Why in the News?
A study in Nature has provided the first observational evidence of solid rock forming from vapour in a distant star system HOPS-315, marking early planet formation.
About HOPS-315:
- Type: A young star system located in the Orion constellation.
- Protoplanetary Disc: Surrounded by a flat, rotating disc of gas and dust, where new planets can form.
- Orientation: The disc’s tilt offers a clear line of sight from Earth, allowing deep observation.
- Observational Tools:
Clue on New Planet Formation:
- Rock Vapour Crystallisation: Scientists captured rock vapour cooling and forming crystals, marking the first direct observation of solid matter forming around a star.
- Detected Elements:
- Silicon monoxide gas at 470 Kelvin, close to the star.
- Crystalline silicates such as forsterite, enstatite, and silica found within 2.2 astronomical units of the star.
Scientific Significance:
- Similarity to Earth: The crystallisation mimics processes found in primitive meteorites on Earth.
- Chemical Confirmation: Suggests universal chemical processes in early planet formation across star systems.
- Location of Minerals: Crystals were detected in the disc’s atmosphere, not in stellar outflows.
- Temperature Conditions: Simulations confirmed dust vaporises and re-forms into solids at around 1300 Kelvin.
- Formation Stage: Marks the earliest stage of rocky planet formation ever observed.
| [UPSC 2015] The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of-
Options: (a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth (b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available (c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space* (d) search for meteorites containing precious metals |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Why in the News?
The Union Budget 2025–26 marked a major policy shift by announcing India’s ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, up from the current 8.18 GW. It also allocated ₹20,000 crore for developing five indigenously designed Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033.
Why is nuclear energy vital for India’s low-carbon future?
- Provides Reliable Base-load Power: Unlike solar and wind, which are intermittent, nuclear power offers continuous, stable electricity essential for industrial growth and urbanisation. Eg: In 2024, despite renewables making up nearly 50% of installed capacity, they produced only 240 TWh, while coal contributed 75% of generation due to its reliability. Nuclear can help replace coal-based base-load.
- Supports India’s Net-Zero and Energy Goals: India has committed to net-zero emissions by 2070, 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, and reducing carbon intensity by 45% over 2005 levels. Eg: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with ₹20,000 crore allocated in the 2025-26 Union Budget, are being developed as clean alternatives to replace captive thermal power plants (~100 GW) over two decades.
- Globally Recognized as Key Low-Carbon Technology: The world is increasingly viewing nuclear energy as essential to climate goals, making it easier to attract investmentand international cooperation. Eg: At COP28 (Dubai, 2023), over 20 countries, including India, endorsed the Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy, recognizing it as vital to reducing fossil fuel dependency.
How has past nuclear policy shaped India’s current capacity?
- Early Vision, Delayed Progress: India had an early start with the establishment of Apsara reactor in 1956 and Dr. Homi Bhabha’s vision of 8 GW by 1980. However, geopolitical events like the 1974 Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE) and India’s refusal to join the NPT (1968) led to international isolation, slowing progress and pushing targets further.
- Indigenisation of Reactor Technology: Due to technology denial regimes, India focused on developing its own Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). Starting with 220 MW units, India scaled them up to 540 MW (2005-06) and later to 700 MW (Kakrapar, 2024), building a strong indigenous design and manufacturing base.
- Limited International Collaboration Post-CLNDA: The 2008 NSG waiver post-India–U.S. nuclear deal enabled resumption of fuel and technology imports. However, the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) imposed supplier liability, deterring foreign companies. As a result, only Russia has partnered with India at Kudankulam, limiting the scale of international cooperation.
What hurdles limit private participation in nuclear energy?
- Restrictive Legal Framework: The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 allows only government entities to operate nuclear power plants. Private companies cannot own or control nuclear facilities, limiting their role to ancillary services unless the Act is amended.
- Supplier Liability under CLNDA, 2010: The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act places liability not just on the operator (NPCIL) but also on equipment suppliers, making private and foreign companies reluctant to invest due to the high risk exposure.
- Lack of Financial and Regulatory Clarity: There is no independent nuclear regulator — the AERB is not a statutory body and reports to the Department of Atomic Energy, raising concerns about impartial oversight. Additionally, the absence of a transparent tariff mechanism and nuclear power being excluded from “renewable” status limits access to green financing and incentives.
Why is an independent nuclear regulator necessary?
- Ensures Credible and Impartial Safety Oversight: With the proposed entry of private players into nuclear energy, there is a need for transparent and independent safety regulation to ensure public trust and prevent conflicts of interest. The current Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), though “autonomous”, is not a statutory body and functions under the Department of Atomic Energy, creating institutional dependency.
