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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on March 12, 2025
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS I - Modern Indian History
Context:
12 March marks the 95th anniversary of the historic salt march led by Mahatma Gandhi from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi in Gujarat. The 24-day march from March 12 to April 5, 1930, ended with the defiance of the law after he made salt at Dandi marking the inauguration of the civil disobedience movement.
Read about:
Bardoli Satyagraha
Civil Disobediance Movement
Key takeaways:
The Dandi March, also referred to as the Salt March or Dandi Satyagraha, was a significant act of nonviolent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi. It took place between March 12 and April 6, 1930, as part of a campaign against the British salt monopoly, advocating tax resistance through civil disobedience.
On March 12, 1930, Gandhi, accompanied by 78 followers, embarked on a 241-mile journey from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal town of Dandi on the Arabian Sea, where they openly defied British law by producing salt from seawater. This act of defiance inspired thousands of others across India, with similar protests erupting in cities like Bombay and Karachi, where nationalists led civilians in making salt.
As the movement gained momentum, millions of Indians participated in acts of civil disobedience, leading to the arrest of over 60,000 people by British authorities. Gandhi himself was arrested on May 5, 1930, but the movement persisted. On May 21, 1930, Sarojini Naidu led 2,500 marchers in a protest at the Dharasana Salt Works, where British forces responded with brutal force. This event, documented by American journalist Webb Miller, sparked global outrage against British rule in India.
In January 1931, Gandhi was released from prison and engaged in discussions with Viceroy Lord Irwin. As a result, the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed, leading to the suspension of the civil disobedience campaign in exchange for Congress's participation in negotiations regarding India's future. In August 1931, Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference in London as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress, though the discussions yielded little progress.
Significance of the Dandi March
- Economic Impact: British imports, especially textiles, saw a sharp decline, with cloth imports reducing by half.
- Widespread Participation: Unlike previous movements, this saw mass involvement from women, peasants, workers, students, merchants, and shopkeepers, establishing the Congress as a truly national movement.
- Empowerment of Women: This movement was a turning point for Indian women, marking their active participation in public protests.
- Support from Rural and Urban Masses: The participation of the poor and illiterate, both in towns and villages, was remarkable.
- Global Recognition: Despite the withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1934, the Dandi March brought international attention to India’s struggle for independence, playing a crucial role in the broader anti-colonial movement.
1.With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements: (2019)
- Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’.
- In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
- Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (b)
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How China’s Brahmaputra dam raises serious concerns?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations
Context:
The location of China’s proposed dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River poses a risk of disrupting the river’s natural flow, raising concerns in India over its impact on the region’s biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
Read about:
Bramhaputra river and its significance
Impact on India’s hydropower projects
Key takeaways:
A River Known by Many Names
- The Brahmaputra River is a transboundary waterway, with its basin covering approximately 580,000 square kilometers across four countries: China (50.5%), India (33.3%), Bangladesh (8.1%), and Bhutan (7.8%).
- Within India, it spans 194,413 square kilometers, accounting for 5.9% of the nation's total land area. The river flows through Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, and West Bengal.
- The Brahmaputra originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier, situated east of Mansarovar Lake in Tibet's Kailash mountain range. It initially flows eastward for about 1,200 kilometers in Tibet, where it is referred to as the Yarlung Tsangpo.
- Upon reaching Namcha Barwa, the river takes a U-shaped bend, famously known as the Great Bend, before entering Arunachal Pradesh near Sadiya town, where it is known as the Siang/Dihang River. As it moves southwest, it merges with the Dibang and Lohit Rivers, after which it is called the Brahmaputra.
- The river's right-bank tributaries include the Subansiri (an antecedent river), Kameng, Manas, and Sankosh, while major left-bank tributaries are Dibang and Lohit.
