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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on March 07, 2025
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Legislative Research Data
According to Article 101(4) of the Constitution, if a Member of Parliament (MP) is absent from all sessions of either House for 60 days without permission, their seat may be declared vacant. However, this period excludes any time when the House is prorogued or adjourned for more than four consecutive days.
In practical terms, only the actual sitting days of Parliament count toward the absence period. For example, Amritpal has attended only one session of the Lok Sabha—his swearing-in last July. Since then, he has been in detention in Assam, leading to nearly 50 missed sessions.
Seeking Leave for Absence
The key phrase in Article 101(4) is “without permission of the House.” MPs who anticipate prolonged absences can formally request leave through the Committee on Absence of Members from the Sittings of the House, which evaluates such requests and makes recommendations. These recommendations must be approved by the House, though in most cases, such applications are rarely denied.
According to parliamentary expert Achary, Amritpal, as an MP, has the right to apply to the committee for permission to remain absent, citing his imprisonment and inability to secure bail as valid reasons.
Suspension of MPs
- It is the role and duty of the Presiding officer- Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairman of Rajya Sabha to maintain order so that the House can function smoothly.
- In order to ensure that proceedings are conducted in the proper manner, the Speaker/Chairman is empowered to force a member to withdraw from the House.
Follow Up Question
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Answer (B)
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- India and the European Union are striving to finalize their long-awaited bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday following his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Delhi.
- Additionally, the two sides are negotiating a new strategic security and defense partnership agreement to replace the existing Strategic Roadmap for 2020-2025, ahead of the upcoming EU-India summit scheduled later this year.
- Ms. von der Leyen’s visit to Delhi marked a significant moment, as she led the College of Commissioners, representing the largest EU Cabinet delegation to India to date.
- During the discussions, both sides outlined a comprehensive framework for cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, investment, innovation, green growth, security, skill development, and mobility. “We have instructed our teams to finalize a mutually beneficial bilateral Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year,” PM Modi stated.
- An EU official, while briefing the media, described the FTA plan as ambitious but acknowledged that its success hinges on India’s willingness to reduce tariffs on European automobiles and alcoholic beverages. “I would even go as far as to say that without a significant commitment on cars, there will not be a trade agreement between the European Union and India,” the official remarked.
- When questioned about the feasibility of the year-end deadline, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Tanmay Lal emphasized that both sides have distinct concerns. However, he added, “The leaders have now provided a decisive and clear mandate to their teams.”
- In recent years, India has accelerated trade negotiations with several nations, though FTA deadlines have often been missed, including those with the United Kingdom, Australia, and others.
- The India-EU relationship holds the potential to become one of the most significant partnerships of the 21st century, with ties to India expected to form a cornerstone of Europe’s foreign policy. It is now time to elevate this relationship to new heights
- A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a pact between two or more countries aimed at reducing or eliminating barriers to trade, such as tariffs, quotas, and import/export restrictions, to facilitate the free flow of goods and services across borders.
- The primary goal of an FTA is to boost economic growth by increasing trade volumes, enhancing market access, and fostering economic cooperation between the participating nations.
- Under an FTA, countries agree to lower or remove duties on a wide range of products, making it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to trade. Additionally, FTAs often include provisions on intellectual property rights, investment, competition, and dispute resolution mechanisms to create a more predictable and transparent trading environment.
- FTAs can be bilateral (between two countries) or multilateral (involving multiple countries). They are designed to benefit all parties by promoting efficiency, encouraging specialization, and allowing consumers access to a wider variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
- However, negotiations for FTAs can be complex, as they require balancing the interests of different sectors and addressing concerns such as protecting domestic industries and ensuring fair competition.
- For example, India is currently negotiating FTAs with several countries and regions, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia, to strengthen its trade ties and integrate more deeply into the global economy.
