

1. Integration of folk elements: Bhakti literature drew from oral traditions, making it relatable to common people.

Eg: Sant Dnyaneshwar’s Dnyaneshwari, a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in Marathi, was infused with folk language and ideas.

1. Portrayal of human emotions: Bhakti literature explored divine love with human-like emotions (bhavas), adding depth and relatability.

Eg: Surdas’ compositions in Braj Bhasha focused on Krishna’s childhood and divine play (leela).

1. Empowerment of women poets: Women like Mirabai and Akkamahadevi emerged as key figures, breaking patriarchal norms through devotional literature.

Eg: Mirabai’s bhajans in Rajasthani reflect her unwavering devotion to Krishna.

1. Universal appeal through simplicity: Bhakti poetry employed simple language and local dialects, making spirituality accessible to the masses.

Eg: Kabir’s dohas in Hindavi resonated with both Hindus and Muslims, transcending literacy barriers.

Contributions of the Sufi movement

1. Enrichment of regional languages: Sufis composed mystical poetry in Persian, Hindavi, Punjabi, and Urdu, enriching linguistic diversity.

Eg: Baba Farid’s couplets in Punjabi laid the foundation for Punjabi literary tradition.

1. Development of Urdu literature: The fusion of Persian and Hindavi under Sufi influence catalyzed the evolution of Urdu.

Eg: Amir Khusrau, often called the father of Urdu literature, wrote in Hindavi and Persian.

1. Symbolism and mysticism: Sufi poetry often employed metaphors to convey divine love and unity.

Eg: Rumi’s Persian works and Bulleh Shah’s poetry in Punjabi are rich in mystical symbolism.

1. Influence on Sikh literature: Sufi ideas influenced Guru Nanak’s compositions, which later became part of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Eg: Sheikh Farid’s bani is included in Sikh scripture, emphasizing equality and devotion.

1. Lyrical and musical impact: Sufi compositions led to the creation of lyrical genres like qawwali, blending spiritual and literary excellence.

Eg: The qawwalis of Amir Khusrau, such as “Chaap Tilak,” are still celebrated.

1. Introduction of spiritual riddles: Sufi poets used riddles and allegories to express complex spiritual ideas.

Eg: Amir Khusrau’s riddles in Hindavi are widely popular for their simplicity and profundity.

Conclusion

The Bhakti and Sufi movements profoundly shaped Indian spirituality and vernacular literature, transcending barriers of caste, language, and religion. By making spiritual messages accessible to all, they fostered a pluralistic ethos, which remains a cornerstone of India’s cultural fabric. Promoting these traditions through cultural festivals and digitization can ensure their relevance for future generations.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Q3. “Dowry deaths signify not only inadequacies of criminal law but also the incompleteness of social reform”. Examine this statement. What institutional mechanisms can strengthen prevention, and what measures are needed for cultural transformation? (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: NIE

Why the question
NCRB’s 2023 data shows a steep rise in dowry deaths and cases, raising concerns about both ineffective criminal law enforcement and incomplete social reform.

Key Demand of the question
The answer must examine how dowry deaths reflect dual failures of law and reform, discuss institutional mechanisms for prevention, and suggest cultural transformation measures aligned with constitutional values.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction

Use recent NCRB 2023 data or a constitutional angle to set context.

Body

• Criminal law and social reform failure – weak enforcement, pendency of cases, stigma, cultural acceptance.
• Institutional mechanisms for prevention – special courts, police reforms, welfare schemes, judicial sensitisation, local governance role.
• Measures for cultural transformation – education, women empowerment, campaigns, incentives for dowry-free marriages, role of community leaders.

Conclusion

Futuristic line on harmonising law and social morality to secure dignity and equality for women.

Introduction
The NCRB’s Crime in India Report 2023 noted 6,156 dowry deaths and a 14% rise in cases, showing that legal measures alone cannot curb a problem deeply rooted in society.

