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GS Paper: GS2

  • US withdraws from UNESCO

    Why in the News?

    The United States has withdrawn from the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for the third time citing its “anti-Israel bias”.

    About UNESCO:

    • Established: 1945, after World War II
    • Headquarters: Paris, France
    • Parent Body: United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
    • Membership: 194 member states and 12 associate members; India is a member since 1946.
    • Mission: Promotes peace, poverty eradication, sustainable development, and cultural diversity through global cooperation

    Key Functions:

    • Core Areas of Work:
      • Education: Ensures inclusive and quality learning for all
      • Natural Sciences: Fosters international scientific collaboration
      • Social and Human Sciences: Promotes ethics, social justice, and human rights
      • Culture: Preserves heritage and promotes creative diversity
      • Communication & Information: Defends freedom of expression and universal access to knowledge
    • Functions:
      • Serves as a platform for idea-sharing and research
      • Facilitates cooperation among governments, academia, and civil society
      • Offers technical support and policy guidance
      • Maintains World Heritage Site listings
      • Frames global conventions and recommendations

    Key Initiatives and Contributions:

    • World Heritage Program: Protects sites of cultural and natural value
    • Major Conventions:
      • Convention on Cultural and Natural Heritage
      • Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage
      • Convention on Cultural Diversity
      • Convention against Discrimination in Education
    • Flagship Reports:
      • Global Education Monitoring Report
      • United Nations World Water Development Report
      • World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development
    • UNESCO and Sustainable Development Goals: Supports SDGs with focus on education, gender equality, environment, and peace
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:

    1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya

    How many of the above properties were included in 2023?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) Only three (d) All four

     

  • China commences construction of Mega Dam over Brahmaputra

    Why in the News?

    China has commenced the construction of a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river (Brahmaputra in India) in southeastern Tibet.

    China commences construction of Mega Dam over Brahmaputra

    About the Mega Dam Project on Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo):

    • Location: Nyingchi, southeastern Tibet, on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra in India).
    • Project Size: Estimated investment of 1.2 trillion yuan (USD 167 billion).
    • Components: Comprises five cascade hydropower stations.
    • Power Generation: Expected to produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually.
    • Objective:
      • Contribute to China’s carbon neutrality target by 2060.
      • Meet local power needs in Tibet and supply electricity to other Chinese provinces.
    • Concerns:
      • Environmental risks in a seismically active and ecologically fragile zone.
      • Geopolitical tensions with downstream countries (India, Bangladesh).
      • Potential impact on river flow and water availability downstream.
    • Strategic Significance: Close to India-China border, raising concerns amid existing border disputes.

    What if China stops Brahmaputra Water? 

    You should know: Three Gorges Dam 

    • Location: On the Yangtze River, Hubei province, central China.
    • Completed: Fully operational since 2012.
    • Type: Hydroelectric gravity dam – the world’s largest power station by installed capacity.
    • Power Generation Capacity: Around 22.5 gigawatts (GW).
    • Notable Impact:
      • Helped in flood control, navigation, and electricity supply.
      • Also criticized for ecological damage, displacement of over 1 million people, and increased seismic risk.

     

    [UPSC 2011] The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow it through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a “U” turn in its course to flow into India. This “U” turn is due to:

    (a) Uplift of folded Himalayan series

    (b) Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas

    (c) Geo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains

    (d) Both (A) and (B) above

     

  • ‘Pact for the Future’ Agreement

    Why in the News?

    India has renewed its call for time-bound reforms of the UN Security Council and reaffirmed support for the ‘Pact for the Future’ to strengthen global cooperation.

    About the ‘Pact for the Future’ Agreement:

    • Origin: Adopted at the UN Summit of the Future (September 2024).
    • Purpose: To reinvigorate multilateralism and strengthen global cooperation on contemporary and emerging challenges.
    • Scope: Comprises 56 commitments spanning development, peace, digital governance, and institutional reforms.
    • Annexes:
      1. Global Digital Compact: Sets frameworks for AI, digital access, and rights.
      2. Declaration on Future Generations: Mainstreams long-term thinking in policymaking.
    • Inclusivity: Drafted through multi-year negotiations involving member states, civil society, and global institutions.
    • Implementation and Review Mechanism:
      • Implementation through intergovernmental processes led by relevant UN agencies.
      • First formal review at the 83rd UNGA (2028) at the Head of State/Government level.
      • Monitoring via national/international accountability frameworks.