- The Brahmaputra then flows into Bangladesh near Dhubri, Assam, where it is known as the Jamuna River after merging with the Teesta River. Before reaching the Bay of Bengal, it joins the Padma River in Bangladesh
Distinct Flow Characteristics of the Brahmaputra
- One of the unique features of the Brahmaputra is that it flows in opposite directions along its course—moving west to east in Tibet and east to west in Assam. The river's steep gradient creates favorable conditions for hydroelectric power generation.
- In Tibet, over its 1,700-kilometer journey, the river drops by approximately 4,800 meters, giving it a mean slope of 2.82 m/km. However, upon entering Assam, this gradient significantly reduces to 0.1 m/km.
- The climatic conditions along its course also vary significantly. In Tibet, the river traverses a cold and arid region, carrying less water and sediment. However, upon entering India, it is fed by numerous tributaries, leading to an influx of water and silt.
- The heavy sediment deposition causes the river to form a braided channel, creating riverine islands, including Majuli, which is the world’s largest riverine island, covering 352 square kilometers.
- All tributaries of the Brahmaputra in India are rain-fed, receiving intense monsoon rainfall, which often results in floods, shifting river channels, and severe erosion
Challenges Posed by Hydropower Projects
China's planned dam construction on the Yarlung Tsangpo has introduced new concerns regarding the river’s natural flow. While China promotes the project as part of its renewable energy strategy, downstream nations like India and Bangladesh are vulnerable to potential disruptions in water availability, ecological balance, and geopolitical stability.
India, too, has several hydroelectric projects in different phases of development, including:
- Arunachal Pradesh: Lower Subansiri (2,000 MW), Dibang (3,000 MW), Kameng (600 MW), Ranganadi (405 MW)
- Assam: Kopili (200 MW), Khandong (75 MW), Karbi Langpi (100 MW)
- West Bengal: Teesta-V (510 MW)
- Meghalaya: Umiam-Umtru Power Complex (174 MW)
A reduction in water flow due to upstream interventions could significantly affect the viability of these hydropower projects.
Another major concern is that the Yarlung Tsangpo dam is planned in an earthquake-prone zone, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. Any large-scale infrastructural activity could trigger geological instability, leading to potential natural disasters. Additionally, damming the river may threaten the ecological equilibrium of the Himalayan region and disrupt its biodiversity
The Need for Stronger Transboundary Cooperation
- China currently operates more dams than any other country, and having extensively developed its internal rivers, it is now turning its focus to transboundary water systems.
- The country has committed to achieving peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, with hydropower playing a crucial role in its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and long-term strategy for 2035.
- However, increased control over transboundary rivers, especially the Brahmaputra, has raised serious concerns for India and Bangladesh. The river basin is already facing pressure due to population growth, climate change, evolving consumption patterns, and the rising demand for hydroelectric power.
- Despite the existence of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and an Expert-Level Mechanism (established in 2006), India and China lack a formal water-sharing agreement for transboundary rivers.
- Establishing mechanisms for real-time data sharing, environmental impact assessments, and sustainable river management is essential to ensuring the long-term health and stability of the Brahmaputra
Follow Up Question
1.“Belt and Road Initiative” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of : (UPSC CSE 2016)
(a) African Union
(b) Brazil
(c) European Union
(d) China
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Answer (d)
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as One Belt, One Road (OBOR), is a global infrastructure and economic development strategy launched by China in 2013. It aims to enhance connectivity and trade through a network of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure projects across Asia, Europe, and Africa. The initiative includes the Silk Road Economic Belt (land-based) and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (sea-based)
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- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which have a capacity ranging from 30 MWe to 300 MWe per unit, are increasingly recognized as essential for ensuring that nuclear energy remains a viable and competitive option in the future.
- India aims to secure a leadership role in the SMR sector as part of its commitment to transitioning to clean energy and to leverage SMRs as a technology-driven aspect of its foreign policy.
- Countries are looking to SMRs to help achieve their energy transition goals, and Russia is reportedly interested in enhancing its nuclear collaboration with India to include SMR partnerships.
- Typically, an SMR produces about one-third of the capacity of most conventional nuclear reactors used in nations like France, Russia, and the United States. These reactors are crucial for providing baseload power, allowing grid operators greater operational flexibility.
