Why in the News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s multi-country diplomatic tour Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and onward to Brazil and Namibia signals a strategic shift in India’s foreign policy toward deepening its engagement with the Global South.
What were the key outcomes of recent bilateral visits to Global South nations?
- Upgraded Strategic Partnerships: India and Ghana elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, focusing on making Ghana a “vaccine hub”for West Africa.
- Pharmaceutical Cooperation: In Trinidad and Tobago, India signed an MoU on Indian Pharmacopeia to improve access to quality and affordable generic medicines.
- Energy and Mineral Collaboration: In Argentina, India expanded cooperation on critical minerals and tapped into Argentina’s vast reserves of shale gas and oil.
Why is there a renewed focus on ties with the Global South?
- To Build an Alternative to the Global North-Dominated Order: India aims to create a more balanced and representative global system by deepening ties with developing countries. Engagements with Argentina, Ghana, and Trinidad & Tobago highlight efforts to diversify partnerships beyond traditional Western powers.
- Shared Historical and Political Bonds: Many Global South nations, like India, experienced colonial rule and have supported platforms like the Non-Aligned Movement. Eg: India and Brazil co-founded the IBSA and BRICS groupings to promote Global South interests.
What role do India-led initiatives play in global development efforts?
- Providing Affordable Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: India supports access to low-cost generic medicines and vaccine equity. Eg: India’s pharma diplomacy during COVID-19 (under Vaccine Maitri) supplied vaccines to over 70 countries, strengthening health security.
- Promoting Clean and Renewable Energy Access: India provides leadership in expanding clean energy adoption among developing countries. Eg: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) supports solar projects in sunshine-rich yet energy-poor nations across Africa and Asia.
- Driving Digital Transformation in Governance: India shares its experience in digital identity, payment systems, and public service delivery to empower other nations. Eg: India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker, is being adopted in countries like Sri Lanka and Kenya.
- Solutions to Global Challenges: India offers digital public infrastructure, affordable pharmaceuticals, and disaster resilience frameworks tailored for developing nations. Eg: The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is being promoted as an India-led solution.
How is the diaspora being used to strengthen international relations?
- Acting as Cultural and Political Bridges: The diaspora helps promote India’s soft power by strengthening cultural, linguistic, and historical ties with host countries. Eg: In Trinidad & Tobago, India acknowledged the Indian-origin ancestry of its leaders to deepen people-to-people diplomacy.
- Boosting Economic and Technological Collaboration: Diaspora members often hold key positions in business, academia, and innovation, facilitating trade, investment, and knowledge exchange. Eg: Indian tech professionals in the U.S. and UK have helped foster technology partnerships and startup ecosystems.
- Mobilising Political Support for India’s Strategic Interests: A well-integrated diaspora can influence foreign policy and legislative advocacy in favour of India. Eg: Indian-American lawmakers have supported stronger India-U.S. defense and trade ties in the U.S. Congress.
Way forward:
- Institutionalise Diaspora Engagement through Dedicated Platforms: Strengthen initiatives like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC), and Global Pravasi Rishta Portal to maintain structured dialogue and collaboration with the diaspora.
- Leverage Diaspora for Strategic Economic and Diplomatic Outreach: Encourage diaspora-led investments in priority sectors (like healthcare, education, digital tech) and empower diaspora communities to act as cultural ambassadors and policy influencers in multilateral forums.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2019] The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order”. Elaborate.
Linkage: This question directly related to India’s historical and contemporary role as a leader among “oppressed and marginalised Nations,” which is synonymous with the “Global South” or “developing world” that the five-nation tour focuses.
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Why in the News?
India has expressed serious concerns over proposed changes to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)—popularly known as the Plant Treaty.
About the Plant Treaty, 2001:
- Adoption: It was adopted by the FAO on 3rd November 2001 and came into force in 2004.
- Purpose: It governs the Multilateral System (MLS) for the access and benefit-sharing of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).
- Key Features:
- Coverage of Crops: The MLS currently includes 64 essential food crops and forages listed in Annex I, which together meet around 80% of the world’s plant-based food needs.
- Access Mechanism: Access to these genetic materials is provided for research, breeding, and training purposes through a Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA).
- Benefit-Sharing Approach: The Treaty incorporates monetary and non-monetary benefit-sharing mechanisms, with a focus on supporting biodiversity in developing countries.
- IP Restrictions: It prohibits any intellectual property claims over the raw genetic materials accessed under the system.
- Recognition of Farmers’ Rights: It affirms farmers’ rights, such as the protection of traditional knowledge, equitable benefit-sharing, and participation in national decisions about PGRFA use and conservation.
- India’s Participation: India is a signatory and active participant and implements the Treaty alongside domestic legislation like the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001.
Proposed Amendments:
- Objective: The upcoming proposal aims to expand the scope of the MLS to include all PGRFA, not just those in Annex I.
- New Inclusions: The expansion would bring in indigenous varieties, non-commercial crops, and community-protected heirloom seeds under the MLS framework.
- Impact on India’s Obligations: If passed, the amendment would mandate countries like India to share all plant germplasm through the existing SMTA process.
- No Change in Benefit Terms: The amendment retains current benefit-sharing mechanisms, which critics argue are often non-monetary or merely symbolic.
- Concerns over IP Rights: The broadened scope may lead to intellectual property loopholes if traditional seeds are repackaged or genetically altered.
- Allegations of Biopiracy: Critics argue the proposal enables “backdoor biopiracy”, especially of the Global South’s rich seed diversity.
India’s Concerns:
- Loss of Seed Sovereignty: India fears it will lose discretion over which seeds to share, weakening its ability to protect unique plant biodiversity.
- Undermining of Farmers’ Rights: The proposal might override the rights granted to farmers under the Plant Treaty and India’s PPV&FR Act, which view them as custodians of seed heritage.
- Erosion of National Authority: The expansion could violate Articles 10 and 11 of the Treaty, which grant countries sovereign control over their genetic resources.
- Violation of Federal Principles: The lack of consultation with States is seen as a breach of India’s federal structure, as agriculture is a State subject under Schedule VII of the Constitution.
- Marginalization of Biodiversity Boards: The role of State Biodiversity Boards may be diminished, despite their importance in regulating local germplasm and community rights.
- Lack of Equitable Returns: India argues that the global system offers little real benefit, raising doubts about fairness and justice in benefit-sharing.
| [UPSC 2014] Consider the following international agreements:
1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
3. The World Heritage Convention. Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
A new Nature Physics study suggests that warm volcanic rock surfaces may have concentrated organic molecules in watery cracks, triggering life-like chemistry—offering a clue to how protocells formed without membranes before life began.
What are Protocells?
- Overview: Protocells are primitive, cell-like bubbles believed to be early precursors of real biological cells. They were not fully alive but provided a space for early chemical interactions.
- Lack of Complexity: These structures lacked complex parts like organelles or DNA systems but could hold important molecules like RNA and amino acids together.
- Membrane Role: Protocells often formed simple membranes or boundaries, which allowed molecules to stay enclosed and interact more easily—helping early reactions like protein synthesis happen.
- Importance: Although not living, they offered a model of how basic chemistry could evolve into biology, bridging the gap between non-living and living systems.
History of Formation of Protocells:
- Early Earth Conditions: Over 3.5 billion years ago, Earth’s surface had warm water pools and volcanic cracks filled with organic molecules made by natural processes like lightning.
- Compartmentalization: The first step toward life was concentrating useful molecules in one place, so they could start reacting—this led to the idea of bubble-like protocells.