    Notable Features and Challenges:

    • Historic Significance:
      • One of the broadest international agreements in scope.
      • Embodies a “new multilateralism” for adapting the UN to modern realities.
    • Controversies:
      • Not unanimously adopted – Russia, Iran, and others objected to elements they found insufficient or overambitious.
    • Criticisms:
      • Lacks detailed mechanisms for enforcement and implementation.
      • Disagreements persist on UNSC reform, disarmament timelines, and climate financing.

  • [23rd July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: China, India and the conflict over Buddhism

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2020] Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.

    Linkage: To understand the “conflict over Buddhism,” it is essential to appreciate its historical roots and evolution within India. The Pala period saw a flourishing of Buddhist art, philosophy, and institutions, which contributed significantly to its spread, including to regions like Tibet, making it a foundational element of the cultural heritage that both India and China now seek to influence. 

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  India and China are engaged in a growing geopolitical contest over influence in the Himalayan Buddhist sphere, especially regarding spiritual leadership, monastic networks, and cultural legitimacy. With the Dalai Lama’s succession looming, both countries are using Buddhism as a strategic tool to shape regional loyalties, particularly in border areas like Ladakh, Tawang, Nepal, and Bhutan. This spiritual soft power struggle is emerging as a critical front in India-China rivalry, alongside their military and maritime tensions.

    Today’s editorial analyses the Issues related to Himalayan Buddhist sphere between India and China. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Indian Society, Ancient India and Geography), GS Paper II (International Relations)  in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The Himalayas are the true battleground for a future clash between the Asian powers (India and China), as both sides try to win the support of people living along the border.

    How is China leveraging Buddhism in the Himalayas to influence the region and challenge India?

    • State-controlled Buddhism: China uses Buddhism as a tool of statecraft, asserting the right to control reincarnations (e.g., the 2007 rule requiring official approval for “Living Buddhas”).
    • Soft power through infrastructure: Beijing builds roads, shrines, and monasteries in border regions and funds Buddhist projects (e.g., in Nepal’s Lumbini).
    • Buddhist diplomacy: China invites Himalayan monks to conferences, slowly shifting their spiritual loyalties.
    • Manipulating internal sect disputes: China supports splinter sects (e.g., Dorje Shugden) to undermine Tibetan unity and weaken India’s influence.

    What is the background story of the Dalai Lama?

    • Early Life and Recognition: The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 in Taktser, Tibet. At the age of 2, he was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, following Tibetan Buddhist spiritual traditions.
    • Exile and Conflict with China: In 1950, China invaded Tibet. After a failed uprising in 1959, the Dalai Lama fled to India and established the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, where he continues to lead the Tibetan cause.
    • Global Peace Icon: He became a global symbol of peace and non-violence, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Though he stepped down from political duties in 2011, he remains the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists and a strong advocate of compassion and dialogue.

    Why is the Dalai Lama’s succession a strategic issue for India-China relations?

    • Dual claims: The 90-year-old Dalai Lama has hinted at reincarnating outside Chinese control (likely India), while China insists on selecting a successor through its Golden Urn method.
    • Split leadership: This could lead to two rival Dalai Lamas — one backed by India and the Tibetan diaspora, and another by China in Lhasa.
    • Regional impact: This schism would force Himalayan Buddhist populations (Ladakh, Bhutan, Tawang) to choose allegiances, influencing their political alignment.

    What challenges does India face in countering China’s Buddhist diplomacy?

    • Lack of a Coordinated National Strategy: India’s Buddhist outreach remains fragmented across ministries (Culture, External Affairs, Tourism), lacking a central vision or institutional mechanism. Eg: While India promotes the Buddhist circuit (Bodh Gaya, Sarnath), it has limited regional engagement with Himalayan Buddhist leaders compared to China’s structured approach.
    • Sectarian Divisions Within Indian Buddhism: Rivalries among sects, such as the two Karmapas (Ogyen Trinley Dorje vs. Thaye Dorje), weaken India’s ability to present a unified spiritual leadership. Eg: The divided Karmapa lineage allows China to exploit internal rifts and influence parts of the Kagyu sect in Sikkim and beyond.
    • Delayed Response to China’s Assertive Moves: India has been slow to counter China’s active engagement with Himalayan monasteries, especially in Nepal and Bhutan, where spiritual allegiance is also geopolitical. Eg: China’s investments in Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace) and support for Shugden sects in Nepal show how it uses religious infrastructure to undermine India’s influence.