- These agreements are seen as crucial for enhancing India's export potential, attracting foreign investment, and fostering economic growth
The ‘Stability and Growth Pact’ of the European Union is a treaty that
1. limits the levels of the budgetary deficit of the countries of the European Union
2. makes the countries of the European Union to share their infrastructure facilitie
3. enables the countries of the European Union to share their technologie
How many of the above statements are correct
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
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Answer (a)
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India’s Olive Ridley turtle numbers improve, but climate skews sex ratio
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology
Context:
A 16-year-long assessment of trends in turtle populations in India says the numbers of the Olive Ridley species suggest a “steady or growing” population. However, rising sand temperatures due to climate change are causing a large proportion of these turtles to be females, “raising questions” on the long-term viability of the population.
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Read about:
Olive Ridley species
Rushikulya River
Key takeaways:
- A comprehensive 16-year study on turtle population trends in India indicates that the Olive Ridley turtle population is either stable or increasing. However, rising sand temperatures due to climate change are leading to a higher proportion of female hatchlings, raising concerns about the species' long-term sustainability.
- Conducted between 2008 and 2024, this study was carried out by the Dakshin Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and multiple State Forest departments.
- It offers valuable insights into population trends, threats, and conservation efforts along India’s mainland and island coasts. While the Olive Ridley is the most abundant marine turtle species, the research also includes other sea turtles found in India, such as the leatherback turtles of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Green Turtles of the Lakshadweep Islands.
- Sea turtles have long lifespans, mature late, and migrate extensively, meaning that population shifts occur gradually over several years or even decades. This makes long-term monitoring crucial for assessing population dynamics and environmental influences.
- One of the most remarkable natural events attracting significant public attention is the arribada, where tens or hundreds of thousands of female Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to nest simultaneously.
- Major nesting sites include Gahirmatha and Rushikulya in Odisha, which rank among the largest globally, alongside similar sites in Mexico and Costa Rica.
- Notably, Rushikulya recently experienced one of its largest arribadas in years, with an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 turtles nesting over just a few days
- Olive Ridley turtles are found across the globe and are protected under the Endangered Species Act. While their breeding colonies along Mexico's Pacific Coast are classified as endangered, other populations are considered threatened.
- According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the global Olive Ridley population has declined by approximately 30 to 50 percent. Although some nesting populations have shown stability or growth in recent years, overall declines in certain regions outweigh these gains.
- In the western Atlantic, some nesting populations have decreased by 80 percent since 1967, though Brazil has witnessed a rise in its nesting numbers. In the eastern Atlantic, Gabon hosts the largest regional nesting population, with 1,000 to 5,000 breeding females annually.
- The Pacific Ocean remains home to large nesting populations, particularly in Mexico and Costa Rica. In La Escobilla, Mexico, an estimated 450,000 turtles nest on a single beach, while Costa Rica’s Pacific coast supports roughly 600,000 nesting turtles across two major arribada beaches—Nancite and Ostional.
- In the Indian Ocean, India’s Odisha coast has three mass nesting sites—Gahirmatha, Devi River mouth, and Rushikulya—where more than 100,000 nests are recorded each year. Recently, a new nesting site was identified in the Andaman Islands, where over 5,000 nests were documented in a single season.
- However, solitary nesting populations have declined in countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Pakistan. In Terengganu, Malaysia, the number of nests has plummeted from thousands to just a few dozen per year.
Behavior and Diet
- Like all sea turtles, Olive Ridleys are marine reptiles that must surface to breathe. Female turtles return to land to lay eggs, often navigating back to beaches near where they originally hatched.
- Arribada nesting, a unique behavior observed only in the genus Lepidochelys (which includes both Kemp’s Ridley and Olive Ridley turtles), involves mass synchronized nesting events.
- While some other turtle species may nest in groups, none display this behavior at such a massive scale. Although solitary nesting occurs across nearly 40 countries, arribada nesting takes place on only a handful of beaches worldwide.
- These turtles undertake long migrations between feeding and breeding grounds. Satellite tracking has revealed that both male and female Olive Ridleys travel from breeding sites along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast into the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean.
