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GS Paper: GS2

  • With US withdrawing from multilateralism, India has both risks and opportunities

    Introduction

    The United Nations (UN) was envisioned in 1945 as the cornerstone of a rules-based global order. Yet, 80 years later, it faces one of its gravest challenges. US President Donald Trump’s second term has unleashed a sweeping retreat from multilateralism, leaving the UN structurally weakened and financially strained. His push for sovereignty-driven unilateralism, withdrawal from critical agreements and institutions, and deep funding cuts have left a vacuum increasingly filled by China. For India, this turbulence is both a threat and an opportunity to shape a new multilateralism.

    Trump’s Shift from Multilateralism to Unilateralism

    1. America First Doctrine: Trump has framed sovereignty as the fundamental principle of international relations, rejecting supra-nationalism.
    2. UN Critique: He claims to have done “a better job than the UN Security Council” in maintaining peace, boasting of “ending seven wars” within eight months of his second term.
    3. First-term precedent: Withdrawals from the Paris Agreement, UNESCO, Human Rights Council, Iran Nuclear Deal signalled this trend.
    4. Second-term escalation: Guided by Project 2025 (Heritage Foundation manifesto), Trump has cut >80% of US contributions to UN operations, including peacekeeping and global health.

    How is the UN Being Undermined?

    1. Massive Funding Cuts: US contributions slashed from 22% to a fraction, crippling UN’s financial base.
    2. Institutional Withdrawals: Exit from WHO, UNESCO, Human Rights Council and halting support for the Paris Agreement & Climate Loss and Damage Fund.
    3. Policy Rejection: No support for sustainable development or climate mitigation under Trump’s agenda.
    4. Domestic Politics Spillover: Appeals to his populist base that frames liberals as “war party” and paints the UN as an obstruction.

    China’s Expanding Role in Global Governance

    1. Strategic Positioning: Beijing systematically places its nationals in influential leadership, technical, and administrative posts.
    2. New Initiatives: Promotes “Global Development, Global Security, Global Civilisation, Global Governance” — aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
    3. Funding Power: Contributes around $680 million (~20% of UN budget), second only to the US.
    4. Outcome: While not yet supplanting US dominance, Chinese activism is making Beijing an indispensable player.

    Decline of Multilateralism: A Structural Problem

    1. Historical High Point: Around 2000 with WTO launch & Millennium Development Goals.
    2. Erosion Factors: Populist nationalism, US-China rivalry, US-Russia vetoes paralyzing UNSC, and transatlantic divisions.
    3. Current Paralysis: Even humanitarian crises are stalled by veto politics.
    4. Reform Blockage: Calls for UNSC expansion remain frozen, while agencies face financial crisis and inefficiencies.

    India’s Opportunities and Responsibilities

    1. Financial Contribution Gap: India contributes $38 million (<1%), far below its stature as the world’s 4th largest economy.
    2. Comparative Figures: US: $820 million (22%), China: $680 million (20%).
    3. Strategic Priorities: Instead of old demands (like UNSC expansion), India should focus on:
      1. AI governance
      2. North-South coalitions
      3. UN reforms for efficiency
    4. Moral Leadership: As a long-standing Global South champion, India must pay more and lead more to shape new rules.

    Conclusion

    The UN at 80 stands fragile, buffeted by American retreat and Chinese ambition. Trump’s second-term disruption has turned long-standing weaknesses into systemic crises. Yet, neither the US nor China enjoys universal legitimacy. For India, the moment is decisive: it can no longer lament but must shoulder the responsibility of building a multilateralism that works in an age of rivalry and rapid change.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2019] Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life. Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.

    Linkage: It highlights how US funding withdrawal and political accusations cripple UN agencies like UNESCO, leaving them under-resourced and delegitimised. Similarly, Trump’s second-term cuts — over 80% reduction in US contributions and exits from WHO, UNESCO, HRC — show how financial muscle and politics erode multilateral institutions.

  • Trans People deserve better

    Introduction

    The struggles of India’s transgender community highlight the deep chasm between constitutional guarantees of equality and the lived reality of marginalisation. Despite progressive measures such as the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, welfare schemes, and quotas in education and employment, access to these rights often remains obstructed by bureaucracy, social prejudice, and tokenism. The issue is not confined to a minority group alone; it reflects a larger national loss of talent, creativity, and human capital. Denial of dignity and opportunities to gender minorities undermines India’s democratic fabric, making it imperative that policies move beyond symbolic gestures towards genuine representation, enforceable protections, and inclusive development. This article is a stark reminder that policy is not paperwork, but life itself.

    Legal & Policy Framework for Transgender Rights in India:

    Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019

    1. Comprehensive protections – The Act prohibits discrimination against transgender persons in education, employment, healthcare, housing, and access to public services.
    2. Legal recognition – It affirms the right of individuals to be recognised as transgender and ensures access to identity documents in accordance with their self-perceived gender.
    3. Obligations on institutions – Schools, workplaces, and healthcare institutions are legally bound to create safe, inclusive environments, though implementation remains weak.
    4. Critical limitation – While progressive, the Act has faced criticism for requiring medical boards’ involvement in recognising gender, which many activists argue undermines the principle of self-identification upheld in NALSA v. Union of India (2014).

    NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index

    1. Measuring inclusivity – The Index tracks progress towards Sustainable Development Goals, with transgender inclusion mapped to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
    2. Policy relevance – States are ranked on inclusivity measures, encouraging competitive federalism to adopt progressive policies.
    3. Limitations – Despite formal inclusion in metrics, ground-level impact remains limited, with most States lagging in transgender-specific initiatives.

    National Portal for Transgender Persons (2020)

    1. Ease of certification – A digital platform was launched to streamline self-identification and certification of transgender persons without cumbersome physical verification.
    2. Access to welfare schemes – The portal links beneficiaries to scholarships, healthcare support, and livelihood initiatives.
    3. Barrier reduction – Aimed to reduce harassment and delays in government offices, but digital literacy and awareness remain challenges.

    Government Schemes and Initiatives:

    SMILE Scheme (2022)

    1. Full form: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise.
    2. Livelihood support – Offers vocational training, financial assistance, and rehabilitation to transgender persons and others in vulnerable conditions (e.g., beggars).
    3. Holistic rehabilitation – Focus on dignity through sustainable income opportunities, not just short-term aid.

    Garima Greh (Shelter Homes for Transgender Persons)

    1. Safe housing – Provides temporary shelter to transgender persons in need, particularly those facing family rejection or homelessness.
    2. Rehabilitation support – Along with accommodation, offers skill-building, counselling, and reintegration programmes.
    3. Geographical spread – Shelters are being established in multiple States, though demand far outstrips supply.

    National Transgender Welfare Board

    1. Advisory role – Created to guide and monitor welfare schemes, policies, and rights protection for transgender persons.
    2. Policy advocacy – Acts as a bridge between community needs and government initiatives.
    3. Challenge – Effectiveness has been questioned due to limited representation from grassroots transgender voices.

    Why do policies remain hollow for transgender persons?

    1. Hollow quotas – Promises on paper, but weak implementation and bureaucratic humiliation in accessing them.
    2. Selective dispersal – Corruption and leakages mean benefits rarely reach genuine beneficiaries.
    3. Urban-rural gap – Schemes concentrated in cities, leaving rural transgender communities excluded.
    4. Insensitive officials – Lack of sensitisation among staff, police, and service providers reinforces stigma.
    5. Economic marginalisation – Limited job opportunities push many into begging or unsafe livelihoods.
    6. Weak accountability – No penalties for institutions failing to ensure inclusivity.
    7. Data deficit – Census undercounts transgender population, weakening policy design.
    8. Fragmented ecosystem – Welfare spread across ministries with poor coordination and monitoring.

    Why is access to basic needs still a challenge?

    1. Considerable Population– Over 4.87 lakh individuals identified as transgender, under the ‘Other’ gender category as per the 2011 census.
    2. Housing discrimination – Landlords refuse to rent, neighbours ostracise, and societies erect silent barricades, denying stability.
    3. Public ridicule – Buses, markets, and streets are unsafe; everyday survival requires courage against humiliation.
    4. Hunger and survival – With families abandoning them, many trans persons face destitution, leaving them vulnerable to unsafe livelihoods.

    How does exclusion repeat historical injustices?

    1. Historical parallels – Denial of rights to African-Americans and women earlier hollowed democracies; similarly, denying rights to trans persons repeats history’s mistakes.
    2. Loss of talent – Every trans child forced out of school means a lost scientist; every denied home displaces an artist; every humiliation silences a leader.

    Why is representation in politics critical?

    1. Beyond symbolism – Representation is structural, not tokenistic. Without trans voices in legislatures, policies reproduce privilege and blind spots.
    2. Absence in institutions – No trans person has been appointed to media boards despite censor boards clearing derogatory content against them.

    What are the urgent priorities for reform?

    1. Education – Scholarships, inclusive curricula, and anti-bullying measures are essential to prevent dropouts.
    2. Healthcare – Affordable, state-supported gender transition and mental health care; transition is survival, not cosmetic.
    3. Employment & housing – Anti-discrimination laws must be enforced with penalties, ensuring workplace inclusion and rental protections.

    Way Forward

    1. Enforceable protections – Move from symbolic promises to penalties for violations in housing, jobs, and education.
    2. Political representation – Reserved seats or political pathways must ensure gender minorities are participants in policymaking.
    3. Educational reform – Gender-sensitive curricula and anti-bullying frameworks to prevent dropouts.
    4. Cultural shift – Mainstream media, schools, and workplaces must promote respect and positive representation, not ridicule.
    5. Holistic inclusion – From healthcare to public spaces, dignity must be guaranteed as a right, not charity.

    Conclusion

    The resilience of transgender persons cannot substitute for rights. A nation that sidelines its gender minorities sidelines its own conscience and potential. Policy must no longer be about trans persons but must be shaped with them. The denial of dignity is not a transgender issue—it is a national issue of justice, equality, and democratic maturity. India’s claim to global leadership will remain hollow until all its citizens, regardless of gender identity, can live with dignity.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2019] Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

    Linkage: This article’s critique of hollow quotas and tokenistic welfare for transgender persons directly links to the PYQ by showing how schemes meant for the vulnerable, instead of empowering, often reinforce exclusion and discrimination.