- Meets Global Standards and Commitments: According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) norms, a legally independent regulator is essential to uphold nuclear safety, licensing, and environmental safeguards. This will also improve India’s credibility in international collaborations and foreign investment.
- Supports Sectoral Expansion with Accountability: As India aims for 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, regulatory functions will become more complex, especially with new technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). An independent authority can better handle licensing, monitoring, safety audits, and dispute resolution without bureaucratic delays.
- Revives Dormant Reforms: A draft bill to create a Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority was introduced in 2011 but lapsed. Reviving this reform is crucial to align with the growing scale and diversity of the nuclear energy programme.
What reforms are needed to meet India’s 100 GW nuclear goal by 2047? (Way forward)
- Legislative and Regulatory Overhaul: Amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 to allow private sector participation, define clear liability norms, and permit foreign direct investment (up to 49%) while maintaining Indian ownership and control. Establish an independent statutory nuclear regulator to ensure safety and build investor confidence.
- Financial and Institutional Reforms: Classify nuclear energy as a green energy source to make it eligible for green finance, tax incentives, and viability gap funding. Streamline land acquisition, simplify licensing for PHWR and SMR deployment, and facilitate public-private joint ventures (e.g., NPCIL-NTPC) to scale up infrastructure and domestic supply chains.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world.
Linkage: This question directly addresses the increasing importance of atomic energy in India due to fossil fuel scarcity, which aligns with the nuclear power as a “major pillar in India’s energy mix” for achieving economic growth and “net zero emissions by 2070”.
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Why in the News?
A new “Global Survey of Working Arrangements” (2024–25) by the Ifo Institute and Stanford University has spotlighted the growing mismatch between workers’ desire for remote work and its actual availability worldwide.
Why does a gap remain between the preference for remote work and its adoption?
- Employer Reluctance Due to Team Dynamics: Many managers believe that remote work reduces collaboration, innovation, and team bonding. Eg: In India’s tech sector, firms like TCS and Infosys have mandated office returns to maintain team culture.
- Cultural Bias Toward Presenteeism: In several countries, especially in Asia, being physically present at work is linked to loyalty and productivity. Eg: Japanese companies often expect employees to stay late in office, even if not productive, as a show of commitment.
- Inadequate Home Infrastructure: Remote work demands reliable internet, quiet spaces, and ergonomic setups, which are lacking for many, especially in urban India or Southeast Asia. Eg: A Mumbai-based employee may live in a 1BHK flat with family, limiting concentration and comfort.
- Health and Mental Well-being Concerns: Long-term remote work has led to increased backaches, eye strain, and mental stress due to isolation and blurred work-life boundaries. Eg: A Microsoft global report showed rising burnout levels among fully remote workers during the pandemic.
How do culture and infrastructure hinder remote work in Asia?
- Cultural Preference for Physical Presence: Many Asian workplaces equate being physically present with dedication and productivity. Eg: In Japan and South Korea, staying late in the office is considered a sign of commitment, discouraging remote setups.
- Hierarchical Management Style: Traditional Asian work cultures rely on face-to-face supervision and top-down communication, making remote work less trusted. Eg: In India, many managers still believe in monitoring employee performance through in-person interactions.
- Weak Digital and Housing Infrastructure: Many households lack reliable internet, private workspaces, or quiet environments, especially in urban slums or dense family homes. Eg: In Indonesia or the Philippines, remote employees often face disruptions due to unstable power or cramped living conditions.
What is Remote work?
Remote work (also known as work from home or telecommuting) is a work arrangement where employees perform their job duties outside of a traditional office environment, typically from their home or another location of their choice, using digital tools and internet connectivity. |
What are the gender implications of remote work trends?
- Increased Unpaid Care Work for Women: Remote work has led to a disproportionate care burden on women, affecting their productivity and well-being. Eg: According to a 2022 UN Women report, women globally spent 3 times more hours on unpaid care work than men during the pandemic, even while working from home. In India, this gap was wider due to joint family setups and lack of domestic help.
- Improved Flexibility, Aiding Workforce Re-entry: Remote work has provided flexible job opportunities for women who otherwise drop out due to childcare or household responsibilities. Eg: A 2021 LinkedIn report found that 60% of Indian women professionals preferred remote jobs to maintain work-life balance, and 30% rejoined the workforce post-pandemic due to such options.
- Risk of Career Stagnation and Isolation: Remote women employees often face reduced visibility, leading to fewer promotions or leadership roles. Eg: A 2023 McKinsey study found that women working remotely were 1.5 times less likely to be promoted compared to their in-office peers, especially in mid-career roles.
Why are employers reluctant to allow full remote work?
- Concerns Over Productivity and Supervision: Employers fear a drop in productivity and difficulty in monitoring performance when employees work remotely full-time. They believe in-person settings enable better oversight, collaboration, and accountability.