Body

Criminal law and social reform failure

1. Weak enforcement of legal provisions: Poor conviction rates under Section 304B IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 dilute deterrence.
   Eg: NCRB 2023 data shows 83,327 dowry cases pending trial with low conviction outcomes.
2. Procedural lapses in investigation: Inadequate collection of forensic and circumstantial evidence leads to acquittals.
   Eg: Supreme Court in State of Punjab vs Iqbal Singh (1991) stressed the need for strict evidentiary standards in dowry death cases.
3. Social acceptance of dowry: Deep-rooted cultural sanction normalises dowry despite criminalisation, reflecting incomplete reform.
   Eg: Economic Survey 2018 found dowry persisted even in educated, urban households.
4. Stigma and underreporting: Victims’ families often avoid complaints due to fear of social exclusion and harassment.
   Eg: National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21) highlighted low reporting rates of domestic violence linked to dowry.
5. Fragmented reform movements: Absence of strong, sustained social movements has limited large-scale behavioural change.
   Eg: Unlike campaigns against sati or child marriage, dowry reform lacks pan-India mobilisation.

Institutional mechanisms for prevention

1. Specialised courts and speedy trials: Fast-track courts for dowry cases can reduce pendency and improve deterrence.
   Eg: Law Commission 243rd Report (2012) recommended special courts and victim-centric trial procedures.
2. Strengthened policing and monitoring: Dedicated women’s cells with digital complaint tracking improve accountability.
   Eg: UP Police’s Women Power Line 1090 provides round-the-clock dowry-related complaint support.
3. Integrated welfare schemes: Linking dowry-prevention campaigns with central schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ensures wider reach.
   Eg: Haryana’s Selfie with Daughter campaign (2015) successfully shifted community attitudes on gender issues.
4. Local governance interventions: Panchayats and municipal bodies can enforce dowry-free marriage pledges at registration.
   Eg: Kerala Kudumbashree network mobilises women’s groups for community-level monitoring and awareness.
5. Judicial and police sensitisation: Training programmes improve handling of sensitive gender crimes.
   Eg: In 2025, the Supreme Court directed mandatory training for Delhi judges after lapses in bail orders, reflecting the need for sensitisation.

Measures for cultural transformation

1. Constitutional value education: Embedding Article 14 and 15 principles in school and college curricula fosters long-term attitudinal change.
   Eg: CBSE gender sensitisation modules 2023 included dowry awareness in classroom discussions.
2. Economic empowerment of women: Livelihood and skilling programmes reduce dependence on dowry-based marriages.
   Eg: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–NRLM enables women to form self-help groups and gain financial independence.
3. Mass campaigns and media role: Films, digital platforms, and social media can normalise dowry-free marriages.
   Eg: Bihar’s Beti Bachao, Dowry Bhagao campaign (2021) created village-level awareness.
4. Incentivising dowry-free marriages: Governments can offer financial benefits for registered dowry-free weddings.
   Eg: Rajasthan Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana provides assistance to families marrying without dowry.
5. Engagement of religious and community leaders: Priests and clerics can discourage dowry during marriage rituals.
   Eg: Sikh Anand Karaj reforms actively promote dowry-free marriages within the community.

Conclusion
Dowry deaths reveal the mismatch between law in books and law in society. A dual strategy of robust institutional mechanisms and transformative cultural change is the only path to ensuring dignity and equality for women.

Topic: Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein

Q4. What are the challenges posed by excessive centralisation of governance in India? How can district-level democratic frameworks improve participatory development? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question
In the context of debates on centralisation vs decentralisation in India, recent discussions on reclaiming the district as a democratic common, and the need for participatory governance.

Key Demand of the question
You need to identify the challenges arising from excessive centralisation of governance and then explain how strengthening district-level democratic frameworks can make development more participatory and accountable.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction

Briefly highlight India’s federal structure and importance of decentralisation for democracy.

Body

• Challenges of excessive centralisation – weakening federalism, marginalisation of local institutions, accountability deficit.
• Role of district-level frameworks – enabling localised planning, linking accountability to outcomes, fostering civic participation.

Conclusion

Conclude with a forward-looking note on balancing efficiency with participatory democracy through district-level reforms.

Introduction
India’s democracy rests on federal balance, but over-centralisation has often weakened local participation, limiting the ability of districts to act as engines of inclusive development.

