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Archives: News

  • Road and Highway Safety – National Road Safety Policy, Good Samaritans, etc.

    Nationwide Transportation Strike: Protests against Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

    Strike

    Central Idea

    • The nationwide transportation strike entered its second day, causing huge disruptions across the country.
    • The strike, involving truck, bus, and tanker drivers, is a protest against stringent regulations under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for hit-and-run cases.

    Background of the Strike: BNS Provisions

    • Implementation of BNS: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which introduces tougher penalties for hit-and-run cases, has not yet been implemented.
    • Comparison with IPC: The new law replaces Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code, which had a lesser punishment for causing death by negligence.
    • Section 106 Controversy: Transporters are protesting Section 106 of the BNS, which increases punishment for rash and negligent driving to a maximum of 10 years.
    • Section 106(1) and 106(2): These sections provide for punishments in hit-and-run cases, with Section 106(1) offering a lesser sentence for those who report accidents.
    • Abiding to Supreme Court Observations: The increase in sentence duration to 10 years is based on the Supreme Court’s recommendations for stricter actions against reckless drivers who flee accident scenes.

    Protesters’ Concerns and Demands

    • Fear of Unjust Punishments: Transport operators argue that the new law could lead to unfair punishments and expose drivers to mob violence.
    • Lack of Stakeholder Consultation: There is a sentiment that the law was passed without adequate discussion with relevant stakeholders.
    • Skepticism about Government Promises: All India Motor Transport Congress expressed doubts about the government’s assurances, predicting fuel shortages and driver protests.

    Impact of the Strike

    • Widespread Disruptions: The strike has significantly impacted transportation, especially in northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and others, as well as West Bengal, Odisha, and southern states.
    • Fuel Shortages: Long queues at petrol pumps have been reported, indicating a hit to fuel supply.

    Conclusion

    • Continued Protests: Despite some transport bodies calling off the strike, others continue to protest, affecting transportation and fuel supply.
    • Need for Dialogue: The situation underscores the need for further dialogue between the government and transport stakeholders to address concerns and find a resolution.
  • Tribes in News

    Sarna Religion and its Forest Conservation Rituals

    Sarna Religion

    Central Idea

    • A study at IIT Indore on tribal culture, forest conservation, and wildfire in central India sheds light on the Sarna religion’s tenets.

    About Sarna Religion

    Details
    Nature of Faith Indigenous religious faith predominantly followed in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region.
    Geographical Spread Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and smaller numbers in Assam, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh.
    Central Belief Reverence of Sarna, the sacred groves, and worship of a village deity (Gram deoti, Dharmes, Marang Buru, etc.)
    Etymology ‘Sarna’ means ‘grove’, related to the sal tree.
    Theology Worship of village deities and the mother goddess identified as the earth or nature.
    Sacred Grooves Patches of forest considered sacred, such as sal, mahua, neem, and banyan trees.

    No harm allowed to these areas.

    Practices Rituals performed in sacred groves involving village priests; worship of ancestors.
    Main Festival Sarhul: Celebrating nature and ancestors, offerings made to sacred trees like sal.

    Karam: Worship of the sacred karam tree, focusing on crop enrichment and preservation of biodiversity.

    Faggu: Gathering of dry wood and leaves from forests, reducing fuel load and lowering wildfire risks.

    Tribes Following Followed by various tribes including Santal, Oraon, Ho, Munda, Bhumij, and others.
    2011 Census Counted 4,957,467 followers in India, primarily in eastern states.
    Sarna Code Resolution (2020) Jharkhand assembly passed a resolution for the inclusion of Sarna as a separate religion in the census.
    Impact of Colonialism Historical conflict due to Western missionary activities in tribal areas.
  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Kyrgyzstan declares Snow Leopard as National Symbol

    Snow Leopard

    Central Idea

    • Kyrgyzstan, a Central Asian country, has declared the snow leopard as its national symbol.

    About Snow Leopard

    Details
    Habitat Mountainous regions of Central and Southern Asia; in India: western and eastern Himalayas.
    Indian Geographical Range Western Himalayas (J&K, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) and Eastern Himalayas (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh).
    Project Snow Leopard (2009) Aims to strengthen wildlife conservation in the Himalayan high altitudes, involving local communities.
    Conservation Status IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

    CITES: Appendix I

    Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I

    India’s Conservation Efforts Flagship species for high altitude Himalayas.

    Part of GSLEP Programme since 2013.

    Himalaya Sanrakshak community programme (2020).

    National Protocol on Snow Leopard Population Assessment (2019)

    SECURE Himalaya project (GEF-UNDP funded).

