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Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for January 1, 2025. If you missed the December 31, 2024 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here
THE WORLD
South Korea court approves arrest of President Yoon over martial law probe
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
Main Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
What’s the ongoing story: A South Korean court gave authorities approval to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol in a criminal investigation into his martial law decree, marking the first time that a sitting president of the country has faced arrest.
Key Points to Ponder:
• What are the constitutional and legal framework in South Korea that allows for the accountability of the President?
• Discuss the historical context of martial law in South Korea.
• How martial law in South Korea impacted the country’s political and democratic evolution?
• ‘The recent arrest approval for President Yoon in the martial law probe highlights the importance of judicial independence in a democracy’-Comment
• Analyse the role of an independent judiciary in maintaining checks and balances in governance.
• Compare the provisions for presidential accountability in South Korea with those in India.
• “Martial law represents a paradox of governance — ensuring order while risking democratic norms.” Discuss this statement in the context of South Korea’s history and recent developments.
• What is the significance of President Yoon’s arrest approval in the broader context of South Korea’s democratic maturity.
• What lessons can emerging democracies learn from South Korea’s handling of legal and political crises? Provide examples to support your arguments.
Key Takeaways:
• The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) confirmed the Seoul Western District Court approved an arrest warrant requested by investigators examining Yoon’s short-lived imposition of martial law.
• Yoon, who has been suspended from office, is facing investigation on allegations that he was the leader of an insurrection, one of the few criminal charges from which a South Korean president does not have immunity.
• The arrest warrant for an incumbent president is unprecedented, and deepens the political crisis that has engulfed South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key U.S. ally.
• Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who took over from Yoon as acting president, has also been impeached by parliament, which is dominated by the opposition.
• The current arrest warrant is viable until Jan. 6, and gives investigators only 48 hours to hold Yoon after he is arrested. Investigators must then decide whether to request a detention warrant or release him.
• Once arrested, Yoon is expected to be held at the Seoul Detention Center, Yonhap news agency said, citing the CIO.
Do You Know:
• Martial law is the replacement of civilian government by military rule, and the suspension of civilian legal processes for military ones. Standard civil liberties may be suspended for as long as martial law continues.
• Article 77 of the Republic of Korea’s constitution contains provisions pertaining to the declaration of martial law in the country. It says: “When it is required to cope with a military necessity or to maintain the public safety and order by mobilization of the military forces in time of war, armed conflict or similar national emergency, the President may proclaim martial law as prescribed by law.”
• “Under extraordinary martial law, special measures may be taken with respect to the necessity for warrants, freedom of speech, the press, assembly and association, or the powers of the Executive and the Judiciary under the conditions as prescribed by law,” Article 77 further says.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍Why South Korea President has declared ‘emergency martial law’, what this means
UPSC Practice Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
1. What is the significance of the martial law investigation in South Korea?
(a) It pertains to economic reforms introduced by the President.
(b) It examines the potential misuse of military authority during political crises.
(c) It involves allegations of corruption in defense procurement.
(d) It reviews changes in constitutional law under the current regime.
FRONT PAGE
In Trump era, look beyond IT for H-1B visas: Think tank RIS
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
Mains Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
What’s the ongoing story: Amid the raging debate over H-1B visas in the US, policy think tank Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) Tuesday said there was a need to diversify the skill sets beyond software since a bulk of the H1-B visas are allotted to IT professionals.
Key Points to Ponder:
• What is H-1B visas ?
• Discuss the role of H-1B visas in shaping India-U.S. relations.
• How can diversifying the scope of H-1B visa applications beyond IT benefit both nations?
• Analyse the challenges posed by the Trump administration’s immigration policies on the H-1B visa program?
• Evaluate the recommendation by RIS to diversify the scope of H-1B visas beyond IT.
• What sectors can Indian professionals explore to mitigate the challenges posed by restrictive U.S. visa policies?
• Discuss the strategic importance of the H-1B visa program for India and the U.S.