- Impact on Organisational Culture and Innovation: Physical workplaces are seen as essential for team bonding, mentorship, and creative brainstorming, which are harder to replicate virtually. Employers worry that remote work weakens organisational culture and slows innovation.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Remote Work in SEZ Rules: The government amended the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Rules (2006) by adding Rule 43A, allowing 100% of IT/ITeS employees in SEZs to work remotely for up to one year, extendable with permission.
- Inclusion in New Labour Codes: The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 and the Social Security Code, 2020brought home-based workers under their ambit, addressing safety, health, and social protection for remote employees.
What measures can ensure remote work is fair and sustainable? (Way forward)
- Clear Legal and Social Protection Framework: Establish comprehensive labour regulations covering working hours, overtime, health and safety, and right to disconnect for remote workers. This helps prevent exploitation, burnout, and ensures work-life balance.
- Inclusive Digital Infrastructure and Skill Development: Invest in pan-India broadband access, especially in rural and Tier-2/3 cities, and promote digital literacy programs. This ensures equal opportunities and reduces the urban-rural digital divide, making remote work accessible to all.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships.
Linakge: The Unfinished Revolution of Remote Work,” delves into the complexities of remote work beyond just its flexibility and freedom. It highlights several key realities that make the “revolution of remote work” far more complicated than initially imagined. This question directly addresses one of the significant “realities” and impacts of remote work, specifically focusing on “family relationships”.
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Why in the News?
A replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya highlighting Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
The original pillars, like those at Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh in Bihar, are key symbols of India’s Buddhist and Mauryan heritage and are on UNESCO’s Tentative List.
![[pib] Ashoka Pillars of Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ashokan-pillar.jpg)
About Rampurva Ashoka Pillars (West Champaran, Bihar):
- Location: Near the Nepal border in West Champaran district, Bihar.
- Discovery: Found by archaeologist Alexander Cunningham, Lamb Carlleyle in 1876.
- Pillars: Two monolithic sandstone pillars, 300 meters apart:
- Lion Capital Pillar: Contains Major Pillar Edicts I–VI in Brahmi script.
- Bull Capital Pillar: Known for artistic refinement and Persian-inspired motifs.
- Design Features:
- Polished sandstone with Mauryan craftsmanship.
- Height: 12–15 meters; Weight: Up to 50 tons.
- Lion Capital: Preserved at Indian Museum, Kolkata.
- Bull Capital: Housed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi; praised for its lifelike form and “velvet touch” finish.
- Decorative motifs include rosette, palmette, and acanthus—showing Persian influence.
- Legend: Marks the site of Buddha’s renunciation near the Anoma River.
About Lauriya Nandangarh Ashoka Pillar (West Champaran, Bihar):
- Location: 22–28 kilometers northwest of Bettiah town.
- Surviving Structure: Only one complete pillar remains from an original group.
- Material and Size:
- Made of Chunar sandstone.
- Stands about 12 meters above ground with ~3 meters underground; Weighs over 50 tons.
- Capital Design:
- Features a seated lion with hind legs extending beyond the abacus.
- The abacus is adorned with hamsa (flying geese), symbolizing spiritual liberation.
- Inscriptions:
- Engraved with Major Pillar Edicts I–VI in Brahmi script, dated to 244 BCE.
- Promotes dharma, non-violence, religious tolerance, and compassion.
- Symbolism:
- The lion capital represents Mauryan imperial strength and Buddha’s Sakya lineage.
- The lion’s open mouth symbolizes the dissemination of Ashoka’s ethical and Buddhist teachings.
| [UPSC 2019] In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?
Options: (a) Kanganahalli* (b) Sanchi I (c) Shahbazgarhi (d) Sohgaura |
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Why in the News?
The Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX) at Delhi’s IGI Airport, has marked 10 years of pioneering research on dense winter fog in North India.
![[pib] 10 years of Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX)](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/wifex.jpg)
About Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX):
- Purpose: It is a long-term, open-field research project dedicated to studying winter fog—a major hazard in North India.
- Launch: Initiated in 2015 at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.
- Lead Institution: Managed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Supporting Agencies: Supported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting.
- Objective: To understand fog variability, dynamics, and microphysics, and to improve fog forecasting across the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Key Features:
- Network: Began at Indira Gandhi International Airport; expanded to Jewar Airport (Noida) and Hisar (Haryana).
- Instruments Used: Includes micrometeorology towers, ceilometers, and high-frequency sensors.
- Data Collected: Covers temperature profiles, humidity, wind, turbulence, soil heat flux, and aerosol concentrations.
- Scientific Goal: To model the full fog life cycle and develop operational forecasting systems.
- Next Phase – WiFEX-II:
- Will provide localized, runway-specific fog forecasts.