    How does the spiritual identity of the Himalayan regions affect their geopolitical stance?

    • Loyalty to Buddhist Lineages Influences Foreign Policy Orientation: Regions like Ladakh, Sikkim, Bhutan, and parts of Nepal follow Tibetan Buddhist traditions (Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma), which often align them spiritually with Dharamsala-based Tibetan leadership under the Dalai Lama. This shapes their emotional, cultural, and sometimes strategic affinity with India over China.
    • Religious Influence Determines Soft Power Competition: China uses religious diplomacy, including recognising Buddhist leaders and promoting pro-China sects (e.g., Shugden), to erode India’s cultural sway in the Himalayas. Spiritual loyalties in monasteries can subtly shift political allegiances, especially in Nepal and Bhutan.
    • Monasteries Act as Political and Social Anchors: In Himalayan societies, monastic institutions are not just religious centres but also sources of local leadership, education, and conflict resolution. Control or influence over these can tilt regional attitudes towards either India or China, making them strategic soft power assets.

    How can India use its Buddhist heritage to boost regional influence? (Way forward)

    • Strengthen Cultural Diplomacy through Buddhist Circuits: India can promote Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar as centres of global Buddhist unity. Eg: India’s International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) can be used to host annual regional Buddhist summits to enhance people-to-people ties with countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Nepal.
    • Support and Recognize Key Monastic Leaders in the Himalayas: India can nurture its ties with Tibetan Buddhist communities in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh by supporting locally respected Rinpoches and monastic institutions. Eg: Facilitating wider recognition of the 17th Karmapa (Ugyen Trinley Dorje) can help project a unified spiritual leadership from Indian soil and counter China’s manipulation of Buddhist lineages.
    • Leverage Buddhist Soft Power in Neighbourhood Diplomacy: By incorporating Buddhism in regional initiatives like Neighbourhood First and Act East, India can expand cultural influence over ASEAN and SAARC nations. Eg: India’s Lumbini-Bodh Gaya direct air link with Nepal and cultural grants to Myanmar monasteries show how soft power can strengthen strategic partnerships.

  • [pib] PRATIBHA Setu Initiative

    Why in the News?

    The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched the PRATIBHA Setu initiative to channel the potential of civil service aspirants who reach the interview stage but do not make the final merit list.

    About PRATIBHA Setu:

    • Meaning: Stands for Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants.
    • Purpose: Connects candidates who cleared the interview stage of Union Public Service Commission exams but didn’t make the final merit list with verified employers.
    • Launch: Rolled out during CSE Examination 2023 results; evolved from the Public Disclosure Scheme (2018).
    • Objective: Utilizes the Union Public Service Commission’s rigorous selection process to support alternate career pathways for high-performing aspirants.
    • Talent Pool:
      • Scale: Over 10,000 high-performing candidates available for recruitment.
      • Merit-Based: Offers employers access to a pre-tested, well-evaluated talent group.

    Key Features:

    • Eligibility:
      • Included: Civil Services, Indian Forest Service, Engineering Services, Central Armed Police Forces, Combined Medical Services, etc.
      • Excluded: National Defence Academy, Naval Academy, and certain Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations.
    • Access for Recruiters: Organizations register using Corporate Identification Number through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal.
    • Platform Tools:
      • Functions: Dashboard for shortlisting, wish-listing, and making selections or rejections.
      • Data Access: Employers can view candidates’ educational profiles and contact details in digital format.

    Impact:

    • Candidate Benefit: Opens alternate career paths for deserving UPSC aspirants.
    • Employer Advantage: Enables transparent and efficient hiring from India’s top talent.
    • Wider Utility: Extends the relevance of the UPSC selection process beyond final appointments.
    [UPSC 2020] In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy?

    Options: (a) An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy (b) An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism (c) An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth (d) An agency for the implementation of public policy*

     

  • In news: International Seabed Authority (ISA) 

    Why in the News?