• How does the H-1B visa program contribute to the U.S. economy?
• What are the implications of H-1B visa restrictions on global talent mobility?
• In the context of the Trump administration, how can Indian policymakers address the challenges faced by Indian professionals due to restrictive U.S. immigration policies? Propose viable strategies for diversifying employment opportunities abroad.
Key Takeaways:
• Stressing on preparedness before President-elect Donald Trump enters the White House on January 20, the think tank said India’s consumer goods exports such as pharma, gems and jewellery, and marine exports are particularly vulnerable to US tariffs.
• India should focus on skill distribution since there is hardly any potential for growth in the H-1B benefits to India as it receives 72 per cent of the total visas under the programme, former Commerce Secretary Rajeev Kher said.
• The researchers flagged that India is firm in the services sector in the US, but there is a high reliance on the H-1B visa as a tool for service delivery.
• India’s final consumer goods segment may emerge as a significant trade target, as the country recorded its largest trade surplus with the United States in 2023, RIS said in its policy brief ‘Trade, Tariff and Trump’.
• The trade equation tilted markedly in India’s favour, with imports from the US amounting to $2.9 billion while exports surged to $26.6 billion,” RIS said in its policy brief ‘Trade, Tariff and Trump’.
• SK Mohanty, Professor at the RIS, said India has consistently maintained trade surplus with the US except during 2008, 2018 and 2022 where there was minor dip. Mohanty said tariffs will not only be imposed on India since several others have way more surplus with the US than India.
• RIS said that maintaining a “sustainable edge” in the final consumer goods sector could pose a “critical challenge” for India in its trade relations with the US.
Do You Know:
• The H-1B visa program allows American employers to hire immigrant workers in occupations that require “a high level of skill” and “at least a bachelor’s degree”, according to the US Department of Labour.
• The program was started in 1990, with the intention of helping “employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the US workforce by authorising the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorised to work in the United States”.
• An H-1B visa can be issued for a maximum of six years at a stretch, after which the visa holder has to either leave the US for a period of at least 12 months before returning, or apply for and receive permanent residence (“Green Card”).
Currently, there is an annual numerical limit (regular cap) of 65,000 new statuses/ visas under this program each fiscal year, with an extra 20,000 visas available to those with a master’s degree or higher from a US university.
• Immigration is one of the most polarising political issues in the US. According to a YouGov poll from October, 14.6% registered voters felt it was the most important issue in the (then) upcoming election. This number was only 2.1% in 2012.
• Much of the election-time anti-immigration rhetoric focused on low-skilled labour migration. Besides the intrinsic racism, this rhetoric is fuelled by the belief that such immigration depresses wages, and takes away jobs that would have otherwise gone to the American working class — which has long been hit by high unemployment, low wages, inflation, a housing crisis, and other economic problems.
• Trump has successfully cashed in on such sentiments, promising to make conditions better for the average working class American by curbing immigration. The current controversy involves many of the same themes as Trump’s “Mexicans-are-stealing-American-jobs” rhetoric — only this time in the context of immigration into the US of skilled personnel for higher paying jobs.
• People born in India are the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B program. Data from the US government show that Indians account for more than 70% of all H-1B petitions approved each year since 2015. People born in China come a distant second, hovering at the 12-13% mark since 2018.
• The US is India’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching almost $120 billion in FY24 — slightly higher than India’s China trade. However, unlike China, India’s trade relationship with the US is favourable, which makes the US a vital source of foreign exchange.
• Despite attempts to diversify exports, India’s dependence on the US has grown over the past decade. According to official 2022-23 data, the US accounts for 18% of India’s exports, compared to 10% in 2010-11. India’s export basket to the US is well-diversified, benefiting industries ranging from textiles to electronics and engineering.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍Trump says he has ‘always liked’ H-1B visas: How the programme did under his last term
UPSC Practice Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
2. Which Indian think tank has proposed recommendations for diversifying the use of H-1B visas beyond IT jobs?
(a) Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
(b) Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS)
(c) Centre for Policy Research (CPR)
(d) Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER)
Manipur strife led to rise in NE violence: MHA report
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
Mains Examination:
• General Studies II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
• General Studies III: Linkages between development and spread of extremism and Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
• General Studies III: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
What’s the ongoing story: In a rare admission of the situation in Manipur, the Ministry of Home Affairs has attributed the spike in insurgency in the North-East region to the ethnic strife in the state.
