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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on October 19, 2024
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Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of antional and international Importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
Context:
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which granted citizenship to immigrants who entered Assam before January 1, 1966, and called for stricter implementation of laws against illegal immigration and judicial monitoring of the implementation of immigration and citizenship legislations
Read about:
What is Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955?
What are the questions surrounding Section 6A?
What is the Assam Accord?
Key takeaways:
- The bench held that immigrants entering Assam on or after March 25, 1971, are not eligible for protection under Section 6A, and are therefore deemed illegal immigrants.
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud clarified that Section 6A does not violate Articles 6 and 7 of the Constitution, which set a specific cut-off date of January 26, 1950, for granting citizenship to migrants from East and West Pakistan at the time of the Constitution's commencement.
- He stated that the legislative purpose of Section 6A aimed to balance the humanitarian concerns of Indian-origin migrants with the economic and cultural needs of Indian states.
- Although other states have longer borders with Bangladesh, Assam faces a more significant impact from migration in terms of numbers and resources.
- Therefore, the criteria for migration to Assam are reasonable. The March 25, 1971, cut-off date is justified, as it coincides with the eve of the Pakistani Army's Operation Searchlight, launched on March 26, 1971, to suppress the Bangladeshi nationalist movement. Migrants arriving before this event were regarded as part of the Indian partition, and the chosen criteria are logically aligned with Section 6A’s purpose.
- The bench explained that undocumented migrants could have been registered as citizens under Section 5(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act before its amendment in 2003, which then excluded ‘illegal immigrants.’ Thus, the petitioner’s argument that Section 6A is unconstitutional because it allegedly encourages migration to Assam for citizenship purposes is incorrect.
- The ruling also stated that Section 6A aligns with constitutional principles, without violating the concepts of fraternity or Articles 6, 7, 9, 14, 21, 29, 326, and 355 of the Constitution of India. It does not conflict with the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, or international law principles.
- Regarding Section 6A, introduced under the Assam Accord with a specific cut-off date, the Court affirmed its validity, noting that citizenship should not be narrowly interpreted to label one group as citizens and another as ‘illegal immigrants.’
- Agreeing with the majority opinion, CJI Chandrachud emphasized that while the Constitution protects the right to preserve culture, this right must be understood within the framework of India’s multicultural and pluralistic identity.
- The petitioners argued that Section 6A infringes on Article 29 by allowing residents from Bangladesh, who have a different cultural background, to live in Assam and gain citizenship, thereby impacting the preservation of Assamese culture. The Court, however, dismissed this argument
1.What is the position of the Right to Property in India? (UPSC 2021)
(a) Legal right available to citizens only
(b) Legal right available to any person
(c) Fundamental Rights available to citizens only
(d) Neither Fundamental Right nor legal right
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Answer (b)
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As per the NCERT textbook, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630) founded the Maratha kingdom. This kingdom emerged as a formidable regional power, challenging Mughal rule. Shivaji (1630–1680) established a stable domain with the aid of influential warrior families known as deshmukhs. The core of the Maratha military comprised groups of mobile peasant-pastoralists (kunbis). Shivaji leveraged these forces to contest the Mughals' influence in the region. Following his death, real power in the Maratha state transitioned to a family of Chitpavan Brahmins, who served as Peshwas (chief ministers) to Shivaji’s successors, with Poona becoming the kingdom's capital.
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In his book Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (2002), historian PN Deshpande describes Shivaji’s military strategies as both tactical and deliberate, characterized by surprise attacks and relentless offensives that kept his enemies unsettled. Despite having a smaller army, Shivaji Maharaj effectively used guerrilla warfare, consistently outmaneuvering his opponents, which earned him both respect and fear. This strategy is noted in foreign accounts, especially during the raids on Surat.
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The concept of Akhand Bharat has been long envisioned by the Sangh Parivar as an Indian nation that spans from the time of the Ramayana, covering a vast region from present-day Afghanistan to Myanmar, and from Tibet to Sri Lanka. A map titled “Punyabhoomi Bharat” by Suruchi Prakashan, associated with the RSS, names various regions differently, such as Afghanistan as “Upganathan,” Kabul as “Kubha Nagar,” Peshawar as “Purushpur,” Multan as “Moolsthan,” Tibet as “Trivishtap,” Sri Lanka as “Singhaldweep,” and Myanmar as “Brahmadesh.”