- Old Theories: In the 1920s, Oparin and Haldane proposed that life began in a “primordial soup” with spontaneous chemical reactions in early Earth’s oceans.
- Modern Insights: Newer research suggests cracks in volcanic rock or hydrothermal vents created temperature gradients and water flows that helped form protocells—no complex membranes were needed.
Key Findings in the 2025 Study:
- Lab Setup: Scientists created a 170-micrometre chamber with a warm top (40°C) and cool bottom (27°C), simulating early Earth rock cracks.
- DNA Test: They added DNA and a protein-making kit (PURExpress). Only in the warm-cool chamber did the DNA make green fluorescent protein (GFP), showing real protein synthesis.
- Molecule Gathering: Essential items like DNA, magnesium, and phosphate ions gathered more at the bottom—up to 70 times more concentrated than at the top.
- Cell-Like Behavior: Even without a membrane, the system kept useful molecules inside while letting waste escape, mimicking real cell selectivity.
- Big Implication: This experiment supports the idea that life could start in simple natural environments using just heat, flow, and basic chemicals—long before full cells appeared.
| [UPSC 2018] Consider the following statements:
1. The Earth’s magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years.
2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide.
3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only * (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
As of 2025, India ranks as the world’s fourth most equal country in terms of income distribution, according to the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief.
About the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief:
- What It Is: The Poverty and Equity Brief is a biannual publication by the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Global Practice Group.
- Data Coverage: It includes country-level statistics on poverty, inequality, and shared prosperity using household surveys, national datasets, and income tracking.
- Comparative Perspective: The brief allows comparison across income groups and regions, helping track Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Spring 2025 Focus: This edition emphasizes post-pandemic recovery, distributional equity, and the effectiveness of welfare policies in developing nations.
Key Parameters Involved:
- Gini Index: It measures how equally income is distributed.
- Score Range: 0 = complete equality; 100 = complete inequality.
- India’s Score: 25.5 in 2022–23, showing strong income equality.
- International Poverty Lines:
- $2.15/day (2017 PPP): Global standard for extreme poverty.
- $3.00/day: Threshold for lower-middle-income countries like India.
- Poverty Headcount Ratio: Reflects how many people live below the poverty line.
- India’s Status: 2.3% below $2.15/day and 5.3% below $3/day in 2022–23.
- Shared Prosperity Premium:
- Measures if the bottom 40% of the population are doing better or worse than average.
- High premium means inclusive growth.
Key Highlights from the Spring 2025 Report:
- India’s Gini Score: Among Most Equal
- With a score of 25.5, India is the 4th most equal country, after Slovak Republic (24.1), Slovenia (24.3), and Belarus (24.4).
- India outperforms China (35.7) and all G7 and G20 nations.
- Improved from 28.8 in 2011, showing a steady decline in inequality.
- Major Poverty Reduction Milestone
- Between 2011 and 2023, 171 million people moved out of extreme poverty.
- Share of population under $2.15/day fell from 16.2% to 2.3%.
- Share under $3/day fell to 5.3%, marking a significant decline.
| [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:
1. The repo rate is the rate at which other banks borrow from the Reserve Bank of India. 2. A value of 1 for Gini Coefficient in a country implies that there is perfectly equal income for everyone in its population.
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?
French authorities have opened up the Seine River to public swimming for the very first time since 1923.
About the Seine River:
- Overview: it is a major waterway in northern France, flowing through some of the country’s most important cultural and economic regions.
- Length and Rank: It is approximately 777 km(483 miles) long, making it the second-longest river in France after the Loire.
- Source and Elevation: It originates from the Langres Plateau in the Burgundy region, near the town of Source-Seine, at an elevation of about 444–471 meters above sea level.
- Course Through France: It flows northwest, passing through regions such as Burgundy, Champagne, and Île-de-France, and cities like Troyes, Melun, Corbeil, and Paris.
- Path Through Paris: In Paris, the Seine winds through the city center for about 13 kilometers, forming the famous islands Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis.
- Tributaries: It is joined by several important tributaries, including the Marne, Yonne, Aube, and Oise rivers.
- Drainage Basin and Rainfall: Its drainage basin spans 76,000–79,000 square kilometers, receiving moderate rainfall of 650–750 mm annually, and covering much of northern France.
- Mouth and Termination: The river empties into the English Channel between Le Havre and Honfleur, on the Normandy coast.
- Economic Role: The Seine supports commercial navigation and shipping, especially through the ports of Rouen and Le Havre, and provides about 50% of Paris’s drinking water.
| [UPSC 2020] Consider the following pairs: River Flows into
1. Mekong Andaman Sea 2. Thames Irish Sea 3. Volga Caspian Sea 4. Zambezi Indian Ocean Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched the “3 by 35” initiative, urging countries to raise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 to fight rising chronic diseases.
About the ‘3 by 35’ Initiative:
- Launch and Objective: The ‘3 by 35’ initiative was launched by WHO in 2024 urging countries to raise real prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through health taxes.
- Public Health Goal: The primary aim is to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, which currently cause over 75% of global deaths.
- Impact Projection: According to WHO estimates, a 50% price increase in harmful products could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years.
- Revenue Mobilization Target: The initiative aims to help countries generate $1 trillion in public revenue over the next decade to strengthen national health systems and fund universal health coverage (UHC).
- Global Technical Support: A global alliance of experts and institutions backs the initiative by offering policy advice, real-world case studies, and implementation support.
Key Features:
- Focus on Health Taxes: Promotes the use of excise taxes to increase the prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages, discouraging harmful consumption and improving population-level health.
- Evidence-Based Tools: Provides technical guidance, economic models, and case studies to support country-specific reforms in taxation policy.
- Alignment with UHC: Positions health taxes as sustainable revenue sources for public health financing, especially targeting low- and middle-income countries.
- Equity-Oriented Design: Targets products disproportionately consumed by vulnerable groups, making the initiative also a tool for social equity and justice.
| [UPSC 2013] Consider the following statements:
1. India ranks first in the world in fruit production. 2. India ranks second in the world in the export of tobacco. Which of these statements is/are correct?”
Options: (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2024] What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.
Linkage: The articles discusses how India’s democratic backsliding occurred partly due to the exploitation of constitutional weaknesses and how “the deeper damage to political culture, to institutions, to the idea that constitutionalism alone can protect democracy remains” after the Emergency. |
Mentor’s Comment: On U.S. Independence Day, reflections by Judge J. Michael Luttig and a look back at India’s 1975 Emergency give a strong warning about how democracy can be weakened from within. It compares how Indira Gandhi misused the Constitution in India to how leaders like Donald Trump show signs of authoritarianism in America. It highlights that freedom and rights can be lost not by war, but by twisting laws and failing institutions. The Emergency period still feels relevant today, as many democracies around the world face similar dangers. It’s a reminder that constant vigilance is the price of liberty.
Today’s editorial analyses the 1975 Emergency and its impact in India. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Indian Polity) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The same problems that caused the Emergency in India are now putting the U.S. at risk. The lesson is that tyranny grows when important institutions stop doing their job.
What Constitutional gaps enabled the 1975 Emergency’s misuse?
- Vague Grounds for Proclaiming Emergency (Article 352): The term “internal disturbance” (before it was amended to “armed rebellion” by the 44th Amendment) was undefined, allowing the government to declare an Emergency without sufficient justification.
- Lack of Judicial Safeguards: The judiciary, including the Supreme Court, failed to protect fundamental rights. In the ADM Jabalpur case (1976), the Court ruled that even the right to life could be suspended, revealing a serious weakness in judicial independence and constitutional checks.