Key Points to Ponder:
• Manipur Violence-what you know till now?
• What do you understand by the term ‘ethnic violence?
• What is the cause of ethnic violence in Manipur?
• Examine the role of ethnic and communal tensions in the North-eastern region of India with a focus on the Manipur conflict.
• Discuss the socio-political and historical reasons for persistent violence in the North-eastern states of India.
• Critically analyze the impact of the Manipur strife on regional stability in the Northeast.
• What measures can the government take to ensure peace and harmony in the Northeast region?
• “The ethnic diversity of the North-eastern region is both its strength and a challenge.” Discuss this statement in the context of the recent MHA report on violence in the region.
• Evaluate the role of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the context of rising violence in the North-eastern region.
• Should AFSPA be amended or repealed? Provide a reasoned argument.
• Analyse the role of central and state governments in mitigating communal and ethnic violence in the North-eastern region.
How can governance reforms contribute to long-term peace in the North-eastern region of India?
• What lessons can India learn from the Manipur conflict in managing ethnic diversity and ensuring equitable development in the North-eastern region?
• “Insurgency and ethnic conflicts in the Northeast are deeply rooted in historical grievances.” Discuss this statement in light of the recent rise in violence in the region, as highlighted by the MHA report.
Key Takeaways:
• In its annual report, released Monday evening, the MHA said, “The increase of insurgency-related violence in 2023 was primarily due to ethnic strife in Manipur… Manipur is affected by activities of Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, Hmar insurgent groups.”
• “The State accounted for about 77% of the total violent incidents in NER (North-East Region) in 2023 (Manipur: 187, entire NE: 243)… counter-insurgency operations resulted in killing of 33 insurgents and arrest of 184 insurgents with recovery of 49 weapons… 80 cadres of insurgent outfits surrendered with 31 arms,” the report stated.
• The Centre, the report stated, has extended special assistance to Manipur and Rs 247.26 crore was released up to March 31 this year.
• According to the data, 209 insurgency-related incidents of violence were reported in 2021, 23 civilians, eight security personnel and 40 extremists were killed. “686 extremists were arrested, 1,473 extremists have surrendered, 368 arms were recovered, 471 arms were surrendered, and 94 persons were kidnapped,” it stated.
• Until March 31 this year, 77 insurgency-related incidents had been reported in which nine civilians and four extremists were killed, 53 people kidnapped, 125 extremists arrested and 25 surrendered, 51 weapons recovered and 7 weapons were turned in, according to the report.
• To provide connectivity to remote areas of the region, a helicopter subsidy scheme is being administered by the MHA in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur.
Do You Know:
• The Meiteis are the largest community in Manipur. There are 34 recognized tribes, which are broadly classified as ‘Any Kuki Tribes’ and ‘Any Naga Tribes’. The central valley in the state accounts for about 10% of the landmass of Manipur, and is home primarily to the Meitei and Meitei Pangals who constitute roughly 64.6% of the state’s population. The remaining 90% of the state’s geographical area comprises hills surrounding the valley, which are home to the recognized tribes, making up about 35.4% of the state’s population.
• Prakash Singh Writes: It was on May 3, 2023, that ethnic violence erupted in Manipur between the Meiteis, a majority that lives in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribals, who inhabit the surrounding Hills. The Government of India seems to have forgotten the simplest of lessons in dealing with the tribal unrest. The primary concern should no doubt be to put down violence. This should, however, be quickly followed or even accompanied by an effort to address the grievances, find a middle ground, reconcile the differences, form peace committees at different levels, and take such political initiatives which convince the people of the government’s sincerity and inspire confidence. There should be, what is called, the WHAM approach — winning hearts and minds.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes on Manipur: The darkness we unsee
UPSC Practice Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
3. If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (2022)
(a) This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people.