    Listed in 21 critically endangered species for recovery by MoEF&CC.

    Conservation breeding at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

    GSLEP Programme Inter-governmental alliance of 12 snow leopard countries (India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan), focusing on ecosystem value awareness.
    Living Himalaya Network Initiative WWF’s initiative across Bhutan, India (North-East), and Nepal for conservation impact in the Eastern Himalayas.

    Significance of the Snow Leopard

    • The snow leopard symbolizes the health and stability of mountain ecosystems, which cover a significant portion of the global territory.
    • The snow leopard has been a totem animal in ancient Kyrgyz culture, associated with the legendary figure Manas.
    • The harmony between humans and nature, symbolized by the snow leopard, is portrayed in Chyngyz Aitmatov’s novel “When Mountains Fall.”
  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Myanmar

    Suspending the Free Movement Regime: India’s Border Policy with Myanmar

    Free Movement Regime

    Central Idea

    • On January 2, the Indian government announced plans to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border.
    • Residents in border areas, previously able to cross freely, will now require visas.

    About Free Movement Regime

    • Initiated in the 1970s, the FMR allowed people living within 16 km of the India-Myanmar border to travel up to 16 km into the other country without a visa.
    • India shares a 1,643 km-long border with Myanmar, which passes through the States of Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km), and Mizoram (510 km).
    • This regime recognized the deep-rooted familial and ethnic connections between communities on either side of the unfenced border.
    • The FMR was last revised in 2016, aligning with India’s Act East policy. However, it was suspended in Manipur since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Reasons for the Policy Shift

    • Security and Illegal Activities: The FMR has been under scrutiny for facilitating illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and insurgency.
    • Refugee Influx Post-Coup: Following Myanmar’s military coup in February 2021, over 40,000 refugees entered Mizoram, and around 4,000 entered Manipur, exacerbating security concerns.
    • Local Government Stance: Manipur’s Chief Minister urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to cancel the FMR and complete border fencing, linking ethnic violence in the state to the free movement across the border.

    Implications of Scrapping the FMR

    • Impact on Local Communities: Ending the FMR could significantly affect the daily lives of border residents, who depend on cross-border access for various needs.
    • Cultural and Social Disruption: The policy change might strain the cultural and social fabric of communities with shared ethnicities across the border.

    Way forward

    • Border Fencing: The government plans to fence about 300 km of the border, with a tender expected soon.
    • Regulatory Revisions: Experts suggest refining the FMR to better regulate movement while maintaining cross-border ties.
    • Infrastructure and Trade: Enhancing infrastructure and formalizing trade at designated entry points could mitigate some negative impacts.
    • Community Engagement: Involving border communities in decision-making is crucial for effective and sensitive border management.

    Conclusion

    • Balancing Security and Community Needs: The decision to end the FMR requires a nuanced approach that considers both national security and the rights of border communities.
    • Diplomatic Engagement: Strengthening diplomatic relations with Myanmar is key to managing this transition effectively.
    • Future Challenges: As India navigates this policy change, it faces the challenge of securing its borders while respecting the socio-economic realities of border populations.
  • Judicial Reforms

    Kapil Sibal writes: The Collegium system has failed India

    Burning Issue] Judiciary in Times of COVID-19 Outbreak - Civilsdaily

    Central Idea:

    The author highlights the challenges faced by the Indian judiciary, emphasizing the need for unbiased judges and a political system that separates religion from politics. The use of religious sentiments for divisive purposes is criticized, calling for a transparent and merit-based judicial appointment system.

    Key Highlights:

    • Judicial challenges in handling a growing population and increasing litigations.
    • Delayed justice in the Supreme Court, impacting the relevance of decisions.
    • Concerns about the quality of judges and perceived ideological alignments in appointments.
    • Critique of the current collegium system and its lack of transparency.

    Key Challenges:

    • Overburdened judiciary with a rising number of cases.
    • Delayed justice affecting the effectiveness of legal decisions.
    • Perceived ideological biases in judicial appointments.
    • Lack of a transparent and merit-oriented system for judge selection.

    Key Terms:

    • Collegium System: The system of appointing judges through a committee of senior judges.
    • Ideological Alignment: Alleged connections between judges and specific political or religious ideologies.
    • Judicial Hierarchy: The levels of the judicial system, with the Supreme Court being the highest.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Bedevilled with challenges”: Describing the complex issues faced by the judiciary.
    • “Divide and rule”: Criticizing the use of religious emotions for political manipulation.
    • “Seminal issues”: Highlighting the critical issues decided by the Supreme Court.