- When aggregated, SMRs can generate a significant amount of electricity, assisting in meeting the demand for more baseload power to complement the inconsistencies of renewable energy sources. While thermal generation is important in this context, nuclear energy presents a more carbon-neutral option for baseload generation.
- India's civil nuclear program has gradually increased reactor sizes, moving from the earlier 220 MWe models to the current 700 MWe pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).
- However, the country maintains an advantage in the production and commercial operation of smaller reactors. The longstanding advocacy for SMRs is now poised to become mainstream, with potential backing from countries like the United States, particularly in financing and technology sharing.
- In the civil nuclear domain, India is promoting SMRs as a promising technology for industrial decarbonization, striving to take a leading role in the distribution of this technology. SMRs are viewed not only as effective for generating baseload power—where thermal energy is crucial—but also as a more carbon-neutral option alongside renewables.
- Designed for efficiency, SMRs have systems and components manufactured in a controlled factory setting and then transported to the installation site, which reduces construction time and costs—two significant issues associated with traditional large reactor projects.
- They offer deployment advantages, such as a smaller Emergency Planning Zone and passive safety systems, making them relatively safer compared to larger reactor projects
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Answer (B)
In India, the distinction between nuclear reactors under IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards and those not under such safeguards primarily relates to the sources of fuel used in these reactors.
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SC ruling on socialism, secularism
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
Context:
A Division Bench of the Supreme Court led by the Chief Justice of India dismissed pleas challenging the inclusion of the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble to our Constitution
Read about:
Important Schedules and Articles of Indian Constitution
Preamble of Indian Constitution
Key takeaways:
What is the history of the Preamble?
- The Preamble originally adopted on November 26, 1949, proclaimed India as a sovereign, democratic, republic. The Constituent Assembly deliberately avoided including the term ‘socialist,’ believing it was inappropriate to enshrine a specific economic ideology in the Preamble. They felt the people should determine the nation's economic path based on evolving circumstances and needs.
- Indian secularism differs significantly from its Western counterpart. In Western countries, there is a strict separation between the state and religion, with no interference in religious matters.
- In contrast, the Indian state holds the authority to regulate economic, financial, political, and secular aspects of religious practices. It also facilitates social welfare and reform in religious activities.
- Furthermore, constitutional provisions such as the right to practice any religion and non-discrimination on religious grounds reflect the secular ethos of the Indian Constitution. Consequently, the Constituent Assembly did not initially include the term ‘secular’ in the Preamble.
- In the Berubari Case (1960), the Supreme Court ruled that the Preamble was not part of the Constitution and lacked substantive power. However, in the Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973), the Court overturned this view, declaring the Preamble as an integral part of the Constitution.
- It stated that the Preamble should guide the interpretation of the Constitution and upheld its amendability under parliamentary authority. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) introduced the terms ‘Socialist,’ ‘Secular,’ and ‘Integrity’ into the Preamble.
What was the current case?
- The case was initiated by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, and others, who contested the inclusion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble.
- They argued that these terms, added during the Emergency period, imposed specific ideologies on the people. They also claimed that since the Preamble mentions the date of adoption by the Constituent Assembly, no new words could be introduced by Parliament afterward.
- While Mr. Swamy acknowledged that subsequent amendments, like the 44th Amendment (1978) during the Janata Party rule, upheld these terms, he suggested that they should be placed in a separate paragraph below the original Preamble
What did the court rule?
The court dismissed the petitions, affirming that ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ are integral to the basic structure of the Constitution. It emphasized that the Constitution is a "living document" and that Parliament holds the authority to amend the Preamble. The mention of the adoption date in the Preamble does not limit this power. The court further clarified that in India, ‘socialism’ signifies a welfare state that ensures equality of opportunity while allowing the private sector to flourish. Similarly, India’s secularism evolved to mean that the state neither favors any religion nor discriminates against the practice of any faith. This interpretation aligns with the broader principle of equality enshrined in the Constitution
Why is it important?