- Will expand to more airports for real-time winter decision-making.
Outcomes:
- Forecasting Model: A high-resolution fog prediction model with 3-km resolution and 85% accuracy for very dense fog (visibility <200 metres).
- Operational Benefits: Reduced flight delays and diversions; enhanced runway safety.
- Research Insights: Clarified the role of air pollution, urban heat islands, and land-use changes in fog formation.
- Significance:
- Aviation Planning: Helps airlines, pilots, and passengers manage winter fog disruptions.
- Science-Policy Link: Demonstrates successful collaboration between scientific institutions and public policy to address climate and aviation challenges.
| [UPSC 2014] Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among-
Options: (a) NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight ** (b) CO2, O2, and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight (c) CO, CO2, and NO2 at low temperature (d) high concentration of NO2, O3 and CO in the evening |
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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:
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- 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.
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- Platform Tools:
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- 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* |
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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.
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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
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- 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.
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- Standards: Sets and enforces environmental norms for seabed activities.
- Risk Management: Applies precautionary principles to minimize ecological harm.
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- 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 |
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Why in the News?
The Indian Air Force’s longest-serving combat aircraft, the Russian-origin MiG (Mikoyan and Gurevich)-21, is set to be phased out by September 2025.
About MiG-21:
- Type: Single-engine, single-seater, multi-role fighter and ground attack aircraft.
- Origin: Originally inducted as an interceptor; later upgraded for multi-role capabilities.
- Key Indian Variants: Type-77, Type-96, MiG-21 BIS and MiG-21 Bison (most advanced variant with upgraded radar, avionics, and missile systems).
- Safety Concerns:
- High accident rate, especially in recent decades.
- Earned the nickname “flying coffin” due to frequent crashes and pilot fatalities.
- Combat Features:
- Performance: Known for high speed, agility, and rapid climb capability.
- Armament: Capable of deploying both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
- War Record: Played key roles in- 1965 War with Pakistan; 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War; 1999 Kargil Conflict.
- Notable Operation: In 2019, a MiG-21 Bison piloted by Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 during aerial combat.
Induction and Retirement:
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- Timeline: Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 during tensions with China and Pakistan.
- Assembly: First units assembled in India at Chandigarh with Soviet assistance.
- Scale: Over 700 MiG-21s were procured, forming the backbone of the Indian Air Force for decades.
-
- Current Status: As of now, three MiG-21 Bison squadrons remain, each with 16–18 aircraft.
- Replacement: To be replaced by the indigenously developed Tejas Mark-1A aircraft.
Back2Basics: LCA Tejas
- Type: Indian single-engine, fourth-generation, multirole light fighter aircraft.
- R&D: Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with the Aircraft Research and Design Centre of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
- Origins: Developed under the Light Combat Aircraft programme launched in the 1980s to replace India’s ageing MiG-21 fleet.
- Indigenous Content:
- By Value: 59.7% of the aircraft’s components are sourced indigenously.
- By Units: 75.5% of the line replaceable units are domestically produced.
|
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following aircraft:
1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1
How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None* |
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Why in the news?
The recent polyandrous marriage in Himachal Pradesh has brought the spotlight back on the customary practices of the Hatti tribe.
About Hatti Tribe:
- Location: Indigenous to the Trans-Giri region (Himachal Pradesh) and Jaunsar Bawar region (Uttarakhand).
- Rivers: Settled around the Giri and Tons rivers, tributaries of the Yamuna.
- Etymology: “Hatti” derives from “haat” (traditional village markets).
- Population: Around 2.5 lakh in 2011; now estimated at 3 lakh.
- Traditional Governance: Khumbli (tribal council) handles disputes and key decisions.
- Social Structure: Divided into upper castes (Bhat, Khash) and lower castes (Badhois).
- Livelihood: Depend mainly on agriculture; eco-tourism also provides seasonal income.
- Backwardness: Social and educational deprivation due to geographical isolation.
- Scheduled Tribe Status:
- Jaunsar Bawar (Uttarakhand) recognized in 1967.
- Trans-Giri region (Himachal Pradesh) granted status in 2023–24.
Legal Status of Polygamy and Polyandry:
- Prohibition: Banned under Hindu Marriage Act (1955), Special Marriage Act, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Exemption for Scheduled Tribes: These laws do not automatically apply to Scheduled Tribes unless notified by the Central Government.
- Constitutional Provision: Article 342 gives Scheduled Tribes distinct legal recognition.
- Legal Exemption Clause: Section 2(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act exempts Scheduled Tribes unless otherwise notified.
- Definition of Custom: Recognised if the practice is long-standing, reasonable, and not against public policy.
- Judicial Requirement: Courts need clear evidence to validate customary laws.