    Key Quotes:

    • “India needs judges who deliver justice unconcerned with majoritarian sentiments.”
    • “The collegium system has failed us.”
    • “For the judiciary to regain its glory, it needs to do more than just decide on cases.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Reference to the Chief Justice addressing dormant cases but acknowledging the urgency needed.
    • Critique of the appointment of judges based on perceived proximity to political power.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Increase in litigants seeking justice due to a burgeoning population.
    • Delayed hearings and decisions in the Supreme Court.
    • Issues with the current system of appointing judges.

    Critical Analysis:

    The author criticizes the judiciary’s current state, highlighting issues of delayed justice, ideological biases, and the failure of the collegium system. Emphasis is placed on the need for transparency and merit in the appointment process.

    Way Forward:

    • Reforming the judicial appointment process to ensure transparency and meritocracy.
    • Addressing the backlog of cases to expedite justice delivery.
    • Advocating for a political system that separates religion from politics to avoid divisive agendas.
  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Raj Bhavan needs radical reforms

    Kerala Conundrum: As Arif Khan 'Withdraws Pleasure' in FM, News18 Decodes  if Guv Can Sack a Minister - News18

    Central Idea:

    The conduct of Governors in Opposition-ruled States, exemplified by the recent actions of Kerala’s Governor, raises concerns about adherence to constitutional morality, necessitating a reevaluation of their roles and legal consequences.

    Key Highlights:

    • Kerala’s Governor, Arif Mohammed Khan, faced criticism for instructing the removal of posters and accusing the Chief Minister of supporting activists against him.
    • Breaches of protocol, such as an unannounced tour of Kozhikode, added to the growing trend of Governors’ controversial actions.
    • While the Constitution outlines functions, powers, and duties of Governors, the concept of constitutional morality should guide their public behavior.
    • Reference to NCT of Delhi v. Union of India highlights the responsibility of individuals occupying constitutional offices.
    • Article 361 provides limited immunity for Governors, exempting them from court scrutiny for official acts.
    • Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India establishes judicial review for cases of Governor’s motivated and whimsical conduct, suggesting accountability.
    • Kaushal Kishor v. State of Uttar Pradesh clarifies that public functionaries’ freedom of expression is subject to reasonable restrictions.
    • Ministers can be held personally liable for statements inconsistent with government views, emphasizing personal responsibility.
    • Sarkaria Commission Report (1988) criticized Governors for lacking impartiality and becoming agents of the Union, emphasizing the need for detachment.
    • Justice M.M. Punchhi Commission (2010) recommended restricting Governors from roles not envisaged by the Constitution, citing potential controversies.

    Key Challenges:

    • Governors’ failure to display impartiality and sagacity, engaging in local politics and controversies.
    • Lack of adherence to recommendations for detached roles and limitations on Governors’ powers.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Constitutional morality
    • Limited immunity (Article 361)
    • Judicial review
    • Chancellorship of universities
    • Sarkaria Commission
    • Punchhi Commission
    • Democratic legitimacy
    • Raj Bhavans

    Key Quotes:

    • “Constitutional morality places responsibilities and duties on individuals who occupy constitutional institutions and offices.” – NCT of Delhi v. Union of India (2018)
    • “Some Governors have failed to display the qualities of impartiality and sagacity expected of them.” – Sarkaria Commission Report (1988)
    • “The Governor should be a detached figure and not too intimately connected with the local politics of the State.” – Justice M.M. Punchhi Commission report (2010)

    Key Statements:

    • Judicial review possible for Governor’s misbehavior unconnected with official duty.
    • Sarkaria and Punchhi Commission reports emphasize the need for Governors’ impartiality and limited involvement in local politics.
    • Kerala Assembly’s attempt to abolish Governor’s chancellorship raises concerns about democratic legitimacy.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The Governor’s actions in Kerala highlight a deviation from democratic norms and raise questions about the democratic legitimacy of gubernatorial decisions.
    • Commission reports expose longstanding issues with Governor appointments and their roles, calling for systemic changes.

    Way Forward:

    • Future regimes should consider amending Article 155 to ensure Chief Minister consultation in Governor appointments, addressing recommendations from the Sarkaria report.
    • Establishment of an independent body for Governor selection, with input from the Chief Justice of India, may enhance the quality of the selection process.
    • Legal prohibitions against Governors’ further rehabilitation in official capacities could contribute to improving the functioning of Raj Bhavans.
  • RBI Notifications

    India’s 1991 Crisis and the RBI Governor’s Role

    S. Venkitaramanan, former Governor of the RBI

    Central Idea

    • S. Venkitaramanan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), passed away, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions.
    • His tenure is marked by crucial interventions during India’s economic crises and a commitment to open dialogue and innovative policies.