    Despite growing global pressure, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has yet to finalize regulations for deep sea mining.

    Deadlock Over Deep Sea Mining Rules:

    • ISA’s 36-member executive council concluded a line-by-line reading of the draft “mining code” containing 107 regulations.
    • These regulations govern mining for cobalt, nickel, and manganese in international waters.
    • Key concerns remain unresolved, especially around environmental protection mechanisms.
    • Chile and 36 other countries demand a moratorium until scientific assessments confirm minimal harm to marine ecosystems.
    • Also, the US is not a member of the ISA or party to UNCLOS.

    About International Seabed Authority (ISA):

    • Establishment: Formed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) and the 1994 Agreement relating to Part XI of the Convention.
    • Headquarters: Located in Kingston, Jamaica.
    • Membership: Comprises 168 member states including India and the European Union.
    • Jurisdiction: Governs “The Area” — the seabed and ocean floor beyond national boundaries, covering around 54% of global oceans.
    • Guiding Principle: Operates on the principle that deep-sea resources are the common heritage of humankind.

    Key Functions:

    • Regulation of Mineral Activities
      • Licensing: Grants licenses for exploration of seabed mineral resources.
      • Transition Oversight: Manages the shift from exploration to commercial exploitation.
    • Mining Code Development: Maintains the Mining Code—rules for environmental impact, royalties, benefit sharing, and technology transfer.
    • Environmental Protection
      • Standards: Sets and enforces environmental norms for seabed activities.
      • Risk Management: Applies precautionary principles to minimize ecological harm.
    • Oversight and Compliance
      • Monitoring: Oversees contractors and states for legal and environmental adherence.
      • Enforcement: Investigates violations and recommends corrective action.

    India’s Engagement with the International Seabed Authority:

    • Active Participation: India contributes to rule-making and sustainable seabed governance.
    • Existing Contracts:
      • Polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
      • Polymetallic sulphides in the Central Indian Ridge.
    • New Applications (2024):
      • Polymetallic sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge.
      • Cobalt-rich crusts in the Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount.
    • Mining Code Engagement: Participates in drafting and negotiating legal standards.
    • Equity and Protection: Supports fair benefit-sharing and strong environmental safeguards.
    [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements:
    1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
    2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters
    3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • The threat to India’s ‘great power’ status 

    Why in the News?

    The ongoing tensions in West Asia, particularly between Iran, Israel, and the U.S., have reignited concerns about a potential U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, which could have serious geopolitical and economic consequences.

    How could a U.S.-Israel-Iran war impact India?

    • Energy Security Risk: A war could disrupt oil exports from Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, through which 60% of India’s crude imports pass. Eg: During the 2019 U.S.-Iran tensions, India faced uncertainty in oil supply and had to cut Iranian imports.
    • Geopolitical Imbalance: Collapse of Iran may increase U.S. dominance in West Asia, weakening India’s strategic depth and bargaining power. Eg: India’s balancing diplomacy between Gulf countries, Israel, and Iran would face strain, as seen when Chabahar Port talks slowed under U.S. pressure.
    • Diaspora and Economic Fallout: War could threaten the safety of 8 million Indians in the Gulf and affect remittances and trade. Eg: During the 1990 Gulf War, India had to evacuate over 1.7 lakh citizens and faced economic shocks.

    What is the difference between great power and super power?

    The terms “great power” and “superpower” both refer to influential countries, but they differ in scale, reach, and dominance.

    • Great Power: A great power is a country with significant regional or global influence, strong economy, capable military, and active diplomacy. Eg: India, France, Germany
    • Superpower: A superpower is a country with unmatched global dominance across military, economic, political, and cultural spheres.  Eg: United States (Cold War era: USA and USSR were two superpowers).

    How does the Iran-Israel conflict impact India’s great power status?

    • Challenges to Strategic Autonomy: The conflict pressures India to balance relations with both Iran and Israel, testing its strategic autonomy — a key trait of great powers. India called for restraint without directly criticising either side.
    • Limited Global Influence in Conflict Resolution: India’s geopolitical clout is still evolving, and its absence in conflict mediation highlights the gap between global aspirations and actual influence. Eg: India was not part of backchannel diplomacy, unlike the U.S. or China.