- Uniform Civil Code (Uttarakhand, 2024): Explicitly excludes Scheduled Tribes.
- UCC Rules (2025): Confirms UCC does not apply to groups protected under Part XXI of the Constitution.
Related Judicial Pronouncements:
- Customs vs Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court strikes down customs that violate equality, dignity, or liberty.
- Triple Talaq Case: Declared unconstitutional as it violated Articles 14 and 21.
- Ram Charan v. Sukhram (2024): Tribal women cannot be denied inheritance based on customary male preference.
- Judicial Outlook: Customs must adapt and cannot override fundamental rights.
| [UPSC 2019] Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice?
Options: (a) Article 19 (b) Article 21* (c) Article 25 (d) Article 29 |
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| PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2020] Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.
Linakge: This question is about a region known for earthquakes and volcanoes. The article mainly talks about quakes caused by human activity but also mentions that these usually happen in places already on fault lines or where tectonic plates are shifting—areas like the Circum-Pacific. So, it’s important to understand these natural zones when looking at how human actions might trigger earthquakes. |
Mentor’s Comment: Human-induced earthquakes are increasingly drawing scientific and public attention, as research shows that human activities like groundwater extraction, dam construction, and fracking can trigger or accelerate seismic activity, particularly in tectonically sensitive regions such as Delhi-NCR, the Western Ghats, and parts of Maharashtra and Kerala.
Today’s editorial analyses the Issues related to Human-induced earthquakes in India. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Geography), GS Paper II (Governance) and GS Paper III (Disaster Management) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recent studies in India have highlighted a correlation between excessive groundwater depletion and increased seismic events, especially in Delhi.
What are human-induced earthquakes?
- These are earthquakes triggered by human activities rather than natural tectonic movements. Activities like mining, groundwater extraction, building dams, and fracking disturb the earth’s crust, causing seismic activity. Over 700 human-induced quakes have been recorded globally in the last 150 years.
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How do activities like groundwater extraction and dams trigger quakes in India?
- Groundwater Depletion Weakens Crustal Stability: Excessive extraction of groundwater reduces pore pressure, leading to a shift in stress within the earth’s crust. Eg: In Delhi-NCR, increased seismic activity between 2003–2012 has been linked to excessive groundwater loss.
- Reservoir-Induced Seismicity (RIS): The weight of large reservoirs exerts additional pressure on underlying faults, triggering quakes. Eg: The 1967 Koynanagar earthquake (magnitude 6.3) was linked to the Koyna Dam in Maharashtra.
- Water Infiltration into Fault Zones: Water from reservoirs or excessive irrigation can seep deep into fault lines, lubricating them, and making them more likely to slip. Eg: Seismic tremors near Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala are suspected to be induced due to water infiltration in a seismically sensitive region.
- Load Variation Due to Filling and Emptying of Dams: Rapid filling or draining of reservoirs changes the stress distribution, causing small or moderate tremors. Eg: In the Himalayan region, such stress changes are a concern for dams like Tehri Dam.
- Ground Subsidence from Overuse of Aquifers: Excessive groundwater extraction leads to land subsidence, altering the natural equilibrium of stress in the crust. Eg: Regions in North Gujarat have experienced subsidence, making them more vulnerable to fault reactivation and quakes.
Why is Delhi-NCR prone to quakes from groundwater loss?
- Rapid Groundwater Depletion Alters Stress Fields: Excessive groundwater extraction reduces the hydrostatic pressure underground, disturbing the natural stress balance in fault zones. This stress redistribution can reactivate dormant faults, triggering seismic activity. Eg: Studies from 2003–2012 show increased microseismic activity in parts of Gurgaon and Faridabad, correlated with falling water tables.
- Aquifer-Related Land Subsidence: Continuous overuse of aquifers causes the land to sink (subsidence), which can strain the Earth’s crust and disturb nearby fault lines. In Delhi-NCR, land sinking has been recorded in Dwarka, Kapashera, and parts of Noida, increasing quake risk. Eg: A 2021 study by IIT-Kanpur showed that excessive aquifer use led to ground subsidence and elevated seismic hazard.
- Built-Up Pressure on Seismically Active Faults: Delhi-NCR sits near the Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault and Delhi-Haridwar ridge, making it naturally earthquake-prone. When groundwater is extracted, it weakens the structural resistance of rocks, making nearby active faults more vulnerable. Eg: Minor tremors in Rohini and West Delhi (2020-21) were suspected to be linked to combined stress from tectonics and human activity.
How does climate change contribute to seismic risks?
- Melting Glaciers Increase Uplift Pressure: Rapid glacial melt in the Himalayas (due to rising temperatures) reduces surface weight. This triggers isostatic rebound — the crust rises and shifts, which can activate faults beneath. Eg: In Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand), increased seismic activity has been observed near retreating Gangotri Glacier, linked to glacial thinning and uplift.
