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G7 group and Polar research vehicle (PRV) and its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like NITI Aayog , Caste Cnsus 2027 important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for June 05, 2025 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on June 05, 2025
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international significance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International Organisations
Context:
With less than two weeks to go for the start of the G7 Summit, being hosted by Canada in Kananaskis in Alberta from June 15-17, India is still to receive an invitation to the gathering
Read about:
What is G7 group?
Who are the members of G7?
Key takeaways:
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The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal coalition of some of the world’s most advanced industrialized countries, comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
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In recent years, it has become common for the G7 to invite leaders from non-member countries and international bodies to join select sessions. Topics typically include economic strategies, global security, environmental issues, energy, and gender equality.
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The group held its first summit in 1975 in France, initially known as the Group of Six, convened to address the economic downturn triggered by an Arab oil embargo. Canada joined in 1976, forming the G7. Russia became part of the group in 1998, creating the G8, but was removed in 2014 after it annexed Crimea.
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Originally focused on economic matters, the G7 has transformed into a broader platform tackling diverse global challenges. Despite having no permanent secretariat, the group rotates its presidency each year, with the presiding country temporarily managing operations.
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Each annual summit ends with a communiqué that outlines shared political goals and commitments, often shaping international policy, setting agendas, and influencing global decision-making.
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Compared to the G7, the G20—formed in response to the 2008 global financial crisis—is seen as more inclusive. According to a Bruegel think tank analysis, the G20 was created because the G7 was viewed as inadequate for addressing modern crises. However, the G20’s size and diversity have made swift consensus difficult. As a solution, some analysts proposed a revamped G7+ format that would include a unified eurozone voice, and major economies like China, India, and Brazil to better reflect current global realities.
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If India is not invited to this year’s summit, it would mark the country’s first absence since 2019. Aside from 2020—when the U.S. cancelled the summit—Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently participated.
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A recent strain in India-Canada relations has drawn attention. Diplomatic ties were downgraded after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian government agents of possible involvement in the 2023 killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India strongly denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
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G7 host nations typically extend invitations to a select few "guest" or "outreach" countries. So far, Canada has confirmed invitations to Ukraine and Australia but has yet to announce additional guest countries.
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Modi’s first G7 summit invitation came in 2019 when France hosted the event in Biarritz. Before him, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh participated in five G8 summits between 2004 and 2014, until the group returned to the G7 format following Russia’s removal over the Crimea crisis.
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In 2020, then-U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the G7 as outdated and proposed expanding it to include India, Australia, South Korea, and Russia, potentially renaming it G10 or G11. However, this expanded summit did not occur due to the pandemic and U.S. elections.
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Prime Minister Modi attended the 2021 summit virtually, and physically joined the G7 meetings in Germany (2022), Japan (2023), and Italy (2024)
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Answer (B)
Statement 1: India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in East Asian affairs. Statement 2: India wants to plug the vacuum created by the termination of the Cold War. Statement 3: India wants to restore the historical and cultural ties with its neighbours in Southeast and East Asia. |
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science and technology
Context:
On June 3rd, Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), a Government of India undertaking, signed an MoU with Norwegian firm Kongsberg to co-design and build India’s first-ever polar research vehicle (PRV) indigenously. GRSE, which has built warships, survey and research vessels, will build the PRV in its yard in Kolkata.
Read about:
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
India’s first-ever polar research vehicle (PRV)
Key takeaways:
A Polar Research Vehicle (PRV) is a specialized scientific ship designed for conducting research in polar regions — the Arctic and Antarctic. It is equipped with advanced technology to support multidisciplinary studies including climate science, oceanography, glaciology, marine biology, and atmospheric research.
Key Features of a Polar Research Vehicle (PRV):
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Ice-breaking capability: Allows it to navigate through thick sea ice.
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Scientific laboratories: Onboard facilities for real-time analysis of samples.
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Oceanographic equipment: Tools like sonar, CTD profilers, and underwater drones.