- Olive Ridleys are omnivorous, consuming a diverse range of food, including algae, crabs, lobster, tunicates, and mollusks. They can dive as deep as 500 feet to forage for bottom-dwelling invertebrates
1.Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India? (2015)
(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) Gharial
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Answer (c)
The Ganges River Dolphin, also known as the Gangetic Dolphin, is India's National Aquatic Animal. First officially identified in 1801, this species is found in sections of the Ganges, Meghna, and Brahmaputra river systems across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, as well as in the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh. Classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, the species is also protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India. The primary threats to its population include poaching, habitat degradation, reduced river flow, excessive siltation, and barrages, which create physical barriers that hinder its migration |
Are freebies and welfare schemes different?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - GS II - Governance
Context:
All three major political parties in the Delhi Assembly elections, won by the Bharatiya Janata Party, unveiled a barrage of freebies or subsidies to woo voters. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) pledged a ₹2,100 monthly allowance for all women, an additional ₹21,000 for pregnant women, and subsidised LPG cylinders at ₹500 for those from impoverished backgrounds.
Read about:
Can schemes such as the midday meal, the public distribution system, and child development services be considered as welfare?
How do targeted cash transfer programmes impact lives?
Key takeaways:
Electoral Sops or Welfare Politics?
- The debate over electoral freebies versus welfare measures remains unresolved due to the lack of a clear definition of what qualifies as a freebie. Some view freebies as a form of bribery, which they argue influences voter decisions and discourages informed choices.
- Others, however, believe this perspective undermines voter agency and delegitimizes welfare politics. The perception of a policy as a freebie or a genuine welfare measure often depends on context.
- For instance, while some may consider free public transport an unnecessary handout, others see it as an essential social support system. Ironically, critics of transport subsidies may indirectly benefit from the availability of cheap labor, which is facilitated by affordable transportation.
- Dr. K.K. Kailash, a Political Science professor at the University of Hyderabad, highlights how such measures enable people to travel for work, thereby sustaining economic activity.
Welfare as a Legal Right
- The National Food Security Act (2013), introduced by the Congress-led UPA government, transformed various welfare programs—such as the mid-day meal scheme, the Public Distribution System (PDS), and child development initiatives—into legal entitlements. According to government data, the law benefits 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, covering nearly 800 million people.
- A 2023 study by the Centre for Financial Inclusion (CFI) found that well-structured cash transfer programs, particularly those directing funds to women on behalf of their households, not only empower women but also help reduce the risks of domestic violence.
Where to Draw the Line?
- According to Dr. Kailash, welfare programs enhance human capabilities and promote freedom, aligning with Amartya Sen’s “capability approach” to development. For example, mid-day meal programs provide access to nutritious food, which boosts immunity and allows individuals to live healthier, more dignified lives.
- Poor health, on the other hand, increases healthcare costs and puts additional pressure on public resources. Investing in nutrition and education from an early age yields long-term societal benefits.
- Cash transfer schemes have gained political traction in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana, reinforcing their role in electoral strategies. However, Dr. Kailash warns that while these schemes increase consumer spending and stimulate market activity, they do not create sustainable economic opportunities.
- Over-reliance on freebie-driven politics poses significant fiscal risks, particularly for states burdened with high debt.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has highlighted a sharp rise in subsidy expenditure, urging states to rationalize subsidies to protect essential investments in infrastructure and public services.
The Judiciary’s Role
- In August 2022, the Supreme Court referred multiple petitions challenging the constitutional validity of electoral freebies to a three-judge bench. The lead petition, filed by BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay, argued that populist giveaways undermine free and fair elections, violating constitutional principles.
- During the hearings, a bench led by former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana proposed forming an expert panel to gather recommendations from stakeholders—marking a shift from the Court’s previous stance.
- In S. Subramaniam Balaji vs Government of Tamil Nadu (2013), the Supreme Court had ruled that such matters fall under legislative policy and are beyond judicial intervention.
- The judgment also emphasized that state-funded welfare programs cannot be deemed illegal or considered “corrupt practices”, especially when they align with the Directive Principles of State Policy. However, no further hearings have taken place since November 23, 2023
Follow Up Question
1.Consider the following statements: (2017)
- The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
- Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
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Answer (d)
Therefore, only statement 3 is correct |
Trade deficit widens India’s Q1FY25 CAD to $9.7 billion
For Preliminary Examination: Current account deficit, fiscal deficit
For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Economy
Context:
India’s current account deficit (CAD) widened marginally to $9.7 billion (1.1% of GDP) in Q1 FY25 from $8.9 billion (1% of GDP) in the year-earlier period and a surplus of $4.6 billion (0.5% of GDP) in Q4FY24, as per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data
Read about:
What is the Current account deficit (CAD)?