(b) This would create a local self-governing body in that area.
(c) This would convert that area into a Union Territory.
(d) The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State.
School numbers dip 1 cr in 2023-24; Govt says count now more accurate
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
Mains Examination: General Studies II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
What’s the ongoing story: For the first time in many years, enrolment of students in schools, as per a UDISE+ report, has declined by over a crore in 2022-23 and 2023-24 compared to an average of about 26 crore every year over the previous four years, with the drop being attributed by officials to improved data collection methods that eliminated duplicate entries.
Key Points to Ponder:
• What is the UDISE Plus Report?
• What are the Findings of the UDISE Plus 2021-22 Report?
• “The decline in the number of schools in India in 2023-24 is not merely a quantitative change but an indicator of qualitative reform”—Discuss
• What are the challenges faced by the government in ensuring accurate and reliable data on school education infrastructure in India?
• The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the education sector in multiple ways—Examine the long-term implications of these changes on the quality of education in India.
• Explain the role of technology in improving the accuracy of educational data in India.
• How can technological interventions be leveraged to address discrepancies in school-related statistics?
Key Takeaways:
• The latest report shows that school enrolment stayed above 26 crore from 2018-19 to 2021-22, with slight increases of a few lakh students each year. While there was a small dip during the Covid year of 2020-21, the numbers remained above 26 crore throughout this period.
• For the first time, enrolment figures fell to 25.17 crore in 2022-23 and further declined to 24.8 crore in 2023-24. This represents a drop of about 1.55 crore students (nearly 6 per cent) from the 2018-19 to 2021-22 period, when enrolment averaged 26.36 crore.
• Ministry officials acknowledged the drop in enrolment but said it stemmed from revised data collection methods implemented in 2022-23. Under the new system, schools must now provide student-specific information rather than just school-level numbers.
• The latest UDISE+ report in fact states that the new data collation method would lead to “identification of beneficiaries for benefit transfers of Samagra Shiksha scheme, PM POSHAN Scheme, National Scholarship scheme etc” and that this “can bring significant savings to government in future years.”
• Among the states, the largest fall in enrolment in 2023-24 compared to 2018-19 was in Bihar, where it dipped by 35.65 lakh, followed by Uttar Pradesh (28.26 lakh), and Maharashtra (18.55 lakh). Most states and UTs have recorded a fall in enrolment in 2023-24 compared to 2018-19, except for Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Telangana.
• Compared to the 2018-19 to 2021-22 average, the 2023-24 enrolment data shows a drop in both government (12.74 crore in 2023-24 compared to the four-year average of 13.5 crore) and private school (around 9 crore in 2023-24 compared to the four-year average of 9.34 crore) enrolment, but a larger drop of around 5.59% in government schools against a 3.67% drop in private ones.
• Similarly, enrolment among both boys and girls dropped, but marginally higher for boys.
Do You Know:
• UDISE is India’s most comprehensive database on school education, and serves as a crucial tool for monitoring and evaluating the quality of education from pre-primary to higher secondary levels. This report is prepared by the Education Ministry based on data fed directly by the states on parameters such as enrolment, number of teachers, and number of schools.
• A total of 12.87 crore boys were enrolled in 2023-24, a drop of around 6.04% compared to an average of 13.7 crore from 2018-19 to 2021-22. Around 11.93 crore girls were enrolled in 2023-24, compared to the four-year average of 12.66 crore.
• The drop in 2023-24 compared to the four-year average has been seen in the primary (Classes 1 to 5), upper primary (Classes 6 to 8), and secondary (Classes 9 and 10) levels. In contrast, the pre-primary and higher secondary (Classes 11 and 12) levels have seen an increase in enrolment in 2023-24, compared to the 2018-19 to 2021-22 average.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍Bucking national trend, more primary students in private schools than govt ones in these states
Previous Year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:
📍The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based systems for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse.