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Satellite communication: For live data transmission and remote operations.
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Helipads and small boats: For coastal surveys and reaching remote areas
India's Research Stations in Polar Regions
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India became a signatory to the Svalbard Treaty in 1920 in Paris. As noted by Arctic Portal, this treaty grants Norway full and exclusive sovereignty over the Svalbard archipelago. Although part of the Kingdom of Norway, the laws and regulations enforced on the islands are determined and implemented solely by the Norwegian government.
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India began its Arctic scientific journey in 2007, when a team of five researchers traveled to the International Arctic Research Station at Ny-Ålesund. Their mission focused on initial studies in microbiology, atmospheric science, and geology. The country's first permanent Arctic research station, Himadri, became operational in July 2008.
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In 1983, India established its first Antarctic station, Dakshin Gangotri, two years after its maiden expedition to the continent. Over time, the station became buried beneath ice. However, Maitri and Bharati, India’s other Antarctic bases, continue to function and support research. These activities are carried out under the framework of the Antarctic Treaty.
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The Antarctic Treaty, signed on December 1, 1959, by 12 nations — including Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, the UK, the USA, the Soviet Union, Belgium, Japan, and South Africa — was designed to promote peaceful collaboration and scientific exchange in Antarctica.
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As of now, the treaty has 56 member nations, out of which 29 are recognized as Consultative Parties with active roles in the decision-making process. India, which acceded to the treaty in 1983, holds the status of a Consultative Party
Maritime Development Fund (MDF)
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India is taking significant strides to strengthen its shipbuilding sector. The 2025 Union Budget introduced a comprehensive maritime revival plan, which includes the creation of large-scale shipbuilding hubs, a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund, customs duty relief, and granting infrastructure status to major vessels.
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The Maritime Development Fund, with a corpus of ₹25,000 crore, aims to support diverse stakeholders and encourage competitive practices. The Indian government will provide 49% of the fund, while the remaining portion will come from port authorities and private sector participation.
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With the growth of exports, India's spending on transport services abroad has risen significantly. In 2022 alone, more than $109 billion was paid by Indian traders for transportation services, underscoring the need for domestic shipbuilding investment.
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The MDF is expected to support ship acquisition financing, helping to increase the market share of Indian-flagged vessels in the global shipping trade to 20% by 2047. The initiative also targets an investment inflow of up to ₹1.5 lakh crore by 2030 in the shipping industry.
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Additionally, the budget has prolonged the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) 2.0, allocating ₹18,090 crore for this phase. The policy offers direct financial incentives to Indian shipyards, aimed at boosting their global competitiveness
1.Consider the following countries: (UPSC CSE 2014)
1. Denmark
2. Japan
3. Russian Federation
4. United Kingdom
5. United States of America
Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council’?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 3 and 5 only
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Answer (d)
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Governing Council of NITI Aayog
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The Governing Council of NITI Aayog includes the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories with legislatures, Lieutenant Governors of other UTs, Ex-Officio Members, the Vice Chairperson, Full-time Members of NITI Aayog, and Special Invitees. Established in February 2015 and restructured in February 2021, the Council serves as a platform promoting cooperative federalism, encouraging dialogue on inter-departmental and federal concerns to drive the national development agenda forward.
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Nine Council meetings, all chaired by the Prime Minister, have been held so far, helping shape development policies in collaboration with states.
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When NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015, it marked a shift from a top-down policy approach to a collaborative framework between the Centre and states. Unlike its predecessor, NITI Aayog empowers states to take responsibility for their development goals. In today’s increasingly digital and decentralized world, the Aayog plays a crucial role in closing the gap between power and knowledge.
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The Governing Council meeting acts as the principal venue for discussions between the Centre and state leadership on major national issues. Similarly, the annual Chief Secretaries Conference brings together top civil servants to address governance challenges and exchange best practices. Initiatives like the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme have played a pivotal role in uplifting nearly 350 districts and 500 blocks, helping underdeveloped areas reach the average state-level performance across key socio-economic indicators.