  • Criminal Defamation in India

    Why in the News?

    Justice M.M. Sundresh of the Supreme Court remarked that the time has come to decriminalise defamation, reflecting concern over its growing misuse.

    Free Speech and Defamation: Constitutional Provisions

    • Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech & expression.
    • Article 19(2): Allows reasonable restrictions in the interests of:
      • Sovereignty & integrity of India.
      • Security of the State.
      • Friendly relations with foreign States.
      • Public order, decency or morality.
      • Contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to an offence.
    • Article 21: Right to reputation is part of right to life (Subramanian Swamy v. UOI, 2016).

    What is Criminal Defamation?

    • Overview: Offence of harming a person’s character, fame, or reputation with false and malicious statements.

    • Forms:

      1. Libel: False defamatory statement in writing.
      2. Slander: False defamatory statement spoken orally.
    • Indian Context: Both libel & slander are criminal offences if made publicly.
    • Earlier IPC Section 499: Criminalised communication of false info harming reputation; punishment under IPC Section 500 – up to 2 years imprisonment.

    • Law under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023:

      • Section 354(2) – punishment up to 2 years simple imprisonment, or fine, or both, or community service.
      • Section 356 – covers words, signs, or visible representations harming reputation.
    • Scope: Applies to individuals, companies, and deceased persons if family reputation is harmed.
    • Essential Elements: False statement, harm to reputation, communication to third party, and intent/knowledge of likely harm.
    • Nature of Offence: Non-cognizable and bailable – requires a warrant for arrest; bail available.
    • Digital Extension: Covers defamatory posts on social media, websites, and messaging platforms.
    • Defences/Exceptions: Truth in public interest, fair comment on public servants, judicial proceedings, public performances, and cautionary statements made in good faith.

    Judicial Pronouncements related to Defamation:

    • Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016): SC upheld constitutionality of IPC Sections 499 & 500; held that reputation is part of Article 21; criminal defamation valid under Article 19(2) restrictions.
    • Kaushal Kishore v. Union of India (2017): SC held no extra restrictions on free speech beyond Article 19(2).
    • Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015): SC struck down Section 66A of IT Act, calling it vague and violative of free speech.
    • Imran Pratapgarhi Case (March 2025): Court adopted the “reasonable person” test (Clapham omnibus standard), not that of overly sensitive individuals.
    • Recent Stays: SC stayed multiple cases (incl. against Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor) stressing courts should not be tools for political vendetta.
    [UPSC 2014] What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

    [UPSC 2021] ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India?

    Options: (a) Article 15 (b) Article 19 (c) Article 21 * (d) Article 29

     

  • U.K, Australia and Canada recognise Palestine state in seismic shift

    Introduction

    On September 22, 2025, Britain, Australia, and Canada formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign state, a step that Portugal and potentially France are expected to follow at the UN General Assembly. This unprecedented shift, especially by G-7 members like the U.K. and Canada, alters decades of Western foreign policy and signals mounting pressure on Israel after nearly two years of the Gaza war that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack. While hailed as historic by Palestinians, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move as an “absurd reward for terrorism.”

    Why is this development historic?

    1. First G-7 recognition: U.K. and Canada became the first G-7 nations to officially recognise Palestine, breaking with the long-standing Western alignment with Israel.
    2. Sharp contrast with past policy: For decades, Western countries had deferred recognition pending a negotiated two-state solution; this marks a direct policy shift.
    3. Conflict backdrop: The recognition comes amid international outrage over prolonged violence in Gaza since 2023, highlighting the urgency for peace.
    4. Special burden: The U.K.’s Deputy PM admitted Britain carries a “special responsibility” due to the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which paved the way for Israel’s creation.

    Why did the U.K., Australia, and Canada take this step?

    1. Reviving peace hopes: Leaders like Keir Starmer emphasised the recognition as a way to keep the two-state solution alive.
    2. International pressure: Growing calls for humanitarian accountability in Gaza pushed these governments to act.
    3. Alignment with Europe: Portugal announced recognition the same day, and France is expected to follow, indicating a coordinated Western European push.

    What has been Israel’s reaction?

    1. Harsh opposition: PM Netanyahu warned that calls for Palestinian statehood “endanger Israel’s existence.”
    2. Terrorism narrative: Israel frames recognition as a “reward for terrorism” in reference to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack.
    3. UN strategy: Netanyahu vowed to fight this recognition diplomatically at the ongoing UN General Assembly.

    What role does history play in this debate?

    1. Balfour Declaration, 1917: U.K.’s role in facilitating Israel’s creation still casts a shadow over West Asia’s conflict.
    2. Decades of stalemate: Palestinian statehood has been promised but deferred since the Oslo Accords of the 1990s.
    3. Burden of colonial legacy: Britain’s recognition is seen as part-redressal for its historical role.

    How does this reshape global geopolitics?