- Absence of Parliamentary Oversight Mechanisms: There was no mandatory review or time limit for an Emergency once proclaimed. Parliament was not empowered to effectively question or revoke the declaration, enabling prolonged executive overreach.
- Preventive Detention Laws without Safeguards: Laws like the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) allowed for the detention of individuals without trial, and the suspension of habeas corpus, giving the executive near-total control over personal freedoms.
How did the Emergency weaken democratic institutions in India?
- Suppressing the Free Press: The government imposed pre-censorship on newspapers like The Indian Express and The Statesman, curbing freedom of the press. Journalists were jailed, and dissenting voices silenced, eroding media independence.
- Paralysing the Legislature and Bureaucracy: Parliament became a rubber stamp, passing ordinances and amendments without real debate. Civil servants and ministers followed orders unquestioningly, prioritising loyalty over legality, thereby hollowing out institutional integrity.
Why is India’s Emergency relevant to the current global democratic decline?
- Authoritarianism through Legal Means: The 1975 Emergency showed how laws can be manipulated to suspend rights and suppress dissent without military coups. Today, similar tactics are used globally — leaders use legal loopholes and executive decrees to weaken democratic norms (e.g., Hungary’s rule-by-decree during the COVID-19 pandemic).
- Erosion of Institutional Independence: During the Emergency, judiciary, media, and civil services failed to resist executive overreach. This institutional submission mirrors current trends in several democracies where checks and balances are compromised under pressure (e.g., judiciary weakening in Turkey and political pressure on U.S. law enforcement).
- Cult of Personality and Centralised Power: Indira Gandhi’s consolidation of power and her son’s parallel command structure resemble modern populist leadershipsthat centralise authority, undermine opposition, and control narratives (e.g., executive overreach in Brazil, Philippines, or even Russia).
What ethical duties do institutions hold in resisting authoritarianism?
- Upholding Constitutional Values: Institutions like the judiciary, legislature, and civil services must prioritise the Constitution over political loyalty, ensuring that democratic principles, civil liberties, and rule of law are never compromised.
- Maintaining Institutional Independence: Institutions have a duty to remain independent and impartial, resisting pressure from the executive or ruling parties. This includes protecting dissent, enabling checks and balances, and avoiding complicity in authoritarian overreach.
- Defending Public Trust and Accountability: Ethical responsibility requires institutions to serve the public interest, not individual leaders. They must ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability, especially during crises when democratic norms are most vulnerable.
How can citizens safeguard democracy from internal threats?
- Active Civic Participation: Citizens must engage in democratic processes such as voting, peaceful protest, and public discourse to hold leaders accountable. Eg: Mass movements like India’s JP Movement in the 1970s or the U.S. Civil Rights Movement helped restore democratic accountability.
- Demanding Transparency and Accountability: Citizens should question government actions, demand answers through RTI, media, and civil society platforms, and resist normalisation of unconstitutional acts. Eg: Public pressure during India’s anti-corruption movement (2011) led to the Lokpal Act.
- Promoting Constitutional Literacy and Vigilance: A well-informed public is less likely to fall for authoritarian rhetoric. Citizens must educate themselves about constitutional rights and duties, enabling them to recognize and resist erosion of democratic norms.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Institutional Independence: Ensure autonomy of key democratic institutions like the judiciary, election commission, and media through legal safeguards and transparent appointments to resist political influence.
- Promote Constitutional Literacy and Civic Engagement: Launch nationwide awareness campaigns and integrate constitutional values into education to empower citizens to uphold democratic principles and resist authoritarianism.
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Why in the News?
On July 1, 2025, India marked eight years since the launch of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), but the occasion came with worrying signs for the economy. GST collections in June dropped to ₹1.85 lakh crore, the lowest in four months, and grew by just 6.2% year-on-year, the slowest growth in four years.
What do low GST collections reveal about the economy and system efficiency?
- Sluggish Economic Activity: As GST is a consumption-based tax, low collections indicate reduced demand and consumption, reflecting a slowdown in economic growth.
- Tax System Inefficiencies: The marginal growth in net collections (just 3.3% after refunds) points to loopholes in compliance, delayed refunds, and inefficiencies in enforcement and administration.
- Weak Revenue Buoyancy: Revenue from domestic transactions rose only 4.6%, barely outpacing inflation, showing limited buoyancy in the tax system despite a stable tax base.
Why is the exclusion of fuel from GST debated?
- Revenue Autonomy for States: Fuel taxes are a major independent revenue source for State governments. Including fuel under GST would shift this revenue to the GST pool, which is shared with the Centre, reducing the States’ financial autonomy.
- Undermines ‘One Nation, One Tax’ Goal: Excluding key commodities like petrol and diesel creates fragmentation in the GST system, violating the principle of tax uniformity. Eg: A truck transporting goods across states pays different fuel taxes, adding to logistics costs and compliance burden.
- Public Demand for Price Rationalisation: Including fuel under GST could reduce retail prices, as GST rates are lower than the combined excise + VAT. This is especially crucial during inflationary periods. Eg: If petrol (currently taxed ~100%) comes under the 28% GST slab, it could make fuel significantly cheaper for consumers.
What does “fewer GST slabs” mean?
- It means merging some of these tax rates to move toward a simpler, more uniform GST system, such as: Possibly combining 12% and 18% into a single standard rate.
- Current GST Structure: India has multiple GST slabs: 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%. Plus 0% (exempt) and special rates on certain goods/services.
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How will fewer GST slabs improve tax efficiency?
- Simplifies Compliance for Businesses: Fewer slabs reduce confusion, errors in tax calculation, classification, and filing, especially for small businesses. Eg: A product like packaged snacks currently attracts different GST rates depending on branding, merging slabs avoids such disputes.
- Reduces Tax Evasion and Litigation: Multiple slabs create room for misclassification and disputes over applicable rates. Fewer rates lead to clearer guidelines and fewer loopholes. Eg: Footwear priced above ₹1,000 is taxed at 18%, while below ₹1,000 it’s 5%—leading to price manipulation.
- Boosts Consumption and Revenue Predictability: A simplified rate structure improves consumer confidence, reduces cascading effects, and encourages spending, improving overall collections. Eg: Countries like Singapore (7%) or New Zealand (15%) with uniform GST systems report higher compliance and stable revenue.
What is the future of the GST Compensation Cess?
- Originally meant to compensate States for GST losses for 5 years, extended till March 2026 to repay COVID-related borrowings. With its purpose served, it should be phased out rather than absorbed into GST rates.
- Removing the cess will restore trust, reduce tax burden, and may stimulate urban consumption.
Why is fiscal responsibility crucial for GST reforms?
- Ensuring fiscal sustainability: Sustainable subsidies and managing the compensation burden are essential for maintaining healthy public finances. Eg: During COVID-19, the Centre had to borrow extensively to compensate States, leading to a rise in debt levels.
- Strengthening Centre–State trust: Responsible fiscal conduct by both the Centre and States builds trust, which is critical for cooperative federalism. The GST Council functions best when transparency is ensured and non-shareable cesses are minimized to allow a higher share of central taxes to States.
- Enabling long-term tax reforms: Fiscal prudence enables the government to invest in long-term reforms such as rationalising GST slabs, strengthening IT infrastructure, and introducing compliance incentives. These efforts can improve tax buoyancy and offset short-term revenue losses.
How can the Centre–State balance be ensured? (Way forward)
- Enhancing States’ Share in Central Taxes: The Centre should increase devolved funds under the Finance Commission framework to compensate for GST-linked revenue losses, especially if fuel and alcohol are brought under GST. Eg: Raising the tax devolution share beyond the current 41% can empower States financially.