    Navigating the Balance of Payments Crisis

    • Economic Turbulence in 1990: India faced a severe balance of payments crisis due to reduced remittances and increased oil prices.
    • Critical Measures: Under Venkitaramanan’s leadership, the RBI took bold steps, including pledging gold reserves, to avert a default on international payments.
    • Impact of Gold Pledging: This move, though criticized domestically, was crucial in maintaining India’s international credibility and financial stability.

    Role in Economic Reforms

    • Import Compression Strategy: Venkitaramanan initiated a program of import compression, significantly reducing the current account deficit.
    • Foundation for Future Reforms: These measures laid the groundwork for the economic reforms introduced by the Narasimha Rao government and Dr. Manmohan Singh.

    Challenges and Controversies

    • The Harshad Mehta Scam: Venkitaramanan’s tenure was marred by the securities scandal involving Harshad Mehta, overshadowing his earlier achievements.
    • Public Perception: Despite his significant contributions, the public memory often overlooks his role in steering India through economic turmoil.

    Remarkable Openness and Inclusivity

    • Engagement with Diverse Opinions: Venkitaramanan was known for his openness to different viewpoints, engaging with economists and critics alike.
    • Innovative Approach to Policy Making: His willingness to consider varied perspectives contributed to more inclusive and effective economic policies.

    Legacy in the RBI and Beyond

    • Establishment of the Development Research Group: Venkitaramanan’s vision led to the creation of this group, aiming to foster interaction between the RBI and independent economists.
    • Influence on Current Economic Policies: His belief in relying on India’s intellectual resources continues to influence the RBI’s approach, though challenges like inflation management persist.

    Conclusion

    • Enduring Impact: S. Venkitaramanan’s tenure as RBI Governor was marked by courageous decisions and a commitment to intellectual openness.
    • Remembering His Contributions: While his term had its challenges, his role in safeguarding India’s economy and fostering a culture of dialogue and research within the RBI remains a significant part of his legacy.
    • Inspiration for Future Leaders: His approach to economic policy and management continues to serve as an inspiration for current and future leaders in the field.
  • Electoral Reforms In India

    In news: Electoral Bond Scheme

    Central Idea

    • The government has announced a fresh tranche of electoral bond sales for a 10-day period starting through the authorised branches of State Bank of India across the country.

    About the Electoral Bond Scheme

    Definition Banking instruments for political party donations with donor anonymity.
    Launch 2017-18 Union Budget
    Purchase Method Available to Indian citizens and Indian-incorporated companies from select State Bank of India branches. Can be bought digitally or via cheque.
    Donation Process Purchasers can donate these bonds to eligible political parties of their choice.
    Denominations Available in multiples of ₹1,000, ₹10,000, ₹10 lakh, and ₹1 crore.
    KYC Requirements Purchasers must fulfill existing KYC norms and pay from a bank account.
    Lifespan of Bonds Bonds have a 15-day life to prevent them from becoming a parallel currency.
    Identity Disclosure Donors contributing less than ₹20,000 need not provide identity details like PAN.
    Redemption Electoral Bonds can be encashed only by eligible political parties through an Authorized Bank.
    Eligibility of Parties Only parties meeting specific criteria, including securing at least 1% of votes in the last General Election, can receive Electoral Bonds.
    Restrictions Lifted Foreign and Indian companies can now donate without disclosing contributions as per the Companies Act.
    Objective To enhance transparency in political funding and ensure funds collected by political parties are accounted or clean money.

     

    Also read:

    Challenging the Electoral Bond Scheme

  • Police Reforms – SC directives, NPC, other committees reports

    Parliament breach accused underwent Psychoanalysis

    Psychoanalysis

    Central Idea

    • The Delhi Police’s use of psychoanalysis for assessing motives in the Parliament breach incident highlights its contemporary relevance.

    Origins of Psychoanalysis

    • Development by Freud: Sigmund Freud, a Viennese psychiatrist, developed psychoanalysis as a modern Western system of psychotherapy.
    • Evolution over Time: Initially a treatment for unexplained symptoms, psychoanalysis has evolved, influenced by various scientific disciplines.
    • Goal of Psychoanalysis: It aims to enhance self-awareness by uncovering unconscious wishes and defenses.