    1. U.S.–Western divide: Recognition creates divergence between U.S. policy (still opposed) and its closest allies like the U.K. and Canada, weakening the coherence of the Western bloc.
    2. Global South solidarity: Developing nations, many of whom already recognise Palestine, view this as overdue Western alignment, strengthening South–North convergence on justice and decolonisation.
    3. UN spotlight: With the General Assembly opening, Palestine’s legitimacy is expected to dominate the global agenda, elevating the conflict as a test case for multilateralism.
    4. Regional fault lines: Arab states may gain renewed diplomatic leverage, while Israel risks isolation beyond its traditional U.S. support base, potentially altering Middle East power balances.
    5. Strategic recalibration for India and Asia: Asian powers like India and China will have to navigate between historical solidarity with Palestine and strong bilateral partnerships with Israel, testing their strategic autonomy.
    6. Narrative of international law and legitimacy: Recognition by major Western democracies strengthens the normative argument for Palestinian statehood, challenging Israel’s framing of the issue as a security-only concern.

    Conclusion

    The recognition of Palestine by the U.K., Australia, and Canada is more than symbolic; it could catalyse a chain reaction of Western nations acknowledging Palestinian sovereignty. While it reignites hope for a two-state solution, it also risks deepening fault lines with Israel and the U.S.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2018] India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss

    Linkage: The recognition of Palestine by U.K., Australia, and Canada highlights how global powers are recalibrating their West Asia policies, creating new pressures on countries like India. While India recognised Palestine in 1988, it has simultaneously built deep and diverse ties with Israel in defence, agriculture, and technology. This mirrors the PYQ’s core theme—India’s Israel relationship is now structurally entrenched, even as balancing Palestine’s cause remains a diplomatic necessity.

  • [20th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The Saudi-Pakistan pact is a dodgy insurance policy

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2018] In what ways would the ongoing US–Iran Nuclear Pact controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?

    Linkage: The Saudi–Pakistan SMDA, like the earlier US–Iran Nuclear Pact controversy, reshapes West Asian alignments and directly impacts India’s energy security, diaspora safety, and regional stability. Just as India had to balance between Iran, the U.S., and Gulf partners in 2018, it must now carefully hedge between Riyadh and Islamabad while safeguarding its own strategic interests.

    Mentor’s Comment

    The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September 2025 has been described as a pact of optics rather than substance. Its timing, context, and asymmetrical calculations raise questions on whether it strengthens West Asian security or merely signals short-term adjustments. For UPSC aspirants, this episode provides insights into the shifting geopolitics of South West Asia, Pakistan’s strategic opportunism, Saudi Arabia’s security dilemmas, and India’s balancing role.

    Introduction

    On 17 September 2025, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Premier Shahbaz Sharif signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in Riyadh, with Field Marshal Asim Munir in attendance. While presented as a landmark pact, its real significance lies in the optics of security reassurance amid the shifting sands of Middle Eastern politics. Both nations have a chequered past of military cooperation, rooted in shared faith but divided by divergent threat perceptions. The agreement’s asymmetrical benefits, U.S. undertones, and implications for India make it geopolitically consequential.

    Why is the SMDA in the news and why is it significant?

    1. First major pact in decades: The last high-point of Saudi–Pakistan defence ties was in the 1979–89 period, when 20,000 Pakistani troops protected Saudi Arabia and the Holy Harams.
    2. Optical reassurance: The SMDA is viewed more as a symbolic gesture than a substantive alliance, designed to show unity amidst rising threats from Iran, Yemen, and Israel.
    3. Geopolitical urgency: Triggered by the September 9 Israeli air strike in Doha (Qatar), the pact signals waning U.S. credibility as a security guarantor for the Gulf.
    4. Big deal: Pakistan is now a declared nuclear state, raising speculation of nuclear cooperation with Riyadh, though practical transfer remains improbable.

    What has been the history of Saudi-Pakistan defence cooperation?

    1. Golden phase (1979–89): 20,000 Pakistani soldiers stationed in Saudi Arabia to protect the monarchy and act against Iran and Yemen.
    2. Saudi view: Treated Pakistani forces as paid Praetorian Guards, limiting their autonomy.
    3. Pakistani view: Resented lack of command; exclusion of Shia troops created tensions.
    4. 1990 onwards: Pakistan refused Saudi requests during major crises (Iraq’s Kuwait invasion, Yemeni war), limiting its role to protecting the Holy Harams.

    How has the United States influenced the SMDA?

    1. Pentagon as the guarantor: U.S. historically underpinned Saudi–Pak defence ties “over-the-horizon.”
    2. Trump’s role: In June 2025, Field Marshal Munir’s “private lunch” with Trump in Washington signalled Washington’s blessing.
    3. Israeli factor: Saudi Arabia wanted a U.S. defence pact and nuclear technology in exchange for recognising Israel. The Hamas attack on Israel in Oct 2023 derailed the plan, leaving the SMDA as a consolation prize.
    4. Credibility gap: The U.S. failure to defend Qatar against Israeli strikes exposed fragility in Gulf security guarantees.

    What are Riyadh’s calculations from the SMDA?

