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Type: Prelims Only

  • Indian Navy Updates

    Exercise Varuna

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Exercise Varuna

    Why in the News?

    India and France recently conducted the 23rd edition of Exercise Varuna, a key bilateral naval exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and combat readiness between the two countries’ naval forces.

    About Exercise Varuna

    • Exercise Varuna is a bilateral naval exercise between India and France.
      • It was first initiated in 1993 and officially named Varuna in 2001.
    • The exercise focuses on enhancing combat readiness, improving interoperability, and deepening maritime security cooperation between the two nations.
    • It spans multiple domains, including air, surface, and sub-surface operations, with a strong emphasis on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and air combat drills.
    • Key Highlights:
      • The 2025 edition took place from March 19-22 off the coast of Goa, with participants such as INS Vikrant (India) and Charles de Gaulle (France).
      • This year’s exercises included aircraft carrier operations, ASW drills, and joint surface warfare operations.
      • Rafale-M (French Navy) and MiG-29K (Indian Navy) fighters participated in advanced air defence and mock air-to-air combat scenarios. 
      • Indian Scorpene-class submarines acted as aggressors, while French and Indian frigates protected high-value assets, including the French oiler Jacques Chevallier.
      • These drills enhanced underwater domain awareness and improved ASW tactics.

    Other Notable India-France Military Exercises:

    • FRINJEX: A joint exercise between the Indian and French armies focused on ground operations.
    • GARUDA: A bilateral air exercise between the Indian and French air forces, first held in 2003.
    • SHAKTI: A biennial military exercise between India and France, focusing on counter-terrorism operations.
    • La Pérouse: A multilateral maritime exercise led by the French Navy, with India participating for the first time in 2021.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).

    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.

    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

    (a)  1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d)  2, 3 and 4

     

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    United Nations World Water Development Report, 2025

    IOCRPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: UN World Water Development Report, 2025

    Why in the News?

    On March 21, 2025, the United Nations marked the first-ever World Day for Glaciers, and in conjunction, the United Nations World Water Development Report issued a disturbing warning about the rapid loss of glaciers.

     

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) Glacier Loss: Glaciers are melting 65% faster (2011-2020) than the previous decade, with up to 50% shrinkage by 2100 if global temperatures rise by 1.5-2°C.
    • WMO’s Climate Report: The 2024 climate year was the warmest in 175 years, reinforcing the link between rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melt.
    • Unprecedented Glacier Mass Loss: Over 9,000 billion tonnes of ice lost since 1975, with 450 gigatons lost in 2024 alone.
    • Rising Sea Levels: Melting glaciers contribute to sea level rise, displacing 200,000 to 300,000 people annually and increasing coastal flooding risks.
    • Increased Wildfires and Dust Storms: Rising wildfires and dust storms accelerate glacier melt by darkening their surfaces.
    • Permafrost Thawing: Thawing permafrost releases carbon and nutrients, worsening climate change and increasing landslide risks.
    • Declining Snow Cover: A 7.79% global decline in persistent snow cover from 1979-2022 affects water resources.

    About World Glaciers Day 

    • March 21, 2025, marked the first-ever World Day for Glaciers, aimed at raising awareness about glaciers and the risks posed by their loss due to climate change.
    • It was declared by the UN in its resolution A/RES/77/158 along with the International Year of Glaciers 2025.
    • The day calls for governments, organizations, and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt sustainable water management practices.
    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.

    2. Large deposits of ‘methane hydrate’ are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.

    3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    PAC flags Failure of Swadesh Darshan Scheme

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Public Accounts Committee, Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS)

    Why in the News?

    The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has criticized the Ministry of Tourism for the poor execution of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and highlighted lapses in planning, approvals, and project execution.

    About Public Accounts Committee (PAC):

    • The PAC was established in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919.
    • It consists of 22 members, with 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha, who are elected annually.
    • The Chairman of the committee is traditionally selected from the Opposition since 1967.
    • The PAC plays a crucial role in examining the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), focusing on public expenditure.
    • It ensures that funds are utilized efficiently, and it checks for irregularities, corruption, waste, and inefficiencies in government spending.