    How does multipolarity guide India’s foreign policy?

    • Strategic Autonomy: India avoids aligning permanently with any one power bloc, maintaining independent decision-making. Eg: India is a member of both the QUAD and BRICS, balancing ties with the U.S. and China.
    • Diversified Partnerships: Multipolarity enables India to build issue-based coalitions with different countries for mutual benefit. Eg: India partners with France on defence, Russia on energy, and U.S. on technology.
    • Global Rule-Shaping Role: India promotes a rules-based order and voices the concerns of the Global South in global forums. Eg: India’s presidency of the G20 in 2023 emphasized inclusive development and reform of global institutions.

    Why is Iran vital to India’s energy and strategy?

    • Energy Security: Iran has vast reserves of crude oil and natural gas, essential for India’s growing energy needs. Eg: Before U.S. sanctions, Iran was among India’s top three crude oil suppliers.
    • Strategic Connectivity: Iran hosts the Chabahar Port, offering India access to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and bypassing Pakistan. Eg: The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) runs through Iran, linking India to Europe.
    • Regional Balance: Ties with Iran help India maintain a geopolitical balance in West Asia amid U.S., Israel, and Gulf influences. Eg: India engages Iran to counter China’s influence in the region, including at Gwadar Port in Pakistan.

    How does India balance ties between major powers?

    • Strategic Autonomy: India maintains independent foreign policy decisions without aligning fully with any bloc, ensuring flexibility in global affairs.
    • Multi-alignment Approach: India engages simultaneously with the U.S., Russia, China, EU, and others, based on issue-specific interests.
    • Issue-based Partnerships: India chooses partners depending on the context — cooperating with the U.S. on defense, Russia on energy, and China on trade, while managing conflicts diplomatically.

    How can India promote peace in West Asia? (Way forward)

    • Diplomatic Balancing: India can maintain neutral engagement with rival states like Iran, Israel, and the Gulf countries, promoting dialogue over conflict. Eg: India has strong ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia, enabling it to act as a bridge-builder.
    • Economic Cooperation: Promoting trade, energy ties, and infrastructure projects can foster interdependence and reduce regional tensions. Eg: India’s investment in Chabahar Port connects the region economically and supports stability in Afghanistan.
    • Cultural and Diaspora Links: Leveraging its diaspora presence and civilizational ties, India can promote people-to-people engagement and soft power diplomacy. Eg: The 8-million-strong Indian diaspora in the Gulf enhances goodwill and mutual trust in the region.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over the proposal for in creased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

    Linkage:  Evaluating the “pros and cons” necessitates an understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with foreign investment inflows, reflecting a part of India’s FDI challenge in attracting and managing capital effectively. This question directly related to the implications of increasing FDI in a specific sector.

  • At FTA’s heart, the promise of Global Capacity Centres

    Why in the News?

    India and the United Kingdom are nearing the finalisation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that is expected to significantly reshape their bilateral economic relationship. A key area of focus is the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India.

    What are GCCs (Global Capability Centres)?

    GCCs are offshore units set up by multinational companies (MNCs) in countries like India to handle critical business functions.

    How can GCCs boost the India-U.K. FTA?

    • Enhance Digital Collaboration: GCCs in India offer services like AI, cybersecurity, and R&D that align with the UK’s digital economy goals. Eg: British companies like Barclays use India’s GCCs for advanced analytics and digital banking solutions.
    • Support Professional Mobility: GCC operations require movement of skilled professionals between India and the UK, pushing for smoother visa and work policies. Eg: Infosys and TCS facilitate cross-border staff exchanges for UK-based projects.
    • Strengthen Global Supply Chains: GCCs act as strategic hubs for managing global operations and reducing dependency on single markets. Eg: Unilever runs global compliance and finance functions from its India GCC, supporting resilience and efficiency.

    Why is India a preferred hub for GCCs?

    • Cost Advantage: Operating a GCC in India is more cost-effective compared to Western countries, enabling firms to maintain quality while optimizing costs. Eg: Target Corporation runs its Indian GCC in Bengaluru to handle IT services and supply chain support at reduced costs.
    • Robust Digital Infrastructure: India’s expanding digital ecosystem and government support through policies like Digital India attract companies to establish innovation hubs here. Eg: Bosch established a smart manufacturing and AI innovation centre in Bengaluru as part of its India-based GCC.