    Concept of the Unconscious

    • Freud’s Central Theory: The unconscious contains memories and impulses inaccessible to conscious awareness due to their threatening nature.
    • Mechanisms of Repression: Repression plays a key role in psychoanalysis, involving the unconscious forgetting of painful ideas to protect the psyche.
    • Id, Ego, and Superego: Freud’s model of the psyche includes the instinct-driven id, the rational ego, and the normative superego.

    Fantasies, Defenses, and Resistance in Psychoanalysis

    • Role of Fantasies: Fantasies, according to Freud, fulfill psychic needs and provide imaginary wish fulfillment.
    • Defense Mechanisms: Intrapsychic processes like projection, reaction formation, and rationalization help avoid emotional pain.
    • Concept of Resistance: Freud observed resistance in clients reluctant to engage in therapy, leading to the practice of free association.

    Transference and Countertransference

    • Transference Dynamics: Clients often project past relational templates onto the therapist, offering insights into their behavior.
    • Countertransference Issues: Therapists’ unresolved conflicts can affect their feelings towards clients, necessitating self-analysis.

    Psychoanalysis as a Therapeutic Tool

    • Dream Interpretation: Freud viewed dreams as forms of wish fulfillment, central to psychoanalytic therapy.
    • Making the Unconscious Conscious: The goal is to bring unconscious drives into awareness to understand self-defeating behaviors.
    • Therapeutic Relationship: The therapist-client relationship can provide new relational experiences, challenging maladaptive models.

    Contemporary Psychoanalytic Practice

    • Shift to Shorter Sessions: Modern psychoanalysis often involves fewer sessions per week, adapting to practical and individual needs.
    • Long-Term vs. Short-Term Therapy: While some issues require long-term treatment, contemporary practice accommodates shorter, more focused consultations.

    Conclusion

    • Enduring Relevance: Despite its evolution, psychoanalysis remains a vital tool for understanding human behavior and mental health.
    • Adaptation and Integration: Modern psychoanalytic practice has adapted to contemporary needs while retaining core principles.
    • Broader Applications: Beyond therapy, psychoanalysis offers insights into various aspects of human behavior, as evidenced by its use in legal and investigative contexts.
  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Kharsawan Massacre of 1948: A Tragic Chapter in Jharkhand’s History

    Kharsawan

    Central Idea

    • On January 1, 1948, the town of Kharsawan in present-day Jharkhand witnessed a massacre reminiscent of what happened in Jallianwala Bagh in 1919.
    • Police opened fire at a crowd gathered for a protest and the weekly haat (market), killing hundreds, or by some accounts, thousands of Adivasis.

    Kharsawan Massacre: A Background

    • Since the creation of the Bihar and Orissa Province in 1912, Adivasis in the region sought a separate state, reflecting their unique culture and grievances.
    • This demand gained momentum over the years, with the Simon Commission acknowledging the distinct nature of the region in 1930.
    • In 1938, the Adivasi Mahasabha was established to further this cause, led by prominent leader Jaipal Singh Munda.

    Kharsawan’s Merger Controversy

    • Merger with Orissa: In 1947, Kharsawan, a princely state with a significant Odia-speaking population, decided to join Orissa during India’s princely states’ integration.
    • Adivasi Opposition: However, most Adivasis opposed this merger, desiring a separate state instead.

    The Massacre

    • Protest Gathering: On January 1, 1948, a large gathering was organized in Kharsawan to protest the merger, coinciding with the weekly market day. Over 50,000 people, including those from distant villages, assembled, many to see Jaipal Munda, who was expected but did not arrive.
    • Police Open Fire: The large crowd and tense atmosphere led the Orissa military police to open fire, resulting in a massacre. The exact number of casualties remains unclear, with estimates ranging from a few dozen to several thousand.
    • Aftermath: The bodies were disposed of in a well and the jungle, and many injured were left untreated. The incident remains a dark and unresolved chapter in Indian history.

    Legacy

    • Uncertain Death Toll: Official records state 35 deaths, but other sources, like P.K. Deo’s “Memoir of a Bygone Era,” suggest numbers as high as 2,000.
    • Lack of Accountability: No definitive report or accountability for the massacre has been established.
    • Memorial and Remembrance: A memorial in Kharsawan serves as a reminder of this tragedy, with political leaders often visiting to pay respects.

    Conclusion

    • The Kharsawan massacre is a poignant reminder of the complexities and tragedies during India’s transition to independence, particularly for marginalized communities like the Adivasis.
    • It underscores the unresolved issues of tribal rights and recognition in India’s history.

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