    About Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS):

    • The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism.
      • Objective: Developing theme-based tourist circuits such as Buddhist, Coastal, Heritage, and Eco-tourism circuits in India, emphasising sustainable tourism.
    • The scheme is 100% centrally funded, and it provides financial assistance to state governments, Union Territory administrations, and central agencies for the development of tourism infrastructure.
    • Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme (which began from January 2023) adopts a more holistic approach, shifting from circuit-based tourism to a destination-centric model.
      • This new version aims to encourage private sector investment in tourism and hospitality, aligning with India’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
      • It prioritizes long-term growth and the development of sustainable tourism destinations.
      • The Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) is a sub-scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, focusing on the competitive development of tourism destinations.
      • This initiative aims to foster sustainability, digitalization, skill development, MSME support, and effective management, ensuring that the tourism sector thrives in a more modern and organized manner.

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

    2. The Committee on Public Accounts comprises Members of Lok Sabha, Members of Rajya Sabha, and a few eminent persons of industry and trade.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Russia

    India and the Arctic

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Arctic Council

    Why in the News?

    The Russian Ambassador to India recently stated that Russia views India’s interest in the Arctic as a “stabilizing factor.”

    India-Russia Collaboration in the Arctic

    India and Russia have strengthened their cooperation in the Arctic, focusing on scientific research, energy resources, and shipping routes:

    • Energy Resources: Joint ventures in Arctic oil and gas extraction, particularly in the Dolginskoye oil field and Vostok oil cluster.
    • Northern Sea Route (NSR): India and Russia are working to improve shipping through the NSR, aiming to reduce shipping costs and improve connectivity.

    About India’s Arctic Policy

    • India’s Arctic Policy was launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in 2022, taking a comprehensive approach that involves multiple sectors, including scientific, environmental, economic, and strategic interests.
    • It focuses on sustainability, aiming to protect the environment while exploring opportunities in energy resources, shipping routes, and scientific collaboration.
    • The policy includes 6 key pillars:
    1. Science and Research: Focus on climate change, geosciences, and polar biology.
    2. Climate and Environmental Protection: Ensuring development does not compromise the Arctic ecosystem.
    3. Economic and Human Development: Exploring opportunities in energy extraction and shipping.
    4. Transportation and Connectivity: Enhancing access to Arctic shipping routes.
    5. Governance and International Cooperation: Strengthening ties with international partners like the Arctic Council.
    6. National Capacity Building: Developing expertise in Arctic research and polar navigation.
    • The policy acknowledges the geopolitical dynamics of the Arctic and seeks to balance scientific, economic, and strategic interests.

    India’s Mission to the Arctic

    • India’s Arctic mission began in 2007, with its first research mission focused on microbiology, atmospheric sciences, and geology. India also established its research base, Himadri, in the Arctic in 2008. Recent advancements include:
      • In 2023, India conducted winter expedition in polar night conditions to study climate change, sea-ice dynamics, and ocean circulation.
      • India collaborates with Russia, Norway, and other Arctic nations through research institutes and joint expeditions.
    • India’s focus is on understanding the Arctic’s impact on climate change and its effects on weather patterns, particularly in South Asia.

    Back2Basics: Arctic Council

    • The Arctic Council, established in 1996, is an intergovernmental forum for cooperation among Arctic states.
    • The Council includes 8 Arctic countries and permanent participants from indigenous Arctic communities. Its focus is on environmental protection, sustainable development, and scientific research.
    • India has been an observer since 2013, contributing to scientific research, climate change discussions, and policy frameworks.
    • The Council’s activities were suspended in 2022 due to rising tensions from militarization by NATO countries.
      • Despite this, India continues to engage constructively with the Council.
    • India’s participation in the Arctic Council highlights the global importance of Arctic issues, particularly regarding climate change and energy security.

     

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2015] The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of:

    (a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence

    (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim

    (c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region

    (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

    [UPSC 2018] Why is India taking keen in resources of Arctic region?

    [UPSC 2015] What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?

     

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  • Special Category Status and States

    Bihar makes fresh demand for Special Category Status

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Special Category Status

    Why in the News?