- Strengthening GST Council’s Cooperative Mechanism: Regular, consensus-based decision-making in the GST Council can improve Centre-State trust and ensure shared ownership of reforms. Eg: Joint committees for rate rationalisation or revenue monitoring can enhance transparency and equity.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2020] Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?
Linkage: The article explicitly states that the GST Compensation Cess was extended until March 2026 to repay loans taken by the Centre to compensate States, specifically due to COVID-19 having disrupted revenues. The question directly delves into the compensation mechanism, its impact due to the pandemic, and the resulting “federal tensions”, which aligns perfectly with the source’s discussion on the Centre-State fiscal relationship regarding GST.
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Why in the News?
The Iran-Israel conflict has drawn global attention for its impact on oil prices, but a less visible and equally serious issue is emerging in fertiliser supply, which poses a significant risk to farming and food security in India.
What are the fertiliser security risks for India amid geopolitical conflicts?
- Disruption of Import Routes: India relies heavily on fertiliser imports from Gulf countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. These imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route vulnerable to blockades during conflicts like the Iran-Israel standoff. Eg: A naval blockade in the Strait could delay shipments of urea and DAP, affecting timely supply during sowing seasons.
- Volatile Global Prices: Geopolitical tensions raise the prices of natural gas (used to produce urea) and finished fertilisers. Eg: A conflict-induced surge in natural gas prices increases the cost of domestic urea production, straining India’s fertiliser subsidy bill.
- Dependence on Conflict Zones: India imports 100% of MOP (Muriate of Potash), including from Belarus and Israel, both affected by global instability. Eg: Escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict can disrupt MOP imports, impacting crops like sugarcane and cotton that need potash-based fertilisers.
What lessons from the Russia-Ukraine crisis remain unaddressed?
- Lack of Strategic Buffer Stocks: Despite 2022 supply disruptions, India still lacks a fertiliser buffer stock policy or minimum stocking norms for critical imports like DAP and MOP. Eg: During peak sowing seasons (like Kharif), 30–45 days of operational stock is inadequate to absorb external shocks.
- Failure to Diversify Import Sources Meaningfully: While India talks of diversification, it continues to rely heavily on Gulf countries and politically unstable regions. Eg: After disruptions in nitrogen and potash from Russia and Belarus, the current dependence on Israel and Jordan for DAP remains high, risking repetition.
- Reactive Rather than Proactive Policymaking: The policy response has focused more on short-term procurement than long-term resilience building through joint ventures, domestic innovation, or alternative fertilisers. Eg: No significant scaling of nano, bio or organic fertilisers occurred post-2022, leaving India stuck with high subsidy bills for synthetic inputs.
Why should fertilisers be part of India’s national security planning?
- Critical for Food Security: Fertilisers are essential for sustaining agricultural output in an input-intensive farming system. Eg: Disruptions in urea or DAP supply during sowing seasons can directly impact crop yields and food availability.
- Vulnerability to Geopolitical Shocks: Heavy reliance on imports from unstable regions exposes India to external risks.
- Impact on Economic and Rural Stability: Fertiliser shortages or price hikes raise subsidy burdens and can lead to rural distress.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
- Boosting Domestic Production: Reviving closed urea plants (e.g., Gorakhpur, Sindri, Talcher) to achieve 90% urea self-sufficiency by 2025. Focus on reducing import dependency for nitrogen-based fertilisers.
- Diversifying Import Sources: Forming long-term agreements and joint ventures with countries like Morocco (for phosphates) and Canada (for potash) to ensure a stable supply. Exploring partnerships beyond the Middle East to reduce geopolitical risk.
- Subsidy and Distribution Reforms: Implementing the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for fertiliser subsidies to ensure transparency. Promoting alternative fertilisers like Nano Urea and encouraging balanced nutrient usage.
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How can India build resilience in fertiliser supply chains? (Way forward)
- Develop Strategic Fertiliser Reserves: Establish buffer stocks of key fertilisers like urea, DAP, and MOP, especially for critical sowing seasons (e.g., Kharif and Rabi) to cushion against global disruptions.
- Expand and Diversify Import Partnerships: Forge long-term agreements and joint ventures with stable countries (e.g., Morocco, Canada, Jordan) and explore alternative shipping routes to reduce overdependence on the Middle East and de-risk supply chains.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2017] The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries.
Linkage: The article explicitly states that India relies heavily on Gulf countries for “natural gas — the key raw material used to produce” urea, a vital fertilizer. The ongoing conflict threatens “ammonia, urea, DAP, and liquified natural gas (LNG) — all vital for agriculture”. This PYQ precisely captures the energy dimension of India’s dependency on the Middle East, which is a critical underlying factor contributing to the fertilizer crisis.
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Why in the News?
Invoking the Agreement on Safeguards (AoS), India has notified the WTO of its plan to impose $724 million in retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. for breaching trade commitments through unilateral auto import duties.
What is the Agreement on Safeguards (AoS)?
- Overview: It is a World Trade Organization (WTO) treaty that allows countries to apply temporary trade barriers—called safeguard measures—when a domestic industry is harmed by a surge in imports.
- Purpose in Practice: The agreement maintains global trade discipline, offering legal protection tools but with checks to avoid abuse.
- Conditions for Use: Safeguards can only be used when there is clear evidence of serious injury or threat to domestic producers due to increased imports.
- Rules-Based System: The agreement ensures safeguard actions are transparent, time-bound, and non-discriminatory, preventing misuse for permanent protectionism.
- Key Rules:
- Article 12.3: Before acting, a country must notify and consult with other WTO members who may be affected by the safeguard.
- Article 8: If consultation fails, the affected country can retaliate by suspending trade benefits equal to the loss it suffered.
- Ban on Informal Restrictions: AoS strictly prohibits voluntary export restraints or informal quotas that evade WTO rules, ensuring fairness.
India’s Use of the AoS – The 2025 U.S. Tariff Case:
- Trigger: The U.S. had imposed 25% tariffs on Indian-origin vehicles and parts in March 2025, which India claims are safeguard measures disguised as unilateral tariffs.
- Violation of Rules: India alleges that the U.S. did not follow Article 12.3 (mandatory consultations) and thus violated both AoS and GATT 1994 rules.
- Impact on Indian Exports: India estimates that $2.89 billion worth of exports have been affected and that the U.S. collected nearly $723.75 million in duties, matching India’s proposed retaliation.
- India’s Justification: India asserts that this move is legal under WTO rules, not protectionist, and aims to defend its export interests while continuing trade talks with the U.S.
India’s Changing Role in WTO Safeguard Policy:
- Early Strategy (1995–2010): India was initially cautious at the WTO, accepting tough terms under TRIPS, GATS, and AoA, and rarely used legal tools like retaliation, focusing more on diplomatic solutions.
- Recent Assertiveness (Post-2010): India now actively invokes WTO rules like AoS to protect its interests and has won key disputes—such as:
- The solar panel case against the U.S.
- Legal challenges to EU’s export restrictions on food.
- Global Leadership Role: India has taken the lead among developing countries to protect food security rights and push for fairer global trade terms, especially at Bali (2013) and Nairobi (2015) WTO summits.
Back2Basics:
TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights)
- WTO agreement (1995) setting minimum standards for IPR protection (patents, copyrights, etc.).
- Enforced 20-year patent protection; India amended its Patent Act in 2005 to comply.
- Allows compulsory licensing in emergencies (e.g., for medicines).
GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services)
- WTO treaty covering international trade in services like IT, banking, and tourism.