    1. Avoid Arab troops: Past experience with Arab/Turkish troops created risks of “political pollination.
    2. Massive arms imports: Saudi Arabia has ordered $100 billion worth of U.S. weapons in 2025.
    3. Nuclear hedge: Pakistan’s nuclear capability could deter Iran if it goes nuclear.
    4. Chinese factor: Pakistan’s ties with China may complicate Riyadh’s trust.
    5. Realistic expectation: Riyadh foresees smaller Pakistani footprints than before, given past frictions.

    What are Islamabad’s calculations from the SMDA?

    1. Asymmetrical gains: No intention to fight Saudi wars against Iran, Yemen, or Israel.
    2. Strategic opportunism: Exploit Saudi insecurity to gain funds, oil, defence hardware, and training.
    3. Personal aggrandisement:Pakistan’s military elite aim to monetise “IOUs” from Riyadh and Washington.
    4. Regional calculus: Hopes trilateral axis will offset its strategic disadvantage against India.

    What does the SMDA mean for India?

    1. Energy linkages: India is the third-largest oil importer and among Saudi’s top trade partners.
    2. Diaspora factor: Largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia, valued for skills and neutrality.
    3. Diplomatic capital: Post-2014 outreach has created defence and intelligence-sharing frameworks.
    4. Saudi balancing act: Riyadh assured Reuters that ties with India remain “robust,” acknowledging India’s nuclear status and geoeconomic heft.
    5. Implication: India must remain vigilant, building greater Arabian Sea synergies to counterbalance tactical moves by Pakistan.

    Conclusion

    The Saudi–Pakistan pact is less a robust security alliance and more a political insurance policy, crafted in haste amid shifting regional dynamics. While it temporarily reassures Riyadh and monetarily benefits Islamabad, its sustainability remains doubtful due to divergent threat perceptions, nuclear sensitivities, and overlapping U.S.–China rivalries. For India, the SMDA underscores the need to strengthen its energy diplomacy, diaspora leverage, and strategic partnerships with Riyadh, while maintaining watchfulness over Pakistan’s manoeuvres.

  • Turmoil, tragedy, and tenacity in Nepal

    Introduction

    In early September 2025, Nepal was rocked by its most intense youth uprising since the end of monarchy in 2008. Peaceful demonstrations against corruption and inequality, largely organised online, escalated into violent clashes, leaving 73 dead and vital government institutions in flames. The resignation of Oli and the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister has opened a critical transition. The protests underscore the growing role of Gen Z digital activism in reshaping political landscapes.

    Timeline of the protests

    1. 4 Sept 2025: Government orders registration/ban of 26 social media platforms (trigger).
    2. Early Sept (pre-8): Weeks of online organising; #NepoBabies and related trends circulate.
    3. 8 Sept 2025 (Day 1): Large peaceful gatherings at Maitighar Mandala; clashes erupt; official reports of first deaths (≈19 reported that night).
    4. 9 Sept 2025 (Day 2): Violence spreads; Parliament, Supreme Court, Singha Durbar attacked and some set on fire; casualty and injury figures climb.
    5. 10–12 Sept 2025: Army deployed to secure cities; Home Minister and Oli resign; negotiations with youth representatives begin.
    6. 12–14 Sept 2025: Sushila Karki sworn in as interim prime minister; Parliament dissolved; elections scheduled for March (caretaker mandate announced).

    How did legal restraints on digital space ignite a national revolt?

    1. Trigger — Social Media Ban: On 4 September 2025, the government ordered the blocking/registration of 26 social media platforms, including X, Facebook, and Instagram.
    2. Impact: This cut off Gen-Z’s primary space for organisation, expression, and economic activity, seen as a direct assault on civic freedom.
    3. Outcome: Scattered anger was transformed into coordinated protests.
    4. Example: Youth groups used Discord and TikTok to plan assemblies at Maitighar Mandala and coordinate marches towards Parliament.

    What were the structural grievances behind the uprising?

    1. Corruption & Elitism: Perceptions of elite capture, misuse of resources, and impunity fuelled resentment.
    2. Symbol of Rage: The #NepoKids / #NepoBabies campaign exposed politicians’ children flaunting luxury while ordinary youth faced precarity.
    3. Example: Viral clips contrasting lavish lifestyles with student unemployment intensified outrage.
    4. Data: Transparency International (2025): Nepal ranked 107/180 on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI score: 34).

    Why did peaceful protests become deadly and destructive?

    1. Escalation: Initially peaceful gatherings on 8 September were dispersed using tear gas and reportedly live ammunition.
    2. Violence: Retaliatory riots followed; demonstrators targeted symbols of state power.
    3. Example: On 9 September, Parliament, Supreme Court, and Singha Durbar were set ablaze; crucial judicial records were damaged.
    4. Data: 72–73 deaths reported, with hundreds injured, mostly between ages 19–24.

    What immediate political fallout followed the unrest?

    1. Leadership Change: Home Minister resigned on 8 Sept; PM K.P. Sharma Oli stepped down on 9 Sept.
    2. Caretaker Transition: The Army mediated negotiations; Parliament was dissolved.
    3. Interim PM: Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice, sworn in on 12 Sept 2025, mandated to hold elections within six months.
      • Karki visited hospitals, assured investigations, and pledged accountability and timely polls.

    How did digital tools shape both mobilisation and misinformation?