    The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar renewed its demand for Special Category Status (SCS) before the 16th Finance Commission, which is currently touring the state.

    About Special Category Status (SCS)

    • Special Category Status (SCS) is a classification granted to specific states in India facing geographical, socio-economic, and infrastructural challenges.
    • It provides special financial assistance for their development.
    • Evolution of SCS:
      • Introduced in 1969 following the recommendations of the Fifth Finance Commission, based on the Gadgil formula for fund allocation.
      • Initially granted to Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Nagaland, with other states like Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Uttarakhand, and Telangana added later.
    • Eligibility Criteria (Based on the Gadgil Formula): States must meet at least one of the following:
      • Hilly terrain: Challenging geography impeding development.
      • Low population density or a large tribal population.
      • Strategic location near international borders.
      • Economic and infrastructural backwardness.
      • Non-viable state finances: Financial instability due to lack of resources.
    • Benefits of SCS:
      • Financial Assistance: 90% grants for centrally sponsored schemes (vs. 30% for non-SCS states).
      • Special Plan Assistance: Additional funds for national importance projects.
      • Tax Benefits: Concessions on excise, income, and corporate taxes (many subsumed under GST).
      • Carry-Forward of Unspent Funds: Funds are carried forward to the next year.
      • Higher Budget Allocation: 30% of the Centre’s budget allocated to SCS states.

    Assessment of Bihar’s Demand: 

    • Industrial Backwardness: Lack of industrial development, worsened by state bifurcation in 2000.
    • High Poverty Levels: One of the highest poverty rates in India, with low per capita GDP.
    • Frequent Natural Disasters: Floods and droughts severely impact agriculture.
    • Infrastructure Deficiencies: Insufficient irrigation and water systems hinder agricultural productivity.

    About the Finance Commission

    • The Finance Commission is created every 5 years to allocate financial resources from the Centre to states, based on Article 280 of the Constitution.
    • Composition: Consists of a chairman and four other members appointed by the President.
    • Qualifications: Members must have specialized knowledge in finance, economics, accounts, or administration.
    • The Fifteenth Finance Commission’s recommendations are valid till 2025-26.
    • Terms of Reference for 16th FC: Division of tax proceeds, principles for grants-in-aid, enhancing state funds for local bodies, and evaluation of disaster management financing.

    PYQ:

    [2023] Consider the following:

    1. Demographic performance
    2. Forest and ecology
    3. Governance reforms
    4. Stable government
    5. Tax and fiscal efforts

    For the horizontal tax devolution, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used how many of the above as criteria other than population area and income distance?

    (a) Only two
    (b) Only three
    (c) Only four
    (d) All five

     

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    What is a Sonic Weapon?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sonic Weapon

    Why in the News?

    It is alleged that Serbian Police used a banned sonic weapon to disperse protesters in Belgrade.

    What are Sonic Weapons?

    • Sonic or acoustic weapons are devices designed to emit loud sounds over long distances, including both audible and inaudible sound waves.
    • These waves can cause pain, discomfort, or disorientation.
    • While sound amplifiers have been used for centuries, sonic weapons began being used for crowd control in the 1990s, with their first military use in Iraq in 2004.
    • Working Mechanism: Sonic weapons use modern transducers to convert energy into concentrated sound, which can be controlled in terms of frequency, level, and duration.

    Types of Sonic Weapons:

    • Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD):
      • Range: Up to 8,900 meters for intelligible speech.
      • Sound Level: Can reach up to 160 dB, causing pain and potential hearing damage.
    • Mosquito:
      • Target Audience: Emits high-pitched sounds painful to younger people (teenagers and those in their twenties). Adults above 30 typically cannot hear it due to age-related hearing loss.
    • Infrasonic Weapon:
      • Sound Type: Delivers inaudible low-frequency sounds that cause pain and disorientation.
      • Development: Still in early stages, with ongoing research into its full potential.