Body

Challenges posed by excessive centralisation

1. Weakening of federal spirit: Centralised policies erode state and local autonomy guaranteed under Article 246 and Seventh Schedule.
   Eg: GST regime (2017) reduced fiscal flexibility of states, affecting welfare spending (15th Finance Commission Report).
2. Marginalisation of local institutions: Panchayats and municipalities remain underfunded despite 73rd/74th Amendments, limiting decentralised planning.
   Eg: Economic Survey 2020-21 highlighted only 4% of total expenditure routed through panchayats.
3. Erosion of political agency: Elected representatives become entitlement mediators rather than developmental planners.
   Eg: Reclaim the district debate 2025 notes MPs reduced to sanctioning benefits instead of shaping policy.
4. Inefficient top-down schemes: One-size-fits-all programmes often fail to address local realities.
   Eg: MGNREGA implementation varies across districts; CAG audit (2023) flagged poor asset creation in centralised planning.
5. Accountability deficit: Centralisation distances decision-making from citizens, reducing transparency.
   Eg: Supreme Court in Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006) emphasised representative accountability as a federal principle.

How district-level democratic frameworks can improve participatory development

1. Localised planning: District-level institutions can tailor schemes to specific socio-economic needs.
   Eg: Kerala’s People’s Plan Campaign (1996) showed success in participatory budgeting (NITI Aayog best practice report 2020).
2. Enhancing accountability: Linking outcomes with district-level monitoring brings governance closer to people.
   Eg: YouthPOWER platform 2025 tracks youth opportunities district-wise to strengthen transparency.
3. Strengthening representation: MPs/MLAs can convene stakeholders and ensure convergence of schemes at district level.
   Eg: Standing Committee on Rural Development (2022) recommended constituency-linked performance review.
4. Promoting innovation: District-first frameworks allow experimentation in health, education, and digital governance.
   Eg: Aspirational Districts Programme (2018) improved health indicators in Nandurbar through local innovation (NITI Aayog 2023 report).
5. Building civic participation: Districts as democratic commons engage youth, civil society, and private actors in development.
   Eg: Mission Antyodaya Survey 2022 emphasised community participation for village development.

Conclusion
Reviving the district as a democratic common can transform governance into a citizen-centric process, ensuring that India’s growth story is both federal and participatory.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology.

Q5. “Critical technologies are instruments of both economic growth and national security”. Examine this duality in the Indian context with special reference to quantum technologies and defence innovation. (15 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: NIE

Why the question
India is investing heavily in critical technologies like quantum and defence innovation, which simultaneously promise economic growth and strengthen security, making this a key contemporary issue.

Key Demand of the question
The question requires examining how critical technologies serve as a dual instrument of economic development and national security, with specific focus on quantum technologies and defence innovation in India.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction

Define critical technologies as enablers of both prosperity and security, with a contemporary India-linked context.

Body

• Economic growth dimension – Explain how quantum and defence-tech drive investment, jobs, exports, and innovation.
• National security dimension – Explain their role in modernisation, cyber resilience, sovereignty, and deterrence.

Conclusion

Forward-looking line on how harnessing critical tech can make India a global leader by 2047.

Introduction

Critical technologies like quantum computing, AI, and defence innovation are redefining power, driving India’s growth prospects while simultaneously bolstering its national security architecture.

Body

Economic growth dimension

1. High-value industrial investments: Critical tech projects generate large-scale capital inflows and expand high-tech manufacturing ecosystems.
   Eg: India Semiconductor Mission (2025) attracted ₹1.6 lakh crore investment across six states, boosting fabs and design-linked ventures (MeitY).
2. Startup and innovation ecosystem: Government missions catalyse deep-tech entrepreneurship, enabling job creation and indigenous IP.
   Eg: iDEX initiative has incubated over 350 startups in defence-tech, AI, and drones, creating a pipeline for dual-use innovations (MoD 2024).
3. Quantum-led productivity: Quantum computing promises breakthroughs in logistics, weather forecasting, and healthcare diagnostics, enhancing economic efficiency.
   Eg: National Quantum Mission (2023, ₹6,000 crore) is creating four hubs for secure communication, quantum computing, and advanced materials.
4. Export potential and global market access: Defence-tech and biotech strengthen India’s global trade presence and diversify export baskets.
   Eg: India’s defence exports touched ₹21,000 crore in FY 2023–24, a sixteen-fold increase since 2016, with major buyers in South-East Asia and Africa.
5. Green bioeconomy and employment: Biomanufacturing integrates sustainability, creating rural jobs and green industry clusters.
   Eg: BioE3 policy (2025) aims at a billion bioeconomy by 2030, linking environment, employment, and economy (DBT).
6. Knowledge and skill economy: Emerging tech fosters specialised human capital for high-value industries, reducing brain drain.
   Eg: AICTE’s 2024 Defence-Tech curriculum introduced AI/ML modules for students to align with quantum and defence research needs.
7. Governance and service delivery: Integration of AI and deep-tech in governance improves efficiency, transparency, and public welfare delivery.
   Eg: AI-based crop forecasting under Digital Agriculture Mission (2021) has enhanced predictive advisories for millions of farmers.