- Changing Rainfall Patterns Cause Landslides and Crustal Stress: Intense rainfall and flash floods (exacerbated by climate change) cause rapid groundwater recharge and erosion, disturbing fault stability. Eg: In Kodagu (Karnataka), unusually heavy rains in 2018 triggered landslides and minor tremors due to destabilized slopes and crustal shifts.
- Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Seismic Pressure: Rising sea levels increase water load on coastal plates, especially in delta regions. This can suppress or activate tectonic stresses near coastlines. Eg: In Sundarbans (West Bengal), changes in sediment load and sea-level rise have raised concerns of future seismic risks in this low-lying, tectonically sensitive zone.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Seismic Zoning and Monitoring: India is divided into four seismic zones (II to V) to prioritize risk-based planning. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) monitors seismic activity across the country in real-time.
- Implementation of Earthquake-Resistant Building Codes: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued IS codes for earthquake-resistant construction.
- Capacity Building and Public Awareness: NDMA and NDRF conduct training, mock drills, and awareness programs in vulnerable areas.
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Way forward:
- Integrated Land and Water Management: Promote sustainable groundwater use, recharge practices, and land-use planning to reduce land subsidence and seismic vulnerability.
- Expand Monitoring and Preparedness: Enhance seismic monitoring networks and public awareness programs to improve early warning systems and disaster resilience.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 |
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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.
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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:
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- 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.
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- 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 |
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Why in the News?
Five strong offshore earthquakes hit Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, the strongest measuring 7.4 in magnitude.
About Kamchatka Peninsula:
- Location: Situated in Far Eastern Russia, bordered by the Sea of Okhotsk (west) and the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea (east).
- Size and Shape: Stretches about 1,200 km north to south and 480 km at its widest point.
- Area: Covers approximately 370,000 square kilometers—comparable in size to New Zealand.
- Ethnic Composition: Majority are ethnic Russians; around 13,000 belong to the indigenous Koryak community.
- Climate: Harsh with long, snowy winters and wet, cool summers.
- Topography: Highest peak is Klyuchevskaya Sopka, an active volcano in the Eastern Mountain Range.
- Global Recognition: Hosts the “Volcanoes of Kamchatka,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tectonic Significance:
- Geological Setting: Lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it a global hotspot for seismic and volcanic activity.
- Volcanic Density: Contains over 150 volcanoes, 29 of which are currently active.
- Kuril–Kamchatka Trench: Located just offshore, reaches depths of about 10,500 meters and drives regional seismicity.
- Tectonic Cause: Caused by subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.
| [UPSC 2004] Consider the following geological phenomena:
1. Development of a fault 2. Movement along a fault
3. Impact produced by a volcanic eruption 4. Folding of rocks
Which of the above cause earthquakes?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4* |
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Why in the News?
The Prime Minister will attend a function in Tamil Nadu marking 1000 years since King Rajendra Chola I’s conquest of the Gangetic plains.
About Rajendra Chola I:
- Reign & Dynasty: Ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE, succeeding his father Rajaraja Chola I.
- Titles:
- Gangaikonda Cholan (“Bringer of the Ganges”) – adopted after his victorious northern campaign.
- Kadaram Kondan (“Conqueror of Kedah (Malaysia)”) – earned following his Southeast Asian naval expeditions.
- Capital Foundation: Established Gangaikonda Cholapuram, shifting the capital from Thanjavur to the Kollidam River area.
- Temple Building: Built the Gangaikondacholeshwaram (Shiva) Temple to commemorate his conquests.
- Succession: Succeeded by his son, Rajadhiraja I.
- Religious Policy:
- Devout Shaivite, but practiced religious pluralism—patronised Buddhism, including building stupas in South India and Southeast Asia.
- Diplomacy & Trade: Strengthened international ties with Song Dynasty China and Arab merchants.
- Administration: Pioneered local self-governance, showcasing notable administrative sophistication.
His Legend:
- Northern Conquest: Rajendra led a military campaign to the Gangetic plains, defeating the Pala ruler Mahipala of Bengal and Bihar, and commemorated this victory by bringing Ganga water to his capital.
- Overseas Expeditions: He commanded what is considered the largest blue-water navy in Indian history. Successfully conducted naval expeditions to:
- Srivijaya Empire (covering parts of modern-day Sumatra, Java, and Malaysia)
- Burma, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Maldives, and Pegu Islands
- Extracted tribute from Thailand and the Khmer kingdom of Cambodia.
- First Indian king to undertake large-scale overseas military campaigns.
- Trade and Diplomacy: Established trade and diplomatic links with Song China and Arab merchants.