    Health Implications:

    • Short-Term exposure can cause tinnitus, headaches, nausea, and vertigo.
    • Prolonged exposure may lead to permanent hearing damage, and symptoms like tinnitus can last for days.
    PYQ:
    [UPSC 2023]     Consider the following statements regarding Agni-V and BrahMos Missiles:
    1. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, and BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
    2. Both the missiles are developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (a) 1 only, (b) 2 only, (c) Both 1 and 2, (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Spring Equinox, 2025

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Spring Equinox

    Why in the News?

    March 20 marks the arrival of the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, signaling the beginning of the spring season.

    What are Equinoxes?

    • An equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis is not tilted toward or away from the Sun, resulting in equal length of day and night across the planet.
    • Equinoxes occur twice a year:
      • Vernal Equinox: Around March 20-21, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
      • Autumnal Equinox: Around September 22-23, marking the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
    • On an equinox, the Sun is directly above the Equator, leading to almost equal distribution of sunlight between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
    • The equal length of day and night is observed, with each lasting approximately 12 hours.

    What are Solstices?

    • A solstice occurs when the Earth’s tilt is most extreme either towards or away from the Sun. This results in the longest or shortest day of the year in each hemisphere.
    • Solstices occur twice a year:
      • Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere): Around June 20-22, marking the longest day and shortest night of the year, as the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun.
      • Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere): Around December 20-23, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, as the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun.
    • Solstices create unequal distribution of sunlight, with one hemisphere receiving significantly more or less sunlight than the other.

    Cultural Significance of the Equinox:

    • Nowruz, celebrated on the vernal equinox, marks the beginning of the Persian New Year.
      • The festival has been celebrated for over 3,000 years by the Zoroastrian community, including the Parsi community in India.
    • Vernal Equinox Day is a national holiday in Japan, celebrating the arrival of spring.
    • Easter, one of the most significant days in Christianity, is determined based on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
    • Passover, the Jewish festival, begins on the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

     

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2019] On 21st June, the Sun
    (a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
    (b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
    (c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
    (d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

     

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Health Expenditure at 1.84% of GDP

    Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Population & Associated Issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Health Expenditure Share of GDP

    Why in the News?

    The Union government has steadily increased its spending on healthcare, with the expenditure rising to 1.84% of GDP in 2021-22, up from 1.15% in 2013-14.

    Overview of India’s Health Expenditure

    • India has shown a consistent increase in government spending on healthcare, reflecting a growing commitment to improving the public healthcare system.
    • As of 2021-22, government health expenditure (GHE) rose to 1.84% of GDP, up from 1.15% in 2013-14, and is on track to meet the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5% of GDP by 2025.
    • The rise in health expenditure has been particularly significant post–COVID-19, with a 37% increase in government spending from 2020-21 to 2021-22.
    • This has led to better healthcare accessibility, reduced financial burden on individuals, and greater focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure.

    What is Total Health Expenditure?

    • Total Health Expenditure (THE) refers to the sum of all current and capital expenditures incurred by the government, private sector, and external sources for healthcare purposes in a given period.
    • This includes:
      • Current Health Expenditure (CHE): Ongoing spending on healthcare services, such as hospitals, doctor visits, and medical supplies.
      • Capital Expenditure: Investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as building hospitals or purchasing medical equipment.
    • In 2020-21, India’s THE was estimated at ₹7,39,327 crores, constituting 3.73% of GDP, with a per capita expenditure of ₹5,436.
    • In 2021-22, this figure increased to ₹9,04,461 crores, representing 3.83% of GDP, reflecting a proactive government response to healthcare challenges and pandemic management.

    Reasons for Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)

    The reduction in OOPE can be attributed to:

    • Increased government health spending, making healthcare more affordable.
    • Expansion of public health services, including vaccination and preventive care.
    • Growth in government-funded health insurance and social security programs, reducing reliance on personal funds.
    • Health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have eased the financial burden.
    • Improved public healthcare access and financial protection have reduced hardship for low- and middle-income families.

    PYQ:

    [2021] “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.

     

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Why Pots are integral to understanding Culture?

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Potteries in Ancient India

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt and extension of the original article published in the Indian Express.

    Why Pots are integral to understanding Culture?