- Operates through 4 Modes of Supply:
- Mode 1 – Cross-border supply (e.g., online consulting)
- Mode 2 – Consumption abroad (e.g., medical tourism)
- Mode 3 – Commercial presence (e.g., foreign bank branch in India)
- Mode 4 – Movement of natural persons (e.g., Indian professionals working overseas)
- India strongly supports Mode 4 for its skilled labour force.
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| [UPSC 2015] The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and ‘Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the:
Options: (a) Food and Agricultural Organization (b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change (c) World Trade Organization* (d) United Nations Environment Programme |
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Why in the News?
Recently, CJI B.R. Gavai affirmed that the collegium system will ensure merit, transparency, and inclusive representation, and will not be swayed by external pressures.
What is the Collegium System?
- About: The Collegium System is the process by which judges are appointed and transferred in the Supreme Court and High Courts of India.
- Origin: It was developed by the Supreme Court itself and is not mentioned in the Constitution.
- Purpose: It aims to ensure judicial independence by minimizing the role of the executive in judicial appointments.
- Basis for Appointments:
- Supreme Court Judges: Under Article 124, the President appoints judges after consulting relevant judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts.
- High Court Judges: Under Article 217, appointments are made by the President after consulting the Chief Justice of India, Governor of the State, and Chief Justice of the High Court concerned.
- Structure of the Collegium:
- Supreme Court Collegium: It consists of 5 judges — the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
- High Court Collegium: It comprises the Chief Justice of the High Court and the two senior-most judges of that High Court.
Qualifications for SC Judges:
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Judicial Experience: At least 5 years as a High Court judge or 10 years as an advocate in one or more High Courts.
- Alternative Route: Can also be a distinguished jurist, in the President’s opinion.
Qualifications for HC Judges:
- Experience: Must have held a judicial office for 10 years or practiced as an advocate for 10 years in a High Court.
- Bar Enrollment: Must be enrolled with the Bar Council of India.
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Evolution of the Collegium System:
- First Judges Case (1981): The Supreme Court ruled that the executive had primacy in appointments, and the CJI’s opinion was not binding.
- Second Judges Case (1993): The Court reinterpreted “consultation” to mean “concurrence”, giving primacy to the judiciary and formally creating the Collegium System.
- Third Judges Case (1998): On Presidential Reference, the Collegium was expanded to five members — the CJI + 4 senior-most judges.
How does it Work?
- Appointment of Chief Justice of India (CJI): The outgoing CJI recommends the next CJI, based on seniority. The Law Minister forwards it to the PM, who advises the President.
- Appointment of Other SC Judges: The CJI initiates the proposal after consulting Collegium members and the senior-most judge from the concerned High Court.
- Appointment of High Court Judges: Initiated by the High Court Chief Justice, approved by the High Court Collegium, and forwarded via the state government to the Union Law Ministry.
| [UPSC 2012] What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?
1. While appointing the Supreme Court Judges, the President of India has to consult the Chief Justice of India.
2. The Supreme Court Judges can be removed by the Chief Justice of India only.
3. The salaries of the Judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India to which the legislature does not have to vote.
4. All appointments of officers and staff of the Supreme Court of India are made by the Government only after consulting the Chief Justice of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 3 only * (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Union Minister for Petroleum has revealed that India is on the brink of a Guyana-like oil discovery in the Andaman Sea
Do you know?
Guyana, now a major oil-producing nation, has seen 47% average real GDP growth since 2022, driven by offshore oil.
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About the Oil Exploration in Andaman Basin:
- Location & Scale: It lies in the southeastern Bay of Bengal and covers about 2.25 lakh sq. km, making it one of India’s largest underexplored offshore sedimentary basins.
- Geological Importance: It shares tectonic and structural similarities with nearby hydrocarbon-rich basins in North Sumatra (Indonesia) and Irrawaddy-Margui (Myanmar).
- Historical Restrictions: The area was long considered a ‘No-Go’ zone due to environmental and strategic reasons, preventing oil exploration until recently.
- Scientific Breakthrough: In 2020, Oil India Ltd launched the Deep Andaman Offshore Survey, which discovered mud volcanoes and Baratang formations — signs of hydrocarbon activity.
- Data Entry into National Records: The survey findings were added to the National Data Repository (NDR) in 2023, making crucial geological data available to investors.
- Rising Strategic Interest: The basin is now seen as vital for India’s energy security due to its deepwater potential and ability to cut down oil imports.
- Recent Collaborations: Companies like ONGC partnered with TotalEnergies (France) in 2023 to explore deepwater blocks in the basin.
Policy Shift that Enabled Exploration:
- Introduction of HELP: The Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) was introduced in 2016, replacing the older NELP system with a more industry-friendly framework.
- Licensing Reform: HELP provides a single license for all hydrocarbons — oil, gas, shale, and coal bed methane — removing the need for separate permits.
- Revenue Sharing System: Instead of auditing costs, the government now receives a fixed share of revenue, simplifying financial compliance and reducing disputes.
- OALP and Investor Flexibility: The Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) allows companies to bid for exploration blocks of their own choosing throughout the year, encouraging customized investment.
- Use of Geological Data: The National Data Repository (NDR) helps companies make informed decisions using extensive geological and seismic information.
- Market Freedom: Under HELP, companies have the freedom to price and market their oil and gas, which boosts competitiveness and attracts private players.
- Royalty Incentives: A graded royalty system reduces rates for deepwater and ultra-deepwater blocks, offsetting high-risk exploration like in the Andaman.
| [UPSC 2006] Which one of the following companies is associated with the exploration and commercial production of oil in Barmer Sanchore basin of Rajasthan?
Options: (a) Cairn Energy * (b) Unocal Corporation (c) Reliance Energy Ventures (d) ONGC |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Communications has launched SAKSHAM-3000, a 25.6 Tbps indigenous switch-cum-router, to boost India’s data, cloud, and telecom infrastructure, marking a major leap in advanced networking technology.
What is SAKSHAM-3000?
- Overview: It is a high-speed switch-cum-router developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) to strengthen India’s digital infrastructure.
- Indigenous Operating System: The device runs on CROS (C-DOT Router Operating System), enabling modular, scalable, and secure network operations.
- Next-Gen Capability: It is designed for ultra-fast data transmission, offering up to 25.6 Terabits per second (Tbps) throughput.
- Use Cases: It is suitable for data centres, 5G/6G networks, AI systems, and hyperscale computing clusters.
- Cloud and Telecom Ready: It supports cloud-native deployments, legacy protocols, and future network architectures simultaneously.
Technical Highlights and Capabilities:
- Massive Throughput: It supports 32 ports of 400G Ethernet and multiple speeds from 1G to 400G, delivering full 25.6 Tbps capacity.
- Wire-Speed Performance: Data packets are processed at line rate, ensuring real-time transmission with no bottlenecks.
- Time-Sensitive Applications: It includes support for Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and Synchronous Ethernet (Sync-E) to ensure accurate timing in industrial and telecom networks.
- Full Protocol Support: It is compatible with Layer-2 switching, IP routing, and Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) for broad network configurations.
- Traffic Management: Features like Weighted Round Robin (WRR) and Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED) improve traffic handling and reduce congestion.
- Energy Efficiency: It uses a power-optimized architecture, balancing high performance with low power consumption for sustainable data centre use.
- Flexible Licensing: Enterprises and telecom providers can customize licensing models for cost-effective scalability based on specific deployment needs.
| [UPSC 2016] With reference to ‘LiFi’, recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It uses light as the medium for high-speed data transmission. 2. It is a wireless technology and is several times faster than ‘WiFi’.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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?