National security dimension

1. Modernising armed forces: Quantum sensors, AI-driven drones, and hypersonics enhance India’s battlefield edge and readiness.
   Eg: DRDO–IIT Delhi 2024 collaboration developed quantum key distribution systems to secure military communications.
2. Reducing strategic dependence: Indigenous defence production ensures autonomy in critical systems and cuts foreign reliance.
   Eg: Defence Acquisition Procedure (2020) mandates 64% of procurement from domestic firms, strengthening atmanirbharta in defence.
3. Cybersecurity resilience: Quantum-safe cryptography and AI systems protect sensitive data from cyber-espionage and digital warfare.
   Eg: National Cyber Security Strategy draft (2023) proposed quantum-resistant encryption protocols for vital infrastructure.
4. Space-defence integration: Satellite-based ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) strengthens monitoring and deterrence.
   Eg: Defence Space Agency (2025) collaborates with ISRO for secure navigation and enhanced real-time battlefield surveillance.
5. Dual-use technology advantage: Civilian innovations like drones, robotics, and sensors are quickly adapted for security applications.
   Eg: Civilian drone startups funded via iDEX provided surveillance drones used by the Indian Army in Ladakh in 2024.
6. Strategic deterrence capability: Cutting-edge tech enhances deterrence posture against adversaries in a contested geopolitical environment.
   Eg: India’s hypersonic missile trials in 2024 placed it among a select group of nations with advanced strike capability.
7. Sovereign communication networks: Indigenous telecom stacks protect sensitive communications and reduce espionage risks.
   Eg: C-DoT and TCS Atmanirbhar 4G/5G stack deployed in BSNL (2024) eliminated dependency on foreign vendors like Huawei.

Conclusion

Critical technologies are India’s new instruments of hard and soft power, blending growth with sovereignty. If scaled with foresight and safeguards, they will transform India into a technology-driven Viksit Bharat by 2047.

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

Q6. Data-driven environmental clearances are indispensable for ecological sustainability”. Explain. How can science-based assessments strengthen India’s clearance process? (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: DTE

Why the question
In light of the 2025 Supreme Court ruling on sand mining and the larger debate on strengthening India’s environmental clearance process with scientific data and monitoring.

Key Demand of the question
You need to explain why data-driven environmental clearances are essential for sustainability, and then show how science-based tools and assessments can strengthen transparency, monitoring, and compliance in India’s clearance regime.

Structure of the Answer:
Introduction

Briefly define the role of environmental clearances and the need for scientific data in decision-making.

Body

• Significance of data-driven clearances – accountability, climate resilience, transparency, ecological safeguards.
• How science-based assessments strengthen process – hydrological modelling, GIS/remote sensing, independent appraisal, continuous monitoring, integration of community knowledge.

Conclusion

End with a forward-looking remark on institutionalising data-backed clearances for sustainable growth.

Introduction
Environmental clearances determine the balance between development and ecology, and without scientific rigour they risk becoming mere formalities leading to irreversible ecological damage.