- Administration: Promoted local self-governance, showcasing the Cholas’ administrative efficiency.
- Wealth and Power: Under his reign, the Chola Empire became one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires of the time.
| [UPSC 2025] Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime state, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?
Options: (a) Amoghvarsha (Rashtrakuta) (b) Prataprudra (Kakatiya) (c) Rajendra I (Chola) * (d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala) |
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Why in the News?
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s (CAG) audit has flagged ₹573 Crore irregularities in Indian Railways.
About Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India:
- Foundation: Established under Article 148 of the Constitution of India.
- Independence: A constitutional authority, not subject to executive control.
- Appointment: Appointed by the President of India.
- Tenure: Holds office for 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- Removal: Can be removed by the President in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
- Post-Retirement Bar: Ineligible for further office under the Government of India or any State after demitting office.
- Funding: Administrative expenses are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring financial autonomy.
- Parliamentary Independence: No minister can represent the CAG in Parliament.
- Role: Known as the guardian of the public purse and a key pillar of Indian democracy.
Powers and Functions:
-
- Fund Audits: Audits expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India, State Consolidated Funds, and Union Territory funds.
- Other Fund Audits: Audits Contingency Fund and Public Account at both Central and State levels.
- Departmental Audits: Reviews profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and subsidiary accounts of government departments.
- Authority Audits: Audits bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government.
- Company Audits: Examines accounts of government-owned companies and corporations.
- Special Audits: Audits other authorities when requested by the President or Governor.
- Parliamentary Role: Acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher to the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.
- Public Accountability: Exposed major scams such as the 2G spectrum and coal block allocation cases.
- Sectoral Reviews: Highlighted inefficiencies in defence, railways, and other public enterprises.
Limitations of the office of CAG:
- Lack of Real-Time Control: Cannot stop or approve withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund; cheques can be issued without CAG’s prior clearance.
- Opaque Appointment: No prescribed qualifications or transparent procedure for selection; appointment is entirely executive-controlled.
- Limited Audit Scope:
- Excludes certain public entities like Life Insurance Corporation and public sector banks.
- Cannot audit public-private partnerships and funds like Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund and Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
- Off-budget borrowings (e.g., through National Investment and Infrastructure Fund) remain outside audit scope.
- Post-Facto Nature: Audits occur after expenditure, limiting preventive or real-time oversight.
| [UPSC 2012] In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.
2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the great freedom fighter Mangal Pandey on his birth anniversary.
Who was Mangal Pandey?
- Birth: Born on 19 July 1827 in Nagwa village, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Military Service: Joined the British East India Company’s army in 1849 as a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry at Barrackpore.
- Trigger of Revolt: Opposed the use of Enfield rifle cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, offensive to religious beliefs.
- Rebellion: On 29 March 1857, attacked British officers and encouraged sepoys to rise in revolt.
- Punishment: Arrested, tried, and executed by hanging on 8 April 1857.
- Legacy: Regarded as the “Hero of the First War of Indian Independence” and a symbol of resistance.
Back2Basics: 1857 War of Independence
- Overview: The First War of Indian Independence or the Great Rebellion of 1857.
- Sepoy Composition: Indians made up over 87% of the British Indian Army but faced severe discrimination.
- Root Causes:
- Military Discontent: Unequal pay, poor promotion prospects, denial of allowances.
- Religious Insensitivity: Use of animal fat-greased cartridges insulted Hindu and Muslim beliefs.
- Economic Hardship: Heavy land taxes, decline in traditional crafts, and rising unemployment.
- Political Grievances: Annexation of Indian states and enforcement of oppressive laws.
- Outbreak:
- Barrackpore: Mangal Pandey’s defiance on 29 March 1857 marked the beginning.
- Meerut: On 10 May 1857, sepoys rebelled after refusing cartridges and were imprisoned.
- Delhi: Rebels marched to Delhi and declared Bahadur Shah II as Emperor.
- Spread of Revolt: Uprising expanded to Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Bihar, Bareilly, Faizabad, and beyond.
- Mass Participation: Involved sepoys, peasants, landlords, and regional rulers.
Suppression and Its Aftermath:
- Brutal Suppression: Rebellion was crushed by 1859; Delhi was recaptured in September 1857.
- Administrative Shift: British East India Company was dissolved; India came under direct British Crown rule, initiating the British Raj.
- Military Reorganization: Indian representation in the army was reduced and reorganized to prevent future revolts.
- Increased Repression: Racial discrimination and harsh policies intensified post-revolt.
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| [UPSC 2006] Who was the Governor-general of India during the Sepoy Mutiny?
Options: (a) Lord Canning* (b) Lord Dalhousie (c) Lord Hardinge (d) Lord Lytton |
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2024] Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.