World starts waking up to Indian coffee, exports cross $1 bn first time
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
Mains Examination: General Studies III: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints
What’s the ongoing story: Traditionally a tea exporter, India is making significant inroads into the global coffee export market with total exports during the current financial year up to November crossing the $1-billion mark for the first time, according to data from Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE).
Key Points to Ponder:
• Discuss the geographic distribution of coffee production in India.
• Highlight the factors that make specific regions suitable for coffee cultivation.
• Discuss the major challenges faced by coffee growers in India.
• Suggest measures to improve productivity and sustainability in coffee cultivation.
• “Indian coffee holds a unique position in the global coffee market”— analyse the statement with reference to the quality, branding, and export trends of Indian coffee.
• How does coffee cultivation impact the socio-economic conditions of the regions where it is grown in India? Illustrate with examples.
• Describe the role of the Coffee Board of India in promoting coffee production and export.
• Indian coffee exports have crossed $1 billion for the first time, reflecting a growing global demand. Examine how India can leverage its agricultural exports to strengthen trade relations with European and North American markets.
• What are the ethical dimensions of promoting organic and sustainable practices in the Indian coffee industry.
Key Takeaways:
• The sharp growth is partly attributed to a surge in Robusta coffee prices, which account for over 40 per cent of global production, and partly due to stocking ahead of the European Union’s new deforestation regulation that could raise the cost of coffee as well as several other agricultural exports to the EU.
• India’s coffee exports rose to a record high of $1,146.9 million between April and November in FY24, compared to $803.8 million during the same period last year, registering a 29 per cent rise. This figure is nearly double the exports during the same period in FY21, which stood at $460 million.
• Global Robusta prices have soared to multi-decade highs due to supply issues in major coffee-producing countries like Vietnam and Brazil.
• Notably, India’s exports of tea saw little change despite expectations of gaining new markets following the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, one of the largest tea exporters in the world.
• A report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) earlier this month highlighted that drought and high temperatures in Brazil during the fruit development and filling period caused Arabica and Robusta yields to fall below initial projections.
• Notably, Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer, contributing about 40 per cent of global production. Meanwhile, Vietnam, the second-largest coffee producer, has also reported lower production forecasts.
• Coffee Board data showed that Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Hassan in Karnataka with 2,48,020 MTs during 2022-23 is the largest producer of Arabica and Robusta coffee. Kerala comes a distinct second at 72,425 MTs followed by Tamil Nadu at 18,700 MTs.
Do You Know:
• Official data revealed that India’s top export destination between April and November this year was the European Union, with Italy, Belgium, and Germany accounting for nearly half of total coffee exports. Other significant destinations included Russia, the UAE and the US, which together accounted for about 20 per cent of total exports. The US, Germany, France, Italy are the largest importers of coffee.
• The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), aimed at preventing products sold in the EU from being sourced from deforested land, was scheduled for implementation in December. However, the European Parliament recently decided to extend the regulation’s timeline by another year.
• According to the think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the EUDR is expected to impact India’s agricultural exports to the EU, valued at $1.3 billion, more severely than exports from competing countries due to India’s higher deforestation rate.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍Explained: Why the govt plans to scrap the decades-old Coffee Act
Previous Year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
4. Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements: (2010)
1. Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
2. Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only.
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
GOVT & POLITICS
Govt gives sanction, J&K revenue secy first IAS officer in the case to be prosecuted
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
Mains Examination:
• General Studies II: Role of civil services in a democracy.
• General Studies IV: challenges of corruption.
What’s the ongoing story: The central government has allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation to prosecute Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Secretary Kumar Rajeev Ranjan for alleged irregularities in granting gun licences, making him the first IAS officer against whom such a prosecution sanction has been granted in the case.