Body

Significance of data-driven clearances

1. Evidence-based decision making: Data ensures projects are evaluated on measurable ecological parameters, not administrative discretion.
   Eg: SC 2025 sand mining ruling mandated replenishment studies before clearance
2. Safeguard against ecological loss: Reliable data reduces risks of biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, and river morphology changes.
   Eg: Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (2011) recommended data-backed zonation for sensitive areas.
3. Climate and disaster resilience: Scientific inputs integrate climate risks into clearance decisions.
   Eg: NDMA 2019 guidelines on floodplain zoning stress GIS-based vulnerability mapping before approvals.
4. Accountability and transparency: Data builds a trail for judicial review and public scrutiny, strengthening environmental justice.
   Eg: Godavarman case (1996) where SC relied on forest cover data to monitor deforestation.

How science-based assessments strengthen the process

1. Hydrological and ecological modelling: Incorporating river sediment, flow and biodiversity modelling ensures sustainable extraction.
   Eg: Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines 2020 require replenishment studies pre- and post-monsoon.
2. Remote sensing and GIS tools: Technology enables real-time monitoring of forest cover, wetlands, and mining activities.
   Eg: Bhuvan portal of ISRO tracks land-use change for clearance authorities.
3. Independent expert appraisal: Committees using peer-reviewed data minimise influence of project proponents.
   Eg: Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment (2022) recommended strengthening SEIAAs with scientific expertise.
4. Continuous monitoring frameworks: Annual data collection ensures compliance beyond one-time approvals.
   Eg: CAG 2022 audit flagged lapses in post-clearance monitoring of coal mines.
5. Community knowledge integration: Local ecological data adds granularity to official studies, strengthening participatory clearance.
   Eg: Aarhus Convention model in EU integrates citizen inputs into environmental decision-making.

Conclusion
Strengthening India’s clearance regime with robust, transparent and technology-backed data ensures that development remains not only legally valid but ecologically sustainable for future generations.

General Studies – 4

Q7. Differentiate between attitude and behaviour. Explain the factors, which determine the degree of influence of attitudes on behaviour. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question
The conceptual clarity of key ethics terms (attitude vs behaviour) and examines how internal states translate into external actions, influenced by psychological, social, and moral factors.

Key Demand of the question
You need to clearly differentiate attitude from behaviour and then explain the factors that determine when and how attitudes influence behaviour in real life.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction

Briefly define attitude and behaviour, highlighting their interconnection.

Body

• Difference between attitude and behaviour – definition, nature, formation, expression, stability.
• Factors influencing link between attitudes and behaviour – consistency, direct experience, social norms, emotional investment, moral obligation.

Conclusion

End with how cultivating ethical attitudes through education and socialisation strengthens ethical behaviour and character.

Introduction:

Attitude is a person’s mental outlook that shapes how we think or feel about anything, significantly influencing our decisions, actions, and responses to stimuli. Behaviour is an individual’s response to a specific action, person, or environment, reflecting how one acts or controls oneself in interactions with others.

Body:

Factors determining the degree of influence of attitudes on behaviour:

1. Consistency: Greater consistency between an individual’s attitudes and values results in a stronger influence on behaviour, as it aligns with the ethical principle of integrity.

Eg: Feeding stray dogs every day makes a person kinder.

2. Direct Experience: Attitudes formed through personal experience are more influential on behaviour, reflecting the ethical principle of empirical validity and personal authenticity.

Eg: Dr. B.R Ambedkar’s personal experience of social discrimination made in a great leader who worked for the uplift of people.

3. Social Norms: The alignment of personal attitudes with societal or group norms can enhance their influence on behaviour, following the ethical principle of social conformity and communal harmony.

Eg: Touching the feet of elders makes the younger generation respect elders.

4. Emotional Investment: Attitudes that evoke strong emotions are more likely to drive behaviour, consistent with the ethical principle of emotional resonance and affective commitment.

Eg: Mother value-centric stories impact kids’ behaviour.

5. Moral Obligation: Attitudes grounded in a sense of moral duty or ethical responsibility have a greater impact on behaviour, upholding the principle of moral accountability and ethical obligation.

Conclusion:

A strong attitude can be cultivated through social involvement and a moral education system. Strong values bring a strong attitude which in turn result in strong behaviour that complement each other to define the character of the person.

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE

Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE

Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelHERE

Follow our Twitter Account HERE

Follow our Instagram ID HERE

Follow us on LinkedIn : HERE