    1. Mobilisation: Platforms like Discord, TikTok, and hashtags enabled rapid outreach, meme-culture, and youth identity in protests.
    2. Creativity: Anime/manga flags and viral videos energised Gen-Z demonstrations.
    3. Misinformation: False reports and AI-generated images (e.g., Pashupati Temple “burning”) created panic and confusion.
    4. Example: Fake claims about a senior politician’s family being killed circulated widely before being disproved.

    What are the main challenges facing Nepal’s interim rulers?

    1. Legitimacy Concerns: Traditional political parties, deposed MPs, and royalist factions question the constitutional mandate of the interim set-up.
    2. Balancing Act: The government must address youth expectations of anti-corruption and inclusivity while ensuring political buy-in from entrenched elites.
    3. Stability: Conducting free and fair elections by March 2026 without undermining the democratic spirit of Gen-Z protests remains the foremost task.
    4. Example: Political parties and royalists have already raised doubts over Karki’s legitimacy despite broad youth support.

    Implications for Nepal (domestic)

    • Political Legitimacy and Party Renewal
      • The protests revealed a deep erosion of trust in established parties.
      • Unless political parties reform and integrate youth aspirations into institutional politics, cycles of protest could continue.
      • Revamping youth wings and embracing inclusivity may be crucial for long-term stability.
      • (Echoes analysts’ calls for parties to redefine themselves in light of 1990 and 2006 lessons.)
    • Rule of Law and Accountability
      • Strong demands exist for independent investigations into the use of excessive force and arson during protests.
      • The credibility of Nepal’s democracy depends on whether security forces and political elites are held accountable.
      • Sushila Karki’s pledge to investigate abuses and compensate victims sets both a legal and moral benchmark.
    • Economic and Social Policy Pressure
      • With youth unemployment at 20%, migration pressures, and widening inequality, socio-economic grievances remain central.
      • The interim government faces urgent pressure to deliver short-term relief (jobs, anti-corruption crackdowns) while laying the groundwork for structural reforms in education, employment, and inclusivity.
      • Failure to deliver may reignite unrest and deepen distrust in democratic institutions.

    Implications for South Asia (regional)

    • Contagion Risk and Inspiration:
      • The Nepali uprising reflects a wider Gen-Z dissent pattern in Asia.
      • Similar youth-led movements in Sri Lanka (2022), Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines have challenged entrenched elites.
      • Nepal’s protests may inspire emulation across borders, intensifying regional instability.
    • Cross-Border Diplomacy & Stability:
      • Political turbulence in Kathmandu could strain bilateral relations with neighbours.
      • Instability may disrupt migration flows, remittances, and border trade.
      • Governments in South Asia may reassess youth policy, unemployment measures, and digital freedoms to preempt unrest.
    • Policy Lessons on Digital Platforms:
      • Nepal’s ban highlights the risks of hard regulation of social media.
      • Neighbouring states will closely observe whether bans quell dissent or provoke backlash.
      • The episode may shape future regional digital governance frameworks balancing free expression with misinformation control.

    Conclusion

    Nepal’s Gen Z uprising is both tragic and transformative. It highlights the power of digital natives to hold governments accountable, but also the dangers of violence and misinformation. The coming months will test whether Nepal can channel this energy into transparent, inclusive governance or relapse into instability.

    PYQ Linkage:

    [UPSC 2012] Discuss the contentious issues that have caused the prolonged

    constitutional logjam in Nepal.

    Linkage: The 2025 Gen Z protests in Nepal show that unresolved constitutional questions of inclusiveness, accountability, and representation remain central even after the 2015 Constitution. The uprising exposed youth anger at elite capture and exclusion of caste, ethnic, and gender groups — echoing the very fault lines that prolonged Nepal’s constitutional logjam post-2008 monarchy abolition. Thus, the recent turmoil is a continuation of the older struggle for a truly inclusive and accountable Nepali state.

  • Supreme Court cites Preamble to reject a plea

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court rejected a plea against a religious leader inaugurating Mysuru Dasara, reminding that the Preamble upholds secularism, liberty, equality, and fraternity as core ideals of unity.

    Backgrounder:

    • The Karnataka government invited Banu Mushtaq, 2025 International Booker Prize winner, to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara Festival and perform the pooja.
    • A 2023 video resurfaced where she questioned the worship of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, sparking controversy.
    • BJP and others opposed the invite, for her selective criticism of Hindu rituals and demanded withdrawal of the invite sent to her.

    Supreme Court’s Observations:

    • Secular Character: The Court reminded that the Preamble enshrines secularism, liberty, equality, and fraternity as unifying ideals.
    • State’s Neutrality: Dasara inauguration was a State event, not a private ritual. The State “maintains no religion of its own” (echoing M. Ismail Faruqui, 1994).
    • Key Precedents Recalled:
      • Kesavananda Bharati (1973) & S.R. Bommai (1994): Secularism = basic feature of the Constitution.
      • R.C. Poudyal (1994): Even before “secular” was inserted (42nd Amendment, 1976), the Constitution upheld equal treatment of all faiths.
      • Dr. Balram Singh v. UOI (2024): State can intervene to curb religious practices impeding equality & development.