    What policy steps support GCC growth in India?

    • Digital India Mission: Promotes digital infrastructure and connectivity, enabling a strong foundation for tech-driven operations. Eg: A U.S. retail firm’s GCC in Hyderabad leverages India’s broadband push to manage global e-commerce platforms.
    • Startup India & Innovation Support: Encourages collaboration between GCCs and Indian startups for agile solutions and R&D. Eg: A financial GCC in Pune co-develops regtech tools with local fintech startups.
    • Special Economic Zones (SEZs) & IT Parks: Offer tax incentives, simplified compliance, and ready infrastructure for foreign firms. Eg: GCCs in Bengaluru’s SEZs benefit from lower operational costs and faster approvals.
    • Ease of Doing Business Reforms: Simplified registration, relaxed FDI norms, and labor reforms attract foreign investors. Eg: A healthcare MNC establishes a GCC in Chennai due to smoother FDI entry and single-window clearances.
    • Skill Development Schemes: Programs like PMKVY and FutureSkills Prime build a skilled digital workforce for GCCs. Eg: GCCs in Noida hire AI and cybersecurity professionals trained through FutureSkills.

    What are the challenges? 

    • Talent saturation in Tier-1 cities: Intense competition for skilled tech professionals increases costs. Eg: In Bangalore, GCCs like Walmart Global Tech and Goldman Sachs compete for the same AI/ML talent pool, pushing up salary levels and attrition.
    • Infrastructure gaps in Tier-2 cities: Poor connectivity, weak urban infrastructure, and limited office space deter expansion. Eg: Despite interest in Nagpur for cost-effective operations, Deloitte limited its operations due to lack of reliable internet and skilled ecosystem.
    • High attrition rates: Rapid job-switching among mid-career professionals disrupts continuity. Eg: JPMorgan Chase’s GCC in Hyderabad faced over 22% attrition in 2023, especially among cybersecurity analysts.
    • Regulatory & compliance hurdles: Navigating data protection and labor laws adds to legal burden. Eg: Meta’s GCC in Gurugram had to rework its data storage policies post the DPDP Act, 2023, causing operational delays.
    • Limited R&D ownership: Indian GCCs often do not drive core product innovation. Eg: While Apple’s Bengaluru GCC handles app testing, core iOS design decisions remain with teams in California.

    Way forward: 

    • Promote Tier-2 city readiness: Improve digital infrastructure, urban planning, and talent development in emerging tech hubs like Coimbatore, Indore, and Kochi through targeted government-industry partnerships.
    • Encourage innovation and R&D ownership: Provide tax incentives, faster IP approvals, and create collaborative platforms with academia to help GCCs move beyond support roles to core product development.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.

    Linkage: The UK wants better access to India’s fast-growing digital economy and aims to strengthen its global services presence. India is becoming more important in global supply chains, especially in digital services and transformation, where Global Capability Centres (GCCs) play a key role.

  • Legal Status of Right to Vote

    Why in the News?

    The ongoing Supreme Court hearings on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar have reignited discussions on the legal status of the ‘right to vote’ in India.

    About Right to Vote in India:

    • Overview: It is also known as suffrage, allows citizens to elect their representatives in democratic institutions.
    • Constitutional Basis: Guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution of India, which provides for universal adult franchise.
    • Eligibility: Every citizen of India aged 18 and above is entitled to vote, unless disqualified by law.
    • Supervision: Organised and overseen by the Election Commission of India.
    • Supporting Laws:
      • Representation of the People Act, 1950: Defines voter eligibility and grounds for disqualification.
      • Representation of the People Act, 1951: Governs the procedures for conducting elections.

    Judicial Interpretation:

    • N.P. Ponnuswami v. Returning Officer (1952): Declared the Right to Vote as a statutory right.
    • Jyoti Basu v. Debi Ghosal (1982): Reiterated that the Right to Vote is neither a fundamental right nor a common law right.
    • People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India (2003): Recognised the Right to Vote as at least a constitutional right.
    • Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006): Held that the Right to Vote continues to be a statutory right.
    • Raj Bala v. State of Haryana (2015): Recognised the Right to Vote as a constitutional right.
    • Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023):
      • Majority View: Right to Vote is a statutory right.
      • Dissenting Opinion by Justice Ajay Rastogi:
        • Linked the Right to Vote with the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
        • Considered it essential to free and fair elections and thus part of the basic structure of the Constitution.