PM Narendra Modi, while speaking in Trinidad and Tobago, paid tribute to the Girmitiyas—19th-century indentured Indian labourers who helped shape Indo-Caribbean culture.
About Girmitiyas:
- Overview: The word “Girmitiya” comes from “agreement,” which was pronounced as “girmit” by Indian labourers who signed contracts to work abroad.
- Origin of the Labourers: Most Girmitiyas were recruited from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, especially from areas suffering poverty or famine.
- Language and Community: These workers primarily spoke Bhojpuri, Awadhi, or Hindi and came from agricultural castes and communities.
- Role of Recruitment Agents: Agents known as arkatis enticed labourers with promises of good wages while hiding the reality of harsh plantation conditions.
- Scale and Scope of Migration: Between 1834 and 1920, over 1.2 million Indians were sent to British colonies like Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, South Africa, and Suriname.
- Cultural Continuity Abroad: Despite minimal belongings, Girmitiyas preserved Indian languages, religious practices, and cultural expressions like Ramleela in the Caribbean.
Indentured Labour System: A New Form of Slavery:
- Post-Abolition Labour Need: After slavery ended in 1834, the British created the Indian Indentured Labour System to meet the demand for plantation workers.
- Contract Terms and Reality: Although the agreement lasted five years, labourers were often deceived, worked in poor conditions, and could not change employers.
- Criminalisation of Movement: If a labourer was found outside the plantation without documentation, they could be arrested for vagrancy.
- Punitive Wage Deductions: Tactics like the “double-cut” system—cutting two days’ pay for one day’s absence—made the system exploitative.
- Wage Withholding: Employers often withheld wages to delay repatriation and trap labourers in economic dependence.
- Gender Exploitation: Women were underrepresented, often brought for demographic balance, and suffered wage discrimination and sexual abuse, as documented by scholars like Kamala Kempadoo.
- Critique by Historians: While colonial rulers called it a “Great Experiment,” historian Hugh Tinker famously termed it “a new system of slavery” in his 1974 book.
Gandhiji’s Campaign Against Indenture:
- Early Opposition: Mahatma Gandhi opposed the system after witnessing its abuse during his legal work in South Africa.
- Malaviya’s Blocked Attempt: In 1917, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya tried to introduce a bill for abolition but was denied by the British colonial government.
- Protest Strategy: Gandhi launched an all-India movement, using the press, public meetings, and moral advocacy to gather support.
- Engagement with British: Gandhi met with Viceroy Lord Chelmsford and united national leaders in opposition to the practice.
- Finally, Abolition: The mounting public pressure led to the official abolition of indentured labour on July 31, 1917.
- Moral Significance: Gandhi later wrote in My Experiments with Truth that the victory represented India’s moral and spiritual awakening under nonviolent protest.
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| [UPSC 2019] With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:
1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’.
2. In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
3. Consequent to the breaking of the Salt Law by the Indian people, the INC was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only* (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2024] Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US Constitution.
Linkage: This question directly addresses India’s secular character. The article explicitly defines Indian secularism not as “mere religious neutrality but the positive assurance that the state will treat all religions equally, protect the rights of minorities, and ensure that no citizen suffers discrimination on the basis of faith”. |
Mentor’s Comment: The words (socialism and secularism) were added during the Emergency through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976), but they are not just additions; they are core values that reflect the spirit of India’s freedom struggle and the vision of the Constitution’s framers.
Today’s editorial analyses the impact of the removal of socialism and secularism in the Indian Constitution. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Indian Polity) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The recent statement by the right-wing leader advocating the removal of “socialism” and “secularism” from the Preamble of the Constitution has triggered widespread concern.
What is the role of socialism and secularism beyond the Preamble?
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Role of Socialism beyond the Preamble:
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- Embedded in Directive Principles: Articles like 38, 39, 41–43 guide the state to secure economic justice, reduce inequality, and promote welfare measures.
- Reflected in Fundamental Rights: Article 14 (equality before law) and Article 16 (equal opportunity in public employment) embody the socialist commitment to justice and dignity.
- Guides Judicial and Legislative Action: Courts and lawmakers have interpreted and enacted policies (like land reforms, reservation, public healthcare) in line with socialist philosophy to ensure inclusive growth.
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Role of Secularism beyond the Preamble:
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- Constitutional Protections for Religious Freedom: Articles 25–28 ensure freedom of religion, worship, and prohibit religious taxes or religious instruction in state-funded institutions.
- Equality and Non-Discrimination: Articles 15 and 29–30 ensure that no citizen is discriminated against based on religion and that minority cultural and educational rights are protected.
- Part of Basic Structure Doctrine: The Supreme Court has affirmed that secularism is inherent to the Constitution’s basic structure, safeguarding religious neutrality of the state in governance. Eg: In S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994), secularism was upheld as part of the basic structure.
Why is removing socialism and secularism seen as a threat to the basic structure?
- Undermines Constitutional Guarantees of Equality and Justice: Secularism ensures the equal treatment of all religions and protects minority rights, while socialism underpins the goal of economic equality and a welfare state. Their removal would weaken the guarantee of justice, liberty, and equality. Eg: Articles 14–16 (Right to Equality) and 25–30 (Freedom of Religion and Minority Rights) draw directly from secular and socialist ideals.
- Contradicts the Foundational Vision of the Constitution: The Objective Resolution, Constituent Assembly Debates, and freedom struggle clearly endorsed secular and socialist principles as integral to India’s identity. Removing them attempts to rewrite history and alter the spirit of the Constitution. Eg: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s final speech in the Constituent Assembly emphasized equality and fraternity—values rooted in socialism and secularism.
How do India’s freedom struggle and debates reflect these constitutional values?
- Freedom Struggle Emphasised Equality and Social Justice (Socialism): Leaders like MK Gandhi, Nehru, and Ambedkar envisioned an India free not only from colonial rule but also from poverty, caste oppression, and economic exploitation. These ideals laid the foundation for a socialist orientation in the Constitution, focusing on welfare, equitable distribution, and dignity for all.
- Constituent Assembly Debates Favoured Religious Pluralism and Inclusion (Secularism): The framers, influenced by India’s diverse social fabric, stressed a neutral state that treats all religions equally. Debates clearly show a consensus that religion should not influence state affairs, leading to the inclusion of secular provisions like Articles 25–28.
How has the Supreme Court upheld secularism under the basic structure doctrine?
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): The Court held that Parliament cannot alter the “basic structure” of the Constitution. Though this case didn’t directly address secularism, it laid the foundation for later rulings protecting it as part of the core constitutional philosophy.
- S.R. Bommai Case (1994): The Court explicitly declared that secularism is part of the Constitution’s basic structure. It ruled that a state government can be dismissed if it acts against secular principles, reinforcing that the State must remain neutral and equidistant from all religions.
- Aruna Roy v. Union of India (2002): The Court upheld that secularism does not mean hostility to religion, but rather equal respect for all religions (Sarva Dharma Sambhava). It reaffirmed that religious pluralism and tolerance are integral to the Indian State’s identity.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Constitutional Literacy and Civic Education: Promote widespread awareness about the values of socialism and secularism embedded in the Constitution through school curricula, public campaigns, and community programs. An informed citizenry is essential to defend constitutional principles against any attempts at dilution.
- Judicial and Legislative Vigilance: The judiciary must remain proactive in upholding secularism and social justice as part of the basic structure doctrine. Parliamentarians and civil society must oppose regressive amendments and uphold constitutional morality in lawmaking and governance.
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Why in the News?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is currently carrying out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar. This has caused political and social concerns because the ECI is focusing only on verifying “ordinary residents” and has given a very short deadline ending on July 31 for this process.