Key Points to Ponder:
• Who is competent to suspend an IAS officer?
• What is Article 311 of the Constitution?
• Discuss the legal and procedural framework for prosecuting IAS officers in India under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
• Highlight the significance of requiring prior sanction for prosecution.
• The case of prosecution sanction for a serving IAS officer in Jammu and Kashmir sets a precedent—Analyse the implications of this development
• “Balancing bureaucratic autonomy and accountability is a delicate task in governance”—Critically examine this statement
• Evaluate the role of the Central Government and State Governments in granting prosecution sanctions for IAS officers.
• Corruption cases against high-ranking officials like IAS officers undermine public trust in governance. Suggest reforms to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in handling such cases.
Key Takeaways:
• The CBI is probing irregularities in granting over 2.74 lakh gun licences between 2012 and 2016 — when J&K was still a state — by district magistrates (DMs), deputy commissioners and licencing authorities for “monetary considerations”. Agencies estimate the alleged scam to run into more than Rs 100 crore.
• In October, the CBI told the court that it was still awaiting prosecution sanction against 16 erstwhile District Magistrates (13 IAS officers and three KAS officers) who, during their posting in different districts of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state, had issued gun licences “illegally” to “ineligible people” across the country.
• On November 25, a Division Bench of the HC comprising Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice M.A. Chowdhary had expressed displeasure over “selective prosecution” in the case, observing that while the CBI had already concluded its investigation, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had yet to sanction their prosecution.
Do You Know:
• The Central Government is the competent authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings against IAS officers for misconducts while working in the affairs of Government of India. The Central Government is also the competent authority in respect of disciplinary proceedings initiated by the State Government where subsequent to inquiry, a major penalty has been proposed.
• The Central Government also considers proposals for sanction for prosecution against IAS Officers for offences under P.C. Act, 1988, subsequent to completion of investigation and filing of chargesheet. In the past one year 8 cases for prosecution sanction have been granted by the Central Government.
• DoPT in exercise of powers conferred under sub-rule 3 of the Rule 16 of the All India Services (Death-cum-retirement Benefits) Rules 1958 has prematurely retired, in public interest, 4 (four) IAS officers since 2014.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍Frequently Asked Quests (FAQs) in respect of AVD-I
UPSC Practice Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
5. Under which of the following laws is prior sanction required for prosecuting public servants, including IAS officers, for corruption-related offenses?
(a) Indian Penal Code, 1860
(b) Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
(c) Representation of the People Act, 1951
(d) Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964
No talk with me, India won’t back any regime change move in Maldives: Nasheed
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
Main Examination: General Studies II: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
What’s the ongoing story: Hours after a report in The Washington Post claimed that Indian intelligence explored a plan with the Maldives Opposition to oust President Mohamed Muizzu following his election last year, Mohamed Nasheed, the island nation’s former President, said he does not believe India will be willing to assist in a regime change and “never had any such conversation with me”.
Key Points to Ponder:
• India and Maldives Bilateral Relations-Know the Historical Background
• How are things between India and the Maldives now?
• Why Maldives is Geo-Strategically Important to India?
• India and Maldives-What are the major issues in Bilateral Relations?
• Political developments in the Maldives in the last few years-Know in detail
• What Steps India has taken in the recent years to ensure friendly relations with Maldives?
• Why the two countries need each other?
Key Takeaways:
• Citing a document titled ‘Democratic Renewal Initiative’, the Post claimed that the Maldivian Opposition proposed bribing 40 MPs, including those from Muizzu’s own party, to vote to impeach him, and also paying 10 senior army and police officers.
• It claimed the plotters failed to gather enough votes to impeach Muizzu, and India did not pursue or finance an attempt to oust him.
• Reached for comment, former President Nasheed told The Indian Express that India is the biggest democracy in the world and a society ruled by law.