    Preamble

    About the Preamble:

    • Nature: Introductory statement; reflects philosophy, vision, and objectives.
    • Origin: Based on Objectives Resolution (Nehru, 1946); adopted 1947.
    • Declarations: India as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic ensuring Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.

    • Symbolism:

      1. Source of Authority: “We, the People of India.”
      2. Nature of State: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.

    Amendment of the Preamble:

    • Permissible: Supreme Court (Kesavananda Bharati, 1973) has held that Preamble is part of Constitution and can be amended without violating Basic Structure.
    • Only Amendment: 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 (during Emergency).
      • Added “Socialist” and “Secular” between Sovereign and Democratic.
      • Added “Integrity” to Unity of the Nation.

    Key Judicial Pronouncements:

    • Berubari Union Case (1960): Preamble not a part of the Constitution; only a tool for interpretation.
    • Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Overruled Berubari; Preamble is part of the Constitution, embodies basic structure but cannot override provisions.
    • S.R. Bommai Case (1994): Secularism upheld as basic feature of the Constitution.
    • LIC of India Case (1995): Reaffirmed Preamble as integral, but non-justiciable (not enforceable in court).
    [UPSC 2020] The Preamble to the Constitution of India is:

    Options: (a) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect

    (b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either

    (c) part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part

    (d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts*

     

  • Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP)

    Why in the News?

    The Election Commission de-listed 474 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP) for not contesting polls in six years, as part of its electoral clean-up drive.

    Delisting of Political Parties:

    • ECI’s Powers: Governed by Section 29A, RP Act, 1951.
      • No explicit power with ECI to de-register a party once registered, except for fraud or anti-Constitutional allegiance.
    • Judicial Interpretation:
      • INC vs Institute of Social Welfare (2002): SC ruled that ECI cannot de-register parties, only delist or declare inactive, which removes privileges but NOT their legal entity.

    About Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs):

    • Constitutional Right: Right to form political associations is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(c).
    • Registration: RUPPs are political associations registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) under Section 29A, Representation of the People Act, 1951.
    • Not recognised: As either State or National parties because they have not secured the required vote share or seats in past elections.
    • Privileges & Benefits:
      • Tax exemption under Section 13A, Income Tax Act, 1961.
      • Eligibility for common poll symbols during elections (under Symbols Order, 1968).
      • Can nominate up to 20 star campaigners.
    • Obligations:
      • Must contest elections periodically.
      • File annual audit accounts and contribution reports.
      • Disclose donations above ₹20,000.
      • Ensure no donations above ₹2,000 are taken in cash.
    • Issues: Many RUPPs exploit privileges without contesting elections, crowding out genuine contesting parties and confusing voters.

    What are Recognised Political Parties?

    • Types: Recognised parties are classified as National Parties or State Parties.
    • Privileges:
      • Exclusive reserved symbols.
      • Free copies of electoral rolls.
      • Broadcasting time on Doordarshan/All India Radio.
      • Consultation rights with ECI in election matters.
    • Recognition depends on vote share or seats won in Lok Sabha/Assembly elections.

    Conditions for Recognition:

    National Party State Party
    Secures 6% of valid votes in Lok Sabha/Assembly elections in any 4 or more states + wins 4 Lok Sabha seats. Secures 6% of valid votes in the state Assembly election + wins 2 Assembly seats.
    Wins 2% of Lok Sabha seats (currently 11 seats) from at least 3 states. Secures 6% of valid votes in the state’s Lok Sabha election + wins 1 Lok Sabha seat.
    Recognised as a State Party in 4 or more states. Wins 3% of Assembly seats or 3 seats (whichever is higher) in the state Assembly.
    — Wins 1 Lok Sabha seat for every 25 seats allotted to that state.
    — Secures 8% of total valid votes in the state’s Assembly or Lok Sabha election (added in 2011).

     

    [UPSC 2001] Consider the following statements regarding the political parties in India:

    1. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides for the registration of political parties.

    2. Registration of political parties is carried out by the Election Commission.

    3. A national level political party is one which is recognised in four or more States.

    4. During the 1999 general elections, there were six National and 48 State level parties recognised by the Election Commission.

    Options: (a) I, II and IV (b) I and III (c) II and IV (d) I, II, III and IV*

     

  • Should India overlook boundary issues while normalizing ties with China?

    Introduction

    The India-China relationship has historically oscillated between cautious cooperation and sharp confrontation. The latest Modi–Xi meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit reopened bilateral trade, air connectivity, and emphasised peace at the border. Yet, the memory of the 2020 Galwan clashes looms large. At stake is the central question: Can India afford to set aside the boundary dispute for the sake of wider cooperation, or would that compromise its strategic autonomy and long-term security?

    Why is this debate in the news?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s China visit marks the first high-level attempt in five years to restore normalcy after Galwan. The move is significant as it reflects India’s willingness to restart engagement despite recent military tensions and China’s continued strategic partnership with Pakistan. The revival of trade and connectivity signals pragmatism, but it raises the question of whether unresolved boundary tensions can remain compartmentalised. This sharp contrast with the hostility of recent years makes the issue both urgent and unprecedented.

    Can India normalise ties without resolving the boundary issue?