- Post-Independence, India adopted ‘democratic socialism,’ characterized by centralized planning and state-led industrial development. During the 1960s and 70s, nationalization of banks and insurance, higher taxes, and stringent regulations were implemented, shaping a mixed economy where public and private sectors coexisted. However, this system leaned towards classical socialism, marked by license controls and regulatory frameworks.
- Since the economic reforms of 1991, India has transitioned towards a market-oriented economy, significantly reducing poverty over the last three decades. Yet, the rising income inequality poses challenges that need attention.
- The court observed that India’s socialism continues to prioritize the welfare of the underprivileged through programs like MGNREGA, subsidized food grains, and direct benefit transfers for women and farmers.
- This approach underscores the necessity of maintaining social welfare policies while fostering private enterprise to drive economic growth and create jobs. Simultaneously, the values of secularism must be preserved to uphold India’s cherished spirit of ‘unity in diversity.
1.Consider the following statements (2013)
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer (d)
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How does La Niña affect India’s climate?
For Preliminary Examination: El Nino, La Nina, Southern Oscillations
For Mains Examination: GS I - World Geography
Context:
While the La Niña was expected to emerge by July this year, it is yet to. The India Meteorological Department now expects a La Niña to set in by late 2024 or early 2025, plus a milder winter due to this delay.
Read about:
La Nina
El Nino
Key takeaways:
What is La Niña?
- La Niña is one phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean between Indonesia and South America.
- Its opposite phase, El Niño, involves warming of this same region. Both phases play a major role in influencing global weather systems and atmospheric circulation.
- During La Niña years, India typically experiences normal to above-normal monsoon rainfall, while it triggers droughts in Africa and intensifies hurricanes in the Atlantic. In contrast, El Niño leads to extreme heat and droughts in India but causes increased rainfall in parts of the southern United States.
- The current decade began with an unusual sequence of three consecutive La Niña events (2020–2022), known as the Triple Dip La Niña, which was followed by an El Niño in 2023. Scientists suggest that climate change might increase the frequency and severity of both La Niña and El Niño events, as rising sea and land temperatures disturb the Pacific Ocean’s equilibrium. This could also amplify extreme La Niña conditions, potentially resulting in harsher winters in India.
Will La Niña develop this winter?
- The situation in 2024 is unusual, as La Niña has not materialized as expected. Historically, La Niña tends to develop during the pre-monsoon or monsoon seasons and has only formed twice between October and December since 1950.
- While global forecasts had anticipated its arrival during the recent monsoon season, current predictions indicate only a 57% chance of it forming by December 2024. Even if it develops, it is likely to remain weak, though it could still influence global weather conditions.
- The declaration of La Niña or El Niño relies on various meteorological indices. One key measure, the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI), compares the three-month average sea surface temperature in the East-Central Tropical Pacific against a 30-year average.
- When the temperature deviation is +0.5°C or above, it indicates El Niño; a deviation of –0.5°C or below signals La Niña.
- Currently, the ONI stands at approximately –0.3°C. For an event to be officially recognized, these thresholds must be consistently exceeded for at least five consecutive months.
What is the meteorological situation?
- Southern Indian cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are experiencing colder-than-usual winters this year, while northern India is facing a delayed winter accompanied by above-normal temperatures.
- Although some reports attribute the southern chill to La Niña, current ONI values do not confirm this. If La Niña had already set in, northern India would likely be experiencing significantly colder weather.
- A 35-year analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water in New Delhi found that La Niña winters are associated with colder nighttime temperatures compared to El Niño, but daytime temperatures tend to be warmer.
- Meteorological factors such as wind speed and the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) — the lowest layer of the atmosphere influenced by interactions with the Earth’s surface — also change during ENSO phases, which can affect air quality.
- The research revealed that wind speeds are generally higher throughout the day during La Niña winters, which helps reduce air pollution by dispersing pollutants. At the same time, the average PBLH tends to be slightly lower during La Niña events, which can trap pollutants closer to the ground.