    Current Legal Status:

    • Nature: It is legally a statutory right.
    • Constitutional Context: It is shaped by constitutional provisions but does not hold the status of a fundamental right.

    Back2Basics: Other Types of Rights in India

    Description Enforceability
    Natural Rights Inherent and inalienable rights (e.g., life, liberty); not directly enforceable unless linked to fundamental rights. Indirectly through Fundamental Rights
    Fundamental Rights Guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution (e.g., right to equality, speech, life). Enforceable in Supreme Court under Article 32
    Constitutional Rights Rights given in the Constitution but outside Part III (e.g., property, trade). Enforceable under Article 226 via High Courts
    Statutory Rights Granted by ordinary laws (e.g., MGNREGA, Forest Rights Act, Food Security Act). Enforceable as per respective legislations

     

    [UPSC 2017] Right to vote and to be elected in India is a:

    Options: (a) Fundamental Right (b) Natural Right (c) Constitutional Right* (d) Legal Right

     

  • Vice-President (VP) of India

    Why in the News?

    The Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned citing health reasons, creating a rare mid-term vacancy in India’s second-highest constitutional office.

    What happens if VP resigns?

    • The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides in his absence. No provision exists for an “acting” Vice-President.
    • Unlike the President, whose vacancy must be filled within six months, the VP election must be held “as soon as possible.”
    • The Election Commission will notify the schedule.
    • Election governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
    • The elected candidate will serve a full 5-year term, not the remainder of Dhankhar’s term.

    About Vice-President (VP) of India

    • Position: Second-highest constitutional post; deputy to the President.
    • Parliamentary Role: Serves as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
    • Succession: Ranks second in order of precedence and first in line to become President.
    • Membership: Is a member of Parliament, not directly elected by the people.
    • Qualifications:
      • Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India.
      • Age: Minimum 35 years.
      • Office of Profit: Should not hold any.
      • Parliamentary Eligibility: Must qualify for election to Rajya Sabha (unlike President, who must qualify for Lok Sabha) due to the VP’s role in the Upper House.
    • Roles and Responsibilities:
      • Rajya Sabha Chairmanship: Presides over sessions and ensures order.
      • Bill Classification: Refers money bills to the Lok Sabha Speaker.
      • No Independent Powers: Has no executive or legislative powers unless acting as President.

    Election Procedure:

    • Constitutional Basis: Governed by Article 66.
    • Electoral College: Comprises 543 Lok Sabha MPs, 233 elected Rajya Sabha MPs, and 12 nominated Rajya Sabha members.
    • Voting Method: Proportional representation by single transferable vote and secret ballot.
    • No Whip Allowed: Parties cannot issue voting whips.
    • Conduct: Managed by the Election Commission; Returning Officer is the Secretary-General of either House (on rotation).
    • Winning Quota: Requires 50% of valid votes + 1; votes are transferred in rounds if no candidate secures majority in the first round.

    Resignation and Removal:

    • Resignation
      • Article 67(a): VP submits his/her resignation to the President. Parliamentary approval is NOT needed, and the resignation takes effect immediately upon receipt.
      • No Acting VP: Constitution doesn’t provide for an acting Vice-President.
      • Presiding in Absence: Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides in VP’s absence (currently Harivansh Narayan Singh).
      • Example: Dhankhar, who took office in 2022, is only the third VP in Indian history to resign before completing his term, after V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman.
    • Removal
      • Article 67(b): Removal process begins in Rajya Sabha with 14 days’ notice.
      • Voting Requirement: Needs effective majority in Rajya Sabha and simple majority in Lok Sabha.
      • No Grounds Specified: Constitution doesn’t list specific removal grounds.
      • Judicial Immunity: Article 122 bars courts from questioning parliamentary proceedings related to removal.
      • No Precedent: No VP has been removed so far.
    [UPSC 2013] With reference to Parliament, consider the following statements:

    1.The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.

    2.While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2