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One critical factor for state-level development is adequate financial resources. A major reform in this direction was the increase in states’ share of the divisible tax pool from 32% to 42%.
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The Centre’s approach to fiscal federalism over the past decade has significantly increased resources available to states. The ratio of total transfers (tax share, grants, and loans) to GDP rose from 5.2% to 6.5%. During this period, central grants surged by 234%, and loans grew nearly tenfold (992%), strengthening the states’ financial capabilities
The Government of India established NITI Aayog in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission, which was set up in 1950, was responsible for formulating India's Five-Year Plans and allocating resources to states. NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was created to promote cooperative federalism, encourage bottom-up planning, and act as a policy think tank focused on long-term strategic planning and development
Follow Up Question
1.The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the (UPSC CSE 2015)
A.Human Rights Commission
B.Finance Commission
C.Law Commission
D.Planning Commission
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Answer (D)
The Government of India replaced the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog in 2015 to serve as a policy think tank and promote cooperative federalism. NITI Aayog focuses on long-term development strategies and supports states in achieving their growth objectives
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The US Geological Survey defines volcanoes as surface openings through which lava, tephra (small rocks), and steam are ejected.
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Volcanoes exist both on land and beneath oceans. They form when intensely hot material escapes to the Earth’s surface. This can include molten rock—called magma while underground and lava once it erupts—along with ash and gases.
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NASA outlines three processes for magma to rise:
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Divergent boundaries – when tectonic plates move apart, magma ascends to fill the gap, often forming underwater volcanoes.
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Convergent boundaries – when plates collide, one may be pushed into the Earth's interior, melt under heat and pressure, and re-emerge as magma.
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Hotspots – where areas of intense heat cause magma to rise due to its lower density.
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The British Geological Survey states that a volcano’s characteristics depend on several factors: the magma’s viscosity, gas content, chemical composition, and how it reaches the surface.
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Volcanoes generally fall into two major categories:
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Stratovolcanoes – tall, conical, with steep slopes.
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Shield volcanoes – broad, gently sloping structures resembling a warrior’s shield.
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Mount Etna, an active volcano on Sicily’s eastern coast, is Europe’s largest and Italy’s highest volcano south of the Alps. It is located just off the “toe” of Italy’s boot-shaped peninsula.
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Etna’s summit has five main craters, with numerous flank vents (over 300) contributing to eruptions on the volcano’s sides.
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Etna is highly active. Since 1600, it has seen around 60 flank eruptions and many summit eruptions. Notable recent activity includes eruptions in 2001, 2002-03, 2004-05, 2006, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2012, 2018, and 2021.
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Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, Etna has a recorded eruptive history of about 500,000 years, with 2,700 years of documented activity.
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Experts believe that recent eruptions were triggered by rising gas pressure inside the volcano, which caused the southeast crater to collapse, releasing lava flows.
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The INGV Etna Observatory reported that the volcano was undergoing a Strombolian eruption—a type marked by moderate explosive bursts ejecting rocks and cinders hundreds of meters into the air due to gas buildup in the magma chamber
1.With reference to volcanic activity, consider the following statements:
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Stratovolcanoes are broad and gently sloping, resembling a warrior’s shield.
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Hotspot volcanism occurs where magma rises due to high pressure and low density, independent of tectonic plate boundaries.
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Strombolian eruptions are typically continuous and non-explosive, involving only gentle lava flows.
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Mount Etna, located in Sicily, is the highest and most active volcano in mainland Europe.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 2 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 1 and 3 only
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Answer (B)
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- A 2ºC rise in global average temperature by 2100, compared to pre-industrial levels, is recognized in the Paris Agreement as the upper limit for "safe" global warming.
- However, due to pressure from the Alliance of Small Island States, this target was further tightened to 1.5ºC. Since then, the climate science community has been working to evaluate the impacts of climate change in relation to these thresholds.