• In a statement, Nasheed said: “I have had over 20 years of close association with all levels of Indian government and institutions. I find that India respects the other point of view even when you are disagreeing. It does not dictate its perceptions and beliefs to other countries, political parties or political leaders. In my engagements with India I have found that it is India’s view that strengthening Maldives democratic process, institutions and its economy is not only in the best interest of Maldives, but also India.”
Do You Know:
• Maldives’ proximity to the west coast of India (barely 70 nautical miles from Minicoy and 300 nautical miles from India’s West coast), and its location at the hub of commercial sea-lanes running through the Indian Ocean (particularly the 8° N and 1 ½° N channels) imbues it with significant strategic importance to India. Maldives is one of the key elements in India’s maritime security calculus. The security scenario in India’s periphery in the Indian Ocean is very much linked to the maritime strength of Maldives.
• Estimates suggest that almost 70 per cent of Maldives’ defence training is done by India — either on the islands or in India’s elite military academies. India has trained over 1,500 Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) personnel in the past 10 years. The Indian Navy has given aircraft and choppers to the Maldivian defence forces for aerial surveillance, and have trained their personnel on how to land vertically in the islands. India also wants to set up a coastal radar system in Maldives, with a view to keep an eye on the activities in the Indian Ocean.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍Maldives, India, China: history shapes the present
UPSC Practice Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
6. The Maldives has been part of which of the following Indian Ocean Region (IOR) initiatives or groupings?
1. Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
2. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
3. Colombo Security Conclave
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Previous Year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:
📍Discuss the political developments in the Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause for concern to India? (2013)
📍Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and/energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition? (2024)
EXPLAINED
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
Mains Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
What’s the ongoing story: Two ongoing wars, regime changes in India’s neighbourhood and in West Asia, and a phenomenal return to the United States presidency by Donald Trump in 2024 foretell a fascinating 2025 geopolitically. Trump is the biggest X-factor as seat belts are fastened in world capitals in anticipation of a roller coaster ride for the next four years.
Key Points to Ponder:
• “The return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency in 2024 presents new challenges and opportunities for India”-Do You agree?
• Analyse the implications of his trade and foreign policies for India-U.S. relations.
• Discuss the impact of regime changes in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in 2024 on India’s foreign policy in South Asia.
• How can India address emerging challenges while fostering regional stability?
• Examine the steps India should take to balance economic cooperation with strategic security concerns with China?
• Analyse India’s position as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• What are the strategic advantages and risks involved in playing a neutral role by India in most of the global conflicts?
• Examine the implications of political instability in Europe and the rise of far-right movements for India’s diaspora and trade negotiations.
• How should India adapt its foreign policy to engage effectively with a changing Europe?
• Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of India’s increased engagement with African nations.
• India’s strained relationship with Canada and its impact on India-U.S. relations highlight the complexities of modern diplomacy. Suggest ways in which India can navigate these challenges while safeguarding its global image and strategic interests.
Key Takeaways:
Here are the hard realities from the year gone by, and the opportunities and challenges that the new year will likely present:
• Trump has come back after a break, more confident and possibly wiser — and has announced nominees for all key appointments long before inauguration day on January 20. His declared intentions of ending ongoing wars and imposing steep tariffs on trade rivals of the US have piqued curiosity and anxiety in many countries.
• Weeks of sustained street protests drove Sheikh Hasina from power after 16 years, and forced her to flee to India. The new establishment under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has asked New Delhi to send her back, even as his interim government itself faces heat on the struggling economy, and for failing to protect religious minorities in Bangladesh.
• The leftist politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who does not belong either to the traditional mainstream parties or the political elite that has ruled Sri Lanka from the beginning, was propelled to the presidency by mass disaffection that had brought down the government of Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022.
• Almost a year after Mohamed Muizzu came to power on an anti-India plank, New Delhi was able to secure a visit — and some positive signalling — from him in early October 2024.
• K P Sharma Oli, whose pro-China stand has not been comforting to India, became Prime Minister for the fourth time in July. His alliance with Sher Bahadur Deuba’s Nepali Congress, however, has had a calming influence.