Why is the ECI’s voter roll revision in Bihar being criticised?
- Short timeframe: The ECI allocated just one month, till July 31, for the entire revision process, which is inadequate for comprehensive voter verification in a state like Bihar.
- Strict criteria: The emphasis on “ordinary residents” could ignore the legal protection for temporary absentees as outlined in the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- Risk of wrongful deletions: Migrant workers might not be present for verification, leading to lakhs of wrongful deletions from electoral rolls.
What hurdles do migrant voters face in verification?
- Inaccessibility During Verification Window: Many migrant voters are unable to be physically present at their home constituencies during the short verification period, making it difficult to confirm their status. Eg: An estimated 20% of Bihar’s electorate is migrant; many may miss the July 31 deadline, risking exclusion.
- Lack of Clarity for Long-Term Migrants: There is ambiguity in addressing voters who have moved long-term but haven’t updated their registration to their new place of work.
How does the law define ‘ordinary residence’ for voters?
The Representation of the People Act, 1950 defines ‘ordinary residence’ as the place where a person normally lives and has the intention to return, even if they are temporarily absent.
Key Legal Provisions:
- Section 19 of the Act: A person shall be registered in the electoral roll of the constituency of their ordinary residence. Temporary absence does not disqualify a person from being considered ordinarily resident.
- Electoral Roll Manual Guidelines: Migrants temporarily away (for work, studies, etc.) are still eligible if they have the ability and intention to return. Removal from the roll requires proof of permanent relocation.
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What does Bihar’s gender turnout reveal about migration?
- Higher Female Voter Turnout: In the 2024 general election, more women voted than men in absolute numbers in Bihar. This indicates a gender skew in voter participation likely linked to male absenteeism due to migration.
- Male Migrant Absenteeism: Despite having more registered male voters, the male turnout was lower, suggesting many men were away for work and could not vote. It reflects the scale of male labour migration out of Bihar.
Do the same issues occur in other states?
- Jharkhand – Migration-linked Voter Drop: Like Bihar, Jharkhand has seen low male voter turnout due to seasonal and long-term migration for labour work.
- Uttar Pradesh – Exclusion Risk in Urban Centres: In urban areas of Uttar Pradesh, slum and migrant populations often lack proper identity or address documents, making voter verification difficult during intensive revision drives. This causes large-scale exclusions, especially among economically vulnerable groups.
What are the issues related to NRIs at the all-India level?
- Lack of Remote Voting Mechanism: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) often face difficulty in exercising their voting rights due to the requirement of physical presence at their home constituency in India. Eg: An NRI working in the UAE must travel to India to vote, leading to low voter turnout among overseas citizens.
- Legal and Procedural Constraints: Though the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2010 allowed NRIs to register, postal or online voting is still not widely available.
Eg: The Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) has not yet been fully extended to overseas voters, limiting participation.
What are the case studies in the world?
- Mexico – Voting Rights for Migrants Abroad: Mexico allows its citizens living abroad to vote in national elections via postal ballots and electronic voting. This ensures inclusivity for a large number of migrant workers living in the United States and other countries.
- Philippines – Overseas Absentee Voting Act (2003): The Philippines enacted a law enabling overseas Filipinos to vote in presidential, senatorial, and party-list elections. It recognizes the political rights of migrant workers, encouraging participation despite physical absence.
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How can migrants get better electoral representation? (Way forward)
- Enable Registration at Place of Work: Long-term migrants should be allowed and encouraged to register as voters at their current place of residence. This ensures their political voice aligns with the region where they live and work, making representation more meaningful.
- Extend Verification and Enrollment Timelines: The Election Commission should provide a longer and flexible verification window, especially in high-migration states. This prevents wrongful exclusion and ensures migrants’ voting rights are protected even during temporary absence.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation-one election” principle.
Linkage: The article focuses on the “Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls” conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Bihar, highlighting criticisms due to the enormity of the task, short duration, and strict verification criteria that could result in the “wrongful exclusion of lakhs of voters”
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Why in the News?
The U.S. recently carried out unprovoked attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day war with Iran. These actions, especially under a renewed Trump administration, have restarted discussions about U.S. imperialism and how it affects the global balance of power.
| Note: Imperialism is a policy or ideology by which a powerful country extends its control over weaker territories politically, economically, or militarily, often for strategic or resource-driven gains. |
Is U.S. imperialism a threat to the world?
U.S. imperialism is often viewed as a threat to global stability for the following reasons:
- Violation of International Law: The U.S. has engaged in unilateral military interventions without UN approval, undermining global legal norms. Eg: The 2003 invasion of Iraq was based on unverified claims of weapons of mass destruction and violated the UN Charter.
- Destabilization of Regions: U.S. actions often leave countries in prolonged conflict, weakening state institutions and increasing terrorism or refugee crises. Eg: U.S. interventions in Afghanistan and Libya led to power vacuums and regional instability.
- Erosion of Multilateralism: By acting outside global institutions, the U.S. encourages disregard for international cooperation, weakening collective decision-making. Eg: Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement (2017) under the Trump administration weakened global climate unity.
Why does the U.S. view China’s rise as a threat?
- Economic Rivalry: China’s rapid growth and its emergence as the world’s second-largest economy ($20 trillion GDP) challenge U.S. dominance in trade, infrastructure (e.g. Belt and Road Initiative), and manufacturing.
- Technological Competition: China’s progress in semiconductors, AI, and green technologies (e.g. leading in renewables and EVs) threatens U.S. supremacy in global innovation and strategic industries.
- Geopolitical Influence: China’s expanding presence in global institutions and alliances like BRICS and SCO counters U.S.-led systems. Its assertiveness in the South China Sea and strategic investments in Africa and Latin America reflect an alternative world order.
What challenges does bipolarity pose for rising powers like India?
- Reduced Strategic Autonomy: In a U.S.-China bipolar world, India may face pressure to align with one power bloc, limiting its independent foreign policy. Eg: India’s participation in Quad may strain ties with China-dominated SCO and BRICS.
- Limited Global Influence: Bipolarity can marginalize middle powers in global decision-making, making consensus harder. Eg: India’s efforts in climate negotiations may be overshadowed by U.S.-China disagreements.
- Geopolitical Vulnerability: Tensions between major powers can destabilize regional security, impacting India directly. Eg: Escalation in the Indo-Pacific due to U.S.-China rivalry increases India’s strategic risks.
Why is the Global South crucial amid failing multilateralism?
- Collective Voice Against Hegemony: As traditional multilateral institutions like the UN or WTO lose credibility, the Global South offers a platform for developing nations to assert their interests. Eg: BRICS expansion allows emerging economies to challenge Western dominance in global financial systems.
- Alternative Frameworks for Cooperation: The Global South promotes minilateralism and regional alliances to address shared challenges like debt, climate change, and trade inequities. Eg: India’s role in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) reflects South-South cooperation in climate governance.
- Safeguarding Sovereignty and Development Needs: It helps countries resist coercive trade or security alignments and focus on inclusive development models. Eg: G77 bloc resists WTO reforms that could harm public procurement protections vital to developing economies.
How can India balance strategic ties and Global South leadership? (Way forward)
- Pursue Strategic Autonomy: India must maintain an independent foreign policy despite partnerships like Quad. Eg: It joined the BRICS Bank while deepening ties with the U.S., showcasing multi-alignment.
- Take Principled Stands in Global Forums: India should speak out against violations of international law even by allies. Eg: India’s silence on U.S. strikes in Iran undermines its credibility as a Global South leader.