- Yet, climate models used for long-term projections carry uncertainties, especially beyond 2050, because these depend on assumed future greenhouse gas emissions.
- These assumptions are built on uncertain variables like future energy usage, population trends, and policy decisions, making it challenging to predict future climate trajectories with precision.
- The recent record-setting years of 2023 and 2024 have amplified concerns about breaching the 1.5ºC threshold. It's important to note that the 2ºC limit originated somewhat arbitrarily, drawing from economist William Nordhaus’s work in the 1970s.
- Ongoing debates suggest these specific temperature targets lack distinct scientific significance.
- The real-world risks associated with warming depend on how long and how much temperatures overshoot these thresholds — not simply the thresholds themselves. The rising frequency and severity of climate disasters reinforce the urgency of minimizing any additional warming, regardless of specific numeric goals.
- Temperature estimates are derived from a combination of observations and simulations, and various research groups use different models, often leading to contradictory results.
- For instance, some models indicate that the 1.5ºC mark was surpassed in late 2024, while others disagree.
- Historical warming trends suggest that after periods of rapid temperature increases, the pace often slows, as seen with the slight cooling in early 2025. Given the inherent uncertainties in estimating current global temperatures, the focus on global averages may be more symbolic than practical.
- Meaningful climate adaptation and resilience-building require substantial funding and localized climate information to avoid poor planning. In the meantime, mitigation efforts must be sustained and even intensified.
- However, as some countries waver on climate commitments, the priority should shift to short- and medium-term forecasting, particularly at the local level. Climate impacts like heatwaves, floods, and droughts are becoming more intense and frequent, leading to rising economic losses and human suffering.
- These events emphasize the need for accurate and timely forecasting — within days to weeks — which can inform preparedness and response efforts more effectively than global temperature tracking.
- Initiatives such as the UN’s “Early Warnings for All” aim to expand forecasting capacity to poorer nations. To better handle the increasing threat of extreme events, we must also develop decadal forecasts that can guide long-term adaptation planning. This demands a focus on not just disaster occurrence, but also preparedness, response, and recovery.
- Although the tropics are especially vulnerable due to their naturally warm climate, disasters outside this zone — like the severe 2024 floods in Valencia — highlight a key issue: early warnings are useless unless they are effectively communicated and acted upon locally.
- Too often, in the aftermath of such disasters, discussions center on whether they were caused by climate change. A more constructive approach would be to evaluate if forecasts were accurate, if they reached the appropriate agencies in time, and where the system failed — whether in prediction or execution. Both successes and failures in forecasting must be documented and analyzed to strengthen future responses
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Answer (D)
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚). It is one method of reducing the amount of COâ‚‚ in the atmosphere with the goal of reducing global climate change. All three of the options listed are recognized and viable geological sites for long-term carbon storage:
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- The world currently faces three interlinked environmental emergencies: rising carbon emissions, biodiversity decline, and widespread pollution. Despite increased awareness and international initiatives, these challenges have worsened over the past decade.
- From 2015 to 2024, global carbon dioxide emissions increased by nearly 10%, rising from approximately 34.1 billion to 37.4 billion metric tonnes.
- India's emissions also climbed from 2.33 billion to 3.12 billion metric tonnes during this time, largely due to continued reliance on coal and oil. On the biodiversity front, large-scale species extinction and ecosystem disturbances have become increasingly common.
- India, known for its rich biodiversity, is witnessing mounting threats due to deforestation, wetland loss, and monoculture farming practices. Simultaneously, pollution levels—especially air pollution—remain persistently high. India frequently appears among the world's most polluted nations, with Delhi often ranked the worst.
- Several factors contribute to this environmental degradation. A major driver is the dependence on fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—used in electricity generation, transport, and industries.
- In India, coal still powers about 70% of electricity. Another major factor is deforestation and changing land use. Infrastructure development such as roads, mining, and dams, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Western Ghats and Northeast India, has led to increased forest loss.