    Types of Potteries in Ancient India:

    1. Neolithic Age (10000 BCE): Pottery in this period was handmade, with rough, unglazed surfaces. Later, the footwheel was introduced, making pottery shaping more refined. Materials like clay, mica, and sand were used.
    2. Chalcolithic Age (4500-2000 BCE): The main pottery types during this era were Black-and-Red Ware, Black-on-Red Ware, and Ochre Colored Pottery (OCP). These were seen in cultures like Ahar-Banas and Jorwe, often featuring geometric designs.
    3. Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1500 BCE): Pottery was wheel-thrown, with both polished and unpolished varieties. Common pottery types included Black-and-Red Ware and Painted Grey Ware, adorned with geometric patterns and depictions of animals and plants.
    4. Vedic Era (1500-500 BCE): During this period, Painted Grey Ware (PGW) became prominent, characterized by fine grey pottery with black geometric patterns. Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) emerged, glossy and associated with the elite for its fine finish.
    5. Mauryan and Gupta Periods: The Mauryan period continued the use of NBPW, while the Gupta period introduced redware pottery. The Kushana period added red polished ware with stamped designs.

    Rise in Mercantile Activities and Evolution of Pottery Styles:

    • The Vedic period saw the emergence of Painted Grey Ware (PGW), often linked with the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
    • With the rise of Buddhism, Jainism, and urbanization, NBPW emerged during the Mahajanapada period.
    • Glazed porcelain was introduced around 1000 AD through trade with China and Muslim traders, significantly influencing India’s pottery tradition.

    How Pots are integral to understanding Culture?

    • Material Culture: Pottery is a direct reflection of daily life and technological expertise. It reveals how ancient societies lived, worked, and expressed their culture through artistic and functional objects.
    • Socio-Economic Indicators: The types of pottery indicate economic status. Luxury pottery like NBPW was reserved for the elite, while more common pottery suggests the everyday life of the broader society.
    • Cultural and Religious Practices: Pottery had significant ritualistic and symbolic importance, used in religious ceremonies and burial rituals. Specific pots represented deities or were filled with sacred items like coconuts, bananas, and flowers.
    • Technological and Artistic Development: The evolution of pottery-making, from handmade to wheel-thrown pottery, marks the increasing technological and artistic sophistication of ancient civilizations, highlighting advancements in both craftsmanship and creativity.
    • Chronological Understanding: Pottery helps date ancient sites, providing key insights into the timeline of cultural and technological progress. It allows historians to map out the development of civilizations and better understand their historical context.

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  • Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

    India ranked 24th out of 33 countries in Free Speech Index

    IOCRPrelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Free Speech Index

    Why in the News?

    A global survey by The Future of Free Speech, a US -based think tank, has ranked India 24th out of 33 countries in terms of support for free speech.

    The right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, allowing citizens to express their opinions freely. This right includes various forms of expression like speech, writing, art, and digital media, RTI, and even the right not to speak. However, it is subject to reasonable restrictions as outlined in Article 19(2), including security, public order, and decency.

    About the Free Speech Index

    • The Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank released this report titled ‘Who in the World Supports Free Speech?’.
    • It evaluates public attitudes towards free speech across 33 countries, highlighting trends, regional variations, and challenges to freedom of expression worldwide.
    • It emphasized the decline in support for protecting controversial speech, despite strong abstract support for free speech in many countries.

    India’s Ranking:

    • India is ranked 24th out of 33 countries in the 2024 Global Free Speech Index, with a score of 62.6.
    • While Indians generally consider free speech important, 37% of respondents support restrictions on criticizing government policies, which is the highest percentage among the surveyed countries.
    • India is an exception to the general trend, as public support for free speech does not align with actual protections, pointing to increasing government restrictions on expression.

    Global Highlights:

    • Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) lead the rankings, demonstrating strong commitment to free speech and dissent.
    • Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) showed the biggest improvements, although they still ranked lower on the scale.
    • Several democratic nations, including the US, Israel, and Japan, have seen a decline in free speech support since 2021.
    • Countries like Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) scored high, indicating a disconnect between government-imposed restrictions and public attitudes towards free speech.

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

    [2018] Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?

    (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
    (b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.
    (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.
    (d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.

     

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