Do You Know:
• After the breakthrough in the disengagement process, New Delhi and Beijing have signalled they are discussing both border issues and other steps to normalise ties impacted by almost five years of the standoff in Ladakh. Some 50,000-60,000 troops continue to be deployed along the border, and a drawdown could happen in the summer of 2025.
• India will be closely watching the next steps of de-escalation and de-induction of troops before it yields on the economic and visa restrictions that it has placed on Chinese businesses. Much will depend on whether Beijing keeps its end of the de-escalation bargain, and whether Indian soldiers are indeed able to patrol till the pre-2020 patrolling points, and local villagers can access their traditional grazing grounds.
• The doctrine of indifference towards Pakistan continues, with India not agreeing to play cricket in that country. The public rhetoric has been muted, but bilateral engagements have not picked up yet.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍Quad Foreign Ministers vow to work towards free, stable Indo-Pacific
UPSC Practice Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
7. The term “doctrine of indifference,” mentioned in the context of India-Pakistan relations, refers to:
(a) India’s refusal to engage with Pakistan on economic issues.
(b) India’s policy of avoiding engagement with Pakistan until terrorism is addressed.
(c) India’s stance of prioritizing regional trade over bilateral ties.
(d) India’s doctrine of non-intervention in the internal affairs of Pakistan.
ECONOMY
India delays UPI market share cap in relief for PhonePe, Google Pay
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
Mains Examination: General Studies III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
What’s the ongoing story: In a relief to UPI payments market leaders, PhonePe and Google Pay, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has extended the deadline for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to meet the market cap deadline of 30% to December 31, 2024. The earlier deadline to meet the market cap norm was December 31, 2022.
Key Points to Ponder:
• Discuss the rationale behind introducing a market share cap in the UPI ecosystem.
• The dominance of platforms like PhonePe and Google Pay in India’s UPI ecosystem poses both opportunities and challenges-Analyse
• Examine the role of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in maintaining a competitive and secure UPI ecosystem.
• In the context of India’s digital payment landscape, how does the UPI market share cap align with broader economic and regulatory goals? Suggest measures to ensure a balanced implementation of this policy.
• Analyse the implications of delaying the UPI market share cap on smaller fintech companies and the broader goal of a competitive digital payments ecosystem in India.
Key Takeaways:
• “Taking into account the present usage and future potential of UPI, and other relevant factors, the timelines for compliance of existing TPAPs (third-party app providers) who are exceeding the volume cap, is extended by two years, that is, till December 31, 2024 to comply with the volume cap,” NPCI said in a statement.
• The extension of the deadline will mean that PhonePe and Google Pay – the two biggest players with market share of 47% and 34% as of October – will get two more years to adhere to NPCI’s guideline. Paytm, the third biggest player in the segment, has a market share of 15%.
• UPI transactions, which had crossed Rs 10 trillion in May in value terms, stood at Rs 11.90 trillion in November compared to Rs 12.11 trillion a month ago, as per NPCI data.
Do You Know:
• As per the latest NPCI circular, the burden is on other existing and new UPI players to ínvest more to increase their own UPI market share, Nigam said further, adding the organic market share of participants in the UPI industry will not change significantly, and NPCI will have to keep extending the market cap indefinitely.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), merging several banking features, seamless fund routing & merchant payments into one hood. It also caters to the “Peer to Peer” collect request which can be scheduled and paid as per requirement and convenience.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍The one thing that threatens India’s booming UPI market
Previous Year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
8. Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’? (2017)
(a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.
(b) Digital currency will totally replace the physical currency in about two decades.
(c) FDI inflows will drastically increase.
(d) Direct transfer of subsidies to poor people will become very effective.
9. Consider the following statements: (2017)
1. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) helps in promoting the financial inclusion in the country.
2. NPCI has launched RuPay, a card payment scheme.
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
|
PRELIMS ANSWER KEY |
| 1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (a) 9.(C) |
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