- Agricultural expansion is another culprit. The use of intensive monoculture methods, heavily reliant on chemical inputs, depletes soil, harms biodiversity, and pollutes water bodies. Additionally, poor waste management and unplanned urban growth exacerbate environmental stress.
- Rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna suffer from untreated waste and industrial discharge, with India producing around 62 million tonnes of solid waste annually—only about 20% of which is properly processed. Lastly, overconsumption and industrial growth, particularly in developed countries, shift environmental costs to poorer nations through global supply chains.
- Though India's per capita carbon emissions (~1.9 tonnes annually) are significantly lower than those of wealthier countries like the U.S. (~14.7 tonnes), its total emissions are rising because of ongoing industrial and urban expansion.
- The effects of pollution and climate stress are disproportionately felt by the poor, from the densely polluted neighborhoods of Delhi to drought-affected areas of Maharashtra.
- Moreover, India is also adversely affected by environmental damage caused by historic emissions from developed nations.
- Climate change has made Indian weather patterns more extreme, leading to heavier monsoons, frequent floods, and severe heatwaves, while loss of biodiversity has impacted food security and public health systems.
- A robust solution requires greater accountability from developed countries. Rich nations need to substantially reduce emissions, provide adequate climate funding, and stop shifting polluting industries to the Global South.
- Corporations with large carbon footprints must be regulated through strict environmental laws and carbon taxes. Development models should prioritize ecological integrity—for instance, companies ignoring green standards should be barred from market participation. Implementing such frameworks can lead to systemic change.
- A future-oriented development approach must support eco-friendly livelihoods, sustainable agriculture, and community-driven conservation efforts
1.With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)
(a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’
(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment
(d) Both (a) and (b)
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Answer (a)
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international significance.
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance
Context:
The announcement Wednesday of the decision to conduct Population Census-2027 in two phases along with enumeration of castes has reopened the debate on delimitation, especially in the southern states, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin seeking an answer from the Centre and accusing it of delaying the headcount to reduce the state’s parliamentary representation
Read about:
Caste Census
Delimitation Commission
Key takeaways:
- Delimitation has remained a controversial issue, especially for ruling parties in southern states, who worry they might lose seats in Parliament if the process is carried out using the most recent Census data.
- This concern arises from the fact that these states have been more successful in controlling population growth compared to their northern counterparts. In response to this, Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, the DMK, passed a resolution earlier this year opposing Census-based delimitation.
- As per official sources, although the exact timetable has not yet been announced, it is expected to be published via a gazette notification on June 16. The house-listing stage of the Census is likely to begin between March and April 2026, and wrap up by September 2026. The main enumeration phase will follow in February 2027 and span 21 days.
- The entire process will involve around 25–30 lakh enumerators. Notably, this Census will be conducted digitally, which is expected to streamline the process and reduce the time between provisional and final results. Any discrepancies found during verification could take up to six months to resolve, but with digital tools, the provisional and final figures are expected to align closely.
- Following data collection, the Delimitation Commission will develop a formula—likely based on population-per-constituency ratios—in consultation with state governments and other stakeholders to carry out the delimitation. As per constitutional provisions (Articles 81 and 82), delimitation should occur after every Census. This was done after the 1951, 1961, and 1971 Censuses.
- However, the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, enacted during the Emergency period, froze the total number of Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats based on the 1971 Census until after the 2001 Census. The most recent delimitation exercise, conducted under the Delimitation Act of 2002, used the 2001 Census only to redefine constituency boundaries, not to increase the number of seats.
- Further, the 84th Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 2002, deferred inter-state delimitation until the Census conducted after 2026. As per the 2002 Delimitation Act, the Commission is chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge and includes the Chief Election Commissioner and the respective State Election Commissioners. Although MPs and MLAs from the states participate in the process, they do not have voting rights.
- If the central government decides to raise the total number of Lok Sabha seats, it will require a Constitutional amendment with a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Article 81 currently caps the total Lok Sabha seats at 550.
Follow Up Question
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Answer (a)
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