- If La Niña develops, colder temperatures in northern India may increase biomass burning for heating, worsening pollution levels. However, stronger winds could offset this by dispersing pollutants, potentially improving air quality overall.
La Niña and the Indian Monsoons
- Summers during El Niño events are typically more severe, as demonstrated in April this year when India faced record-breaking heat waves. If La Niña develops and continues into the summer of 2025, it may bring some relief from extreme heat.
- Historically, El Niño disrupts monsoons, with India recording below-average rainfall in at least half of all El Niño years since 1871. However, rainfall patterns have shown some changes since the 1980s.
- For instance, both northern and southern India have experienced reduced rainfall during intense El Niño events, while central India has remained relatively unaffected. On the other hand, La Niña supports stronger monsoon conditions, as seen in the “normal” or “above-normal” rainfall during the La Niña years of 2020, 2021, and 2022. In contrast, 2023 — an El Niño year — saw “below-normal” rainfall across the country.
- Thus, the formation of La Niña this year or in early 2025, if it persists into the monsoon season, would be a welcome development, offering the potential for improved rainfall and a reprieve from extreme summer heat
Follow Up Question
1.Consider the following statements regarding El Niño and La Niña:
- El Niño is associated with the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
- La Niña leads to a stronger-than-normal monsoon season in India.
- El Niño events often result in increased hurricane activity over the Atlantic Ocean.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
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Answer (a)
Given the analysis:
Therefore, the correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only |
How are elections conducted in Indian states?
Elections in Indian states begin with seat allocation as determined by the Delimitation Commission, followed by election announcements, nomination processes, campaigning, polling, vote counting, and the constitution of the House. Here's a breakdown of the procedure for electing Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).
Delimitation Commission:
Articles 82 and 170 of the Indian Constitution mandate that after each Census, the number of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies be reassessed, along with the division of constituencies. The process also designates reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) as per the Delimitation Commission’s recommendations, which are followed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The Delimitation Commission, established by an Act of Parliament, has conducted this process after every Census, adjusting the population per seat as India's population grew. For example, the Lok Sabha's seats increased from 494 in 1951 to 543 in 1971 to accommodate population growth.
Election Announcement and Nomination:
The ECI allocates seats based on the Delimitation Commission’s findings, reserves constituencies for SCs/STs, and announces the election schedule, including nomination dates, voting, vote counting, and results declaration. Candidates file nominations after voter lists are prepared and dates announced.
Key criteria for nomination include receiving a "ticket" from the political party and completing the necessary documentation, which involves submitting information about background, assets, liabilities, education, and caste. The nomination process can be done both online (via the Suvidha Portal) and offline. Candidates must also take an oath as per the Indian Constitution’s third schedule.
Eligibility Criteria for Contesting Elections:
As per Article 84 of the Constitution, a candidate must be an Indian citizen and at least 25 years old to contest in Lok Sabha elections. Similar provisions apply to State Legislative Assembly elections under Article 173. Additionally, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, requires that the candidate must be an elector in any parliamentary or assembly constituency.
Candidates must also make a security deposit—₹25,000 for general candidates and ₹12,500 for SC/ST candidates for Lok Sabha elections. Assembly candidates deposit ₹10,000, with SC/ST candidates paying ₹5,000. A person can contest elections from any constituency except Assam, Lakshadweep, and Sikkim, and cannot stand from more than two constituencies at once.
Campaigning and Scrutiny:
After the nominations, election officials scrutinize candidates to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Invalid nominations are rejected, and candidates can withdraw their names within a specified time. Once the final candidate list is confirmed, formal campaigning begins. Candidates and political parties promote their agendas and seek voter support through various strategies and tactics to influence voters
1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
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)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Panchayats | Panchayats |
| Environment & Ecology | Wildlife Protection Act 1972 | Wildlife Protection Act 1972 |
| Economy | International Organisations | International Organisations |
| Ancient History | Buddhism | Buddhism |
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