What is Fiscal Deficit?
Key takeaways:
- India's current account deficit (CAD) slightly increased to $9.7 billion (1.1% of GDP) in Q1 FY25, compared to $8.9 billion (1% of GDP) in the same quarter last year and a surplus of $4.6 billion (0.5% of GDP) in Q4 FY24, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- The RBI attributed the year-on-year rise in CAD primarily to an increase in the merchandise trade deficit, which grew to $65.1 billion in Q1 FY25 from $56.7 billion in Q1 FY24.
- Net services receipts rose to $39.7 billion in Q1 FY25 from $35.1 billion, while private transfer receipts, largely reflecting remittances from Indians working abroad, increased to $29.5 billion from $27.1 billion.
- Net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows rose to $6.3 billion in Q1 FY25, up from $4.7 billion the previous year
A fiscal dilemma refers to the challenging situation that arises when a government faces competing objectives or constraints in managing its public finances. This typically involves the need to balance between stimulating economic growth, controlling public debt, maintaining fiscal discipline, and addressing social welfare needs.
Governments may encounter fiscal dilemmas in situations such as:
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Deficit vs. Austerity: Governments may need to choose between running a budget deficit to stimulate the economy through spending, or implementing austerity measures to reduce public debt, which may slow down growth.
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Welfare vs. Investment: Balancing immediate social welfare spending, like subsidies or pensions, with long-term investments in infrastructure or education that drive sustainable growth can create a fiscal dilemma.
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Revenue Generation vs. Public Support: Increasing taxes to generate revenue might be necessary for fiscal sustainability, but it can also face resistance from the public and harm political popularity.
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Short-term vs. Long-term Fiscal Goals: Governments might face pressure to implement short-term policies for immediate relief or electoral gains, which could undermine long-term fiscal stability.
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Answer (C)
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- By withholding Tamil Nadu’s central share of Samagra Shiksha funds due to its rejection of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), the Union Government appears to be using financial pressure to compel States into compliance.
- This decision contradicts the core objective of the Samagra Shiksha scheme (introduced in 2018-19), which integrated the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education programs to promote equitable access to quality education.
- Tamil Nadu has repeatedly raised concerns over the non-release of ₹2,152 crore, highlighting that the funding shortfall has placed immense strain on its school education system, affecting around 40 lakh students and 32,000 staff members.
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has directly held the State responsible for the deadlock, stating that funds will only be disbursed if Tamil Nadu fully implements the NEP.
- Furthermore, he has urged the State to adopt the three-language formula, requiring Tamil, English, and an additional regional language in schools. However, this demand disregards Tamil Nadu’s historical resistance to the trilingual system since 1937 and its adherence to a two-language policy (Tamil and English) since 1968.
- Taking a confrontational stance, Mr. Pradhan has also accused the State’s leadership of being politically motivated and suggested that Tamil Nadu must align itself with constitutional principles and the rule of law—an assertion that unfairly implies non-compliance with the statute.
- Expectedly, Tamil Nadu’s response has been strong, particularly on the language issue, which remains a matter of principle for most political parties in the State. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has challenged the basis of the three-language mandate, questioning which constitutional provision enforces it and warning against coercive tactics.
- While the NEP asserts that it does not impose Hindi, successive Union Governments have so far respected Tamil Nadu’s autonomy in determining its language policy. Given that education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, policies should be implemented with flexibility and consultation to accommodate regional diversity.
- A rigid, uniform approach risks undermining cooperative federalism and generating resistance among States, which are key stakeholders in centrally sponsored schemes.
- A more balanced approach would be to separate Samagra Shiksha and the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme from the NEP, linking funding instead to general performance benchmarks.
- Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu should expedite the formulation and implementation of its long-awaited State Education Policy, ensuring continuity and stability in its education system
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Answer (b)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Fundamental Duties | Fundamental Duties |
| Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity in India | Biodiversity |
| History | Modern Indian History | Constitutional Development in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Peasants, Tribal and other movements |
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