Linkage: The article explicitly states that “any argument against government control of temple affairs would be striking at the root of social justice”. This question directly addresses “social justice” and the upliftment of “underprivileged sections,” which is the core argument of the article “social justice model” enabled by the regulation of temple funds. |
Mentor’s Comment: A political controversy in Tamil Nadu emerged over using temple funds to build colleges. The debate highlights a unique social justice model rooted in colonial-era laws, notably the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, which legally permits such use of surplus funds. The issue reflects ongoing tensions between secular governance, social reform, and religious traditions.
Today’s editorial analyses the Issues related to temple funds like to build colleges. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Indian Society) and GS Paper II (Social Justice) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
A political controversy recently erupted in Tamil Nadu over the use of temple funds for building colleges.
What is the origin and evolution of state control over temples in Tamil Nadu?
- Colonial Intervention and Legal Frameworks: The British colonial government began regulating temples through laws such as the Madras Regulation VII of 1817 and the Religious Endowments Act, 1863. These aimed at curbing mismanagement and ensuring proper use of temple revenues, though actual control was minimal.
- Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Act, 1927 & 1951: Post-independence, the Madras HRCE Act, 1951 granted the state direct control over temple administration. It replaced hereditary trustees with government-appointed officers, shifting from oversight to active state involvement in managing temple affairs.
- Dravidian Politics and Reformist Push: The Self-Respect Movement and the rise of Dravidian parties (e.g., DMK) advocated for rationalism and secular administration of temples. This reinforced the idea of temples as public institutions, furthering state oversight in their functioning.
Why is using temple funds for education legally and socially justified?
- Legal Provision under State Law: The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Act, 1959 allows the use of temple surplus funds for public purposes like education, healthcare, and social welfare, provided the core religious functions are not affected. Eg: The government used temple funds to construct colleges in Tiruvannamalai and Krishnagiri, serving backward districts.
- Social Justice and Inclusive Development: Tamil Nadu follows a Dravidian model that sees temples as public institutions capable of promoting equality, education, and empowerment, especially for marginalized communities. Eg: Building a college with temple funds in a remote area helps first-generation learners, aligning with constitutional goals of equity and social upliftment.
- Historical and Cultural Precedent: In the pre-colonial and colonial era, temples often served as centres of learning and charity. Using their resources for education today revives that tradition in a modern, secular context. Eg: In the 19th century, temple lands supported gurukuls and feeding centres, a legacy extended now through modern institutions.
How did the Self-Respect Movement shape temple governance?
- Challenged Brahminical Control: The movement, led by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, questioned hereditary priesthood and the dominance of Brahmins in temple administration, pushing for non-Brahmin inclusion in both ritual and managerial roles.
- State Intervention in Temple Administration: It laid the ideological foundation for government regulation of temples through legislations like the HR&CE Act, bringing temples under state control to ensure transparency, social equity, and public accountability.
- Promotion of Secular and Social Justice Values: The movement emphasized that temple wealth should serve the public good, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare, especially for the oppressed castes, transforming temples into instruments of social reform.
What are the constitutional and legal bases for state intervention in religious institutions in India?
- Article 25(2)(a) – Social Welfare and Reform: The Constitution permits the state to regulate or restrict any economic, financial, political, or secular activity associated with religion to promote social welfare and reform.
- Article 26 – Regulates While Protecting Rights: While religious denominations have rights to manage their own affairs, the state can impose reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, morality, and health.
- Judicial Precedents and Statutory Laws: Courts have upheld state control over temples (e.g., in Shirur Mutt case) distinguishing between religious practices and secular administration. Laws like the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Act legally enable such oversight.
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Should religious institutions be allowed to function autonomously without state control?
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- Protection of Religious Freedom: Article 26 of the Indian Constitution grants religious denominations the right to manage their own affairs. Autonomy respects the pluralistic ethos of India and avoids state overreach in spiritual matters.
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- Cultural and Traditional Integrity: Many religious institutions have centuries-old customs and management systems. Autonom y helps preserve these indigenous practices without interference from changing political or administrative interests.
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- Accountability and Transparency: Without state oversight, there is a higher risk of financial mismanagement, corruption, or exploitation of devotees. State regulation ensures proper audit and governance of temple funds and assets.
- Public Interest and Welfare: Religious institutions often hold significant wealth and influence. State control can direct surplus resources towards social welfare, education, and infrastructure, promoting inclusive development beyond the religious community.
Way forward:
- Balanced Autonomy with Regulation: Implement a co-governance model where religious institutions retain spiritual autonomy, while the state ensures financial transparency, protection of heritage, and equitable use of public funds.
- Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Update existing laws to clearly define the limits of state intervention, ensure community representation in temple boards, and establish robust grievance redressal mechanisms.
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