- Champion Collective South-South Agendas: India can lead in climate justice, debt relief, and trade equity for developing countries. Eg: Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Voice of Global South Summit.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.
Linkage: The expansion of NATO and strengthening of the US-Europe strategic partnership represent key elements of U.S.-led alliances and its approach to global security. This directly relates to the U.S. acting as the “world’s sole superpower” engaged in “aggressive military behaviour” and violating the international order.
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Why in the News?
Jharkhand on observed ‘Hul’ Diwas to commemorate the rebellion’s 170th anniversary of Santhal Revolt which was held on June 30, 1855.
About the Santhal Revolt:
- Overview: The Santhal Hul (Revolt) began on June 30, 1855, in present-day Jharkhand, and is observed annually as Hul Diwas.
- The ‘Hul’: It means revolution, symbolising one of India’s earliest organized uprisings against British colonialism, even before the 1857 Revolt.
- Leaders Associated: It was led by Sidho, Kanho, Chand, Bhairav Murmu, and sisters Phulo and Jhano, and gathered support from 32 different tribal and non-tribal communities.
- Nature of the Revolt: The Santhal Hul was marked by tribal unity, guerrilla warfare, and was primarily an agrarian uprising, not driven by religion or elite politics.
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- Exploitation by Landlords: It opposed the British East India Company, the Zamindari system, and moneylenders who exploited tribal communities.
- Damin-i-Koh Policy: In 1832, the British created Damin-i-Koh in the Rajmahal Hills to resettle Santhals from Bengal and Jharkhand to clear forests and take up agriculture.
- Alienation: Santhals were subjected to land alienation, forced labor (like kamioti and harwahi), usurious debt traps, and Zamindari-court-police nexus oppression.
- Suppression measures: The British imposed Martial Law on November 10, 1855, and crushed the uprising by January 3, 1856, using modern firearms and war elephants; Sidho and Kanho were killed in action.
- Continued resistance: Even after its suppression, tribal uprisings continued during the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny in areas like Hazaribagh and Manbhum (now Dhanbad and Purulia).
Key Outcomes of the Revolt:
- Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (1876): This law banned land transfers to non-Adivasis, allowed inheritance under tribal customs, and protected Santhal self-governance.
- Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908): Inspired by later tribal movements, it restricted sale of tribal and Dalit land, and required Collector’s approval for land transfer within caste and locality.
- Impact on Tribal Identity: The revolt helped shape tribal consciousness, legal land safeguards, and anti-colonial resistance legacies.
- Modern Legacy: The Santhals are now India’s third-largest tribal group, living in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, and they use the ‘Ol Chiki’ script to preserve the Santhali language.
[UPSC 2018] After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?
- The territories called `Santhal Parganas’ were created.
- It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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?
In a major step toward digital adoption reform, Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has confirmed that digitally certified adoption orders sent by e-mail are now legally valid under current rules.
Child Adoption in India: Legal Framework and Process
- Adoption in India is governed by multiple laws, depending on the religion and category of the child:
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- Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956: Applies to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists.
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Applies to all religions and governs adoption of orphans, abandoned, and surrendered children.
- Guardians and Wards Act, 1890: Applies to Muslims, Christians, Jews, Parsis (allows guardianship, not full adoption).
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- Children declared legally free by a Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
- Children of relatives (uncle, aunt, or grandparent).
- Stepchildren surrendered by biological parents.
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- Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, and certain foreign nationals (under strict guidelines).
- Must be mentally, physically, and financially stable with no life-threatening conditions.
- Married couples: Stable relationship of at least two years; combined age ≤ 110 years.
- Single women can adopt any child; single men cannot adopt girls.
- Minimum age gap of 25 years between the adoptive parent and the child.
- Couples with three or more children are generally not eligible unless adopting children with special needs.
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- Online registration on CARA’s CARINGS portal; Submission of documents and Home Study Report.
- Counseling sessions by licensed agencies.
- Matching of child and parents; Acceptance and foster care phase.
- Legal adoption order issued by the District Magistrate (post-2021 amendment).
- Two-year follow-up by the adoption agency.
Role of Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA):
- CARA is India’s statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and functions as the central regulatory authority for all adoptions:
- Established in 1990, CARA became a statutory body in 2015 under Section 68 of the JJ Act.
- It is the only legally empowered authority for in-country and inter-country adoption of Indian children.
- India’s Hague Convention central authority, responsible for overseeing foreign adoptions (India ratified the convention in 2003).
Key Functions of CARA:
CARA plays a pivotal role in the adoption ecosystem through the following functions:
- Regulation and Oversight
- Monitors all adoptions—domestic and inter-country—through licensed agencies.
- Ensures adoptions are in compliance with laws and child rights standards.
- Platform and Technology: It operates the CARINGS portal (Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System) for:
- Registration of prospective adoptive parents.
- Tracking adoption progress.
- Referrals and matching children with parents.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: It coordinates with:
- State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs)
- District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)
- Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs)
- Authorized Foreign Adoption Agencies (AFAAs)
- Legal and Policy Role
- Issues No Objection Certificates (NOC) and Conformity Certificates for inter-country adoptions.
- Drafts and revises Adoption Regulations (latest version: 2022).
- Issues clarifications and advisories, e.g., recognition of digitally certified adoption orders.
- Promotion of In-country Adoptions
- Encourages domestic adoption over inter-country adoption, especially for orphans and abandoned children.
- Launches awareness campaigns to reduce illegal adoptions and child trafficking.
- Post-Adoption Monitoring
- Ensures the well-being of adopted children through follow-up reports for two years.
- Promotes integration of children into adoptive families through counseling and support.
- Policy Innovation and Reforms
- Oversees foster-to-adoption transitions (notably in Jammu & Kashmir).
- Expanding agency networks—245 new agencies added (2024–25).
- New modules for step-parent and relative adoptions.
| [UPSC 2016] Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. |
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Why in the News?
Researchers in Assam have discovered a new tree species, Garcinia kusumae, locally called thoikora, adding to the Garcinia genus in a notable botanical find.
About Garcinia kusumae:
- Species Identity: Garcinia kusumae is a newly discovered evergreen tree species that is endemic to Assam, India.
- Genus and Local Name: It belongs to the Garcinia genus, locally called thoikora in Assamese.
- Discovery: It was discovered in 2024 by Jatindra Sarma, during a field survey in Bamunbari, Baksa district.
- Botanical Traits: It is dioecious, grows up to 18 metres, flowers between February and April, and fruits between May and June.
- Distinct Features: It differs from similar species by having up to 15 staminate flowers per fascicle, fewer stamens, and blackish resinous berries.
- Ethnobotanical Uses: Its fruit is used in sherbet, fish curries, and for diabetes and dysentery remedies; the seed aril is eaten raw with condiments.
What is the Garcinia Genus?
- Taxonomy: Garcinia is the largest genus in the Clusiaceae family, comprising trees and shrubs.
- Geographical Spread: It is found in tropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australasia, especially in rainforests.
- Notable Characteristics: The genus is known for floral diversity, medicinal value, and culinary applications.
- Presence in India: India hosts 33 species and 7 varieties of Garcinia, with Assam having 12 species and 3 varieties.
- Famous Species: Commonly known species include Garcinia indica (kokum), Garcinia cowa, and Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen).
- Utility and Significance: It is important for ethnobotanical uses, rural livelihoods, and climate-resilient forestry.
- Traditional Practices: Several species are used in traditional food, medicine, and rituals.
| [UPSC 2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp.
In which part of India has it been discovered?
Options: (a) Andaman Islands* (b) Anaimalai Forests (c) Maikala Hills (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast |
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