    1. Historical Precedent (1988, 1990s): Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to Beijing in 1988 initiated the idea of cooperation in other domains while border talks continued separately. Both sides agreed to maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC despite unresolved sovereignty disputes.
    2. Galwan Disruption (2020): The deadly clash exposed the fragility of this arrangement and highlighted China’s aggressive posture, a setback far greater than earlier skirmishes.
    3. Current Diplomatic Push: Since 2020, both countries have restored disengagement through buffer zones, with the 2024 Border Patrol Agreement marking an important breakthrough, including restoration of patrol rights in Demchok and Depsang.

    What explains China’s actions and insecurities?

    1. Article 370 Effect: Chinese analysts linked Galwan to India’s constitutional move in Jammu & Kashmir, which Beijing opposed.
    2. Economic Competition: During the U.S.-China trade war, Beijing feared India aligning with Washington to grab supply-chain opportunities.
    3. India’s Growth Factor: China increasingly perceives India’s demographic dividend and economic rise as a potential threat, at a time when its own population is shrinking.
    4. Manufacturing Prowess: Despite insecurities, China’s dominance is overwhelming—accounting for 45% of global manufacturing output, highlighted by India’s Economic Survey 2024-25.

    How fragile is the current normalisation?

    1. Possibility of Galwan-2: Any fresh military clash could derail progress entirely, as mistrust remains deep-rooted.
    2. Chinese Perception of India: Beijing no longer treats India as a peer but as a regional player to be managed, often subordinated to its ties with Pakistan.
    3. Infrastructure Build-up: China continues rapid military expansion on the Tibetan plateau, forcing India to invest heavily in its own LAC infrastructure.
    4. Diplomatic Asymmetry: Even as dialogue continues, China shows little real interest in a final border settlement.

    Can India-China cooperation coexist with China’s South Asia strategy?

    1. China’s Trilateral Mechanisms: Beijing is building frameworks like Pakistan-China-Afghanistan and Pakistan-China-Bangladesh, which aim to sideline India.
    2. Strategic Rivalry: China views India as a long-term competitor; India counters with its own diplomatic cards.
    3. Interdependence Factor: Despite rivalry, both economies remain connected—India dependent on China’s manufacturing, and China wary of India’s market potential.

    Conclusion

    India cannot afford to overlook the boundary issue entirely, as sovereignty and security form the bedrock of foreign policy. Yet, pragmatic engagement, through trade, connectivity, and multilateral platforms, remains equally important. A calibrated approach that safeguards territorial integrity while leveraging cooperation where possible may be the most realistic path forward.

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2014] With respect to the South China Sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and ever flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.

    Linkage: The South China Sea tensions highlight China’s assertive behaviour in territorial disputes, which parallels its aggressive stance on the India-China boundary issue, especially after Galwan. Just as freedom of navigation is contested in the maritime domain, peace and tranquility along the LAC is fragile despite agreements like the 2024 Border Patrol pact. Thus, bilateral issues centre on sovereignty, security dilemmas, and China’s attempts to limit India’s strategic space in both continental and regional contexts.

  • US revokes sanctions waiver on Chabahar Port

    Why in the News?

    The U.S. has ended the 2018 waiver that let India use Iran’s Chabahar Port for Afghanistan’s reconstruction, revoking it within 10 days.

    US revokes sanctions waiver on Chabahar Port

    About Chabahar Port:

    • Location: Deep-water port in Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran, on the Gulf of Oman at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.
    • Unique Feature: The only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean.
    • Distances: Kandla Port, Gujarat – 550 nautical miles, Mumbai – 786 nautical miles from Chabahar.
    • Structure: Comprises Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari terminals.
    • Connectivity Potential: Its proximity to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India and position on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) gives it the ability to become a major commercial hub.
    • INSTC: A multi-modal route linking the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea via Iran, and onward to northern Europe via Russia.

    India’s Engagements for Chabahar Port:

    • Tripartite Agreement (2016): India, Iran, and Afghanistan agreed to develop the Shahid Beheshti terminal, marking India’s first foreign port project.
    • Infrastructure Goals: Develop the port and build a rail line to Zahedan, bypassing Pakistan to reach Afghanistan and Central Asia.
    • Recent Developments: In May 2024, India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) signed a 10-year lease to operate Shahid Beheshti.
    • Commitments: India pledged $120 million in equipment and a $250 million credit line.
    • Operations: India supplied 6 harbour cranes; facilitated shipments of 2.5 million tonnes of wheat and 2,000 tonnes of pulses to Afghanistan.

    Implications of US Sanctions for India:

    • Economic Setback: Jeopardises India’s ₹200 crore investment and future projects.
    • Connectivity Loss: Cuts India’s only direct maritime gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and INSTC.
    • Strategic Impact: Weakens India’s counter to China’s Gwadar Port in Pakistan under CPEC.
    • Diplomatic Strain: Risks tensions with Iran (strategic partner) and the United States (major trade partner).
    • Operational Challenges: Sanctions may deter shippers, insurers, and suppliers, slowing port activity.
    [UPSC 2017] What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?

    Options: (a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.

    (b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.

    (c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia *

    (d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India