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In 1944, during the Muslim League's push for a separate Pakistan, historian Radha Kumud Mookerji introduced the idea of Akhand Bharat in his address at an “Akhand Bharat Conference.” He described the Hindu homeland as extending across all of India, from Kashmir to the southern tip, from Nanga Parvat and Amarnath to Madurai and Rameshwaram, and from Dwarka to Puri. Mookerji emphasized that Akhand Bharat was defined by nature itself as a unified geographical entity with clear boundaries, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity
1.Which of the following statements about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is/are correct?
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was known for employing guerrilla warfare tactics against the Mughals.
- He established the Maratha kingdom with the support of the Deshmukhs and Kunbis.
- After Shivaji's death, the Maratha kingdom's capital shifted from Raigad to Poona under the Peshwas.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
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Answer (d)
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Analysing the Gender Budget of 2024-25
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Government Budget 2024-25
Context:
The Gender Budget Statement consistently reported an average share of 5% of the total budgetary allocations, with marginal ups and downs. This year is special as the share of allocations to pro-women schemes stands at approximately 6.8% of the total budget expenditure for 2024-25
Read about:
What is Gender budget statement?
What is Key highlights of the Budget 2024-25
Key takeaways:
Women-led development has been a central focus in this year's Budget announcements by the Finance Minister (FM). This dedication to empowering women is evident in the budgetary allocations to women-centric programs, as outlined in the Gender Budget Statement (GBS). Notably, the Gender Budget has, for the first time, reached 1% of GDP estimates for 2024-25, with total allocations exceeding ₹3 lakh crore for these programs.
Reasons for the Increase
Since its introduction in 2005-06, the GBS has typically reflected an average of 5% of total budgetary allocations, with minor fluctuations. However, this year stands out as the allocation for women-focused schemes has risen to about 6.8% of the total budget for 2024-25, marking a significant and positive shift from the norm.
The rise in Gender Budget allocations can be attributed to two main factors. One is the introduction of Part ‘C’ in the GBS, which includes programs with less than 30% allocation for women. For example, the PM Kisan scheme in the agriculture sector has been included in Part C with an allocation of ₹15,000 crore, accounting for 25% of the program's total budget. The second factor is the increase in Part A of the GBS, which reports expenditures in schemes with 100% allocation for women.
Previously, Part A constituted 15-17% of the overall GBS allocations until the BE 2022-23. Since BE 2023-24, there has been a significant rise in Part A allocations, boosting the share of women-centric schemes with full allocations to nearly 40%. This change largely resulted from reclassifying the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)—both rural and urban—from Part B to Part A. Part B covers programs with 30-99% allocation for women, and previously, only a portion of PMAY was reported there. Starting last year, the entire ₹80,670 crore allocation for PMAY in 2024-25BE has been included under Part A, thus increasing the overall allocations. However, this may not be entirely accurate, as not all beneficiaries of PMAY are women.
Instances of Over-Reporting and Under-Reporting
Over-reporting can be seen in cases like the PM Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), which supports entrepreneurs in establishing micro-businesses in the non-farm sector. The GBS reported ₹920 crore, or 40% of the total PMEGP allocation, without any explanation for this figure.
Conversely, under-reporting can undervalue the amount spent on women's needs. For instance, this year, the entire allocation for the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is correctly reflected in Part A of the GBS, showing that 100% of its outlay is dedicated to women and girls—a move that should have been made earlier. In 2023-24BE, only 50% of the scheme’s total outlay was reflected in Part B. Although the GBS accurately reported increased allocations for the Ministry of Electronics & IT this year, it overlooked the inclusion of pro-women allocations in schemes for women entrepreneurs such as PM Vishwakarma, SVANidhi, and Stand-Up India.
In another example, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), which has the third-highest allocation among schemes for women in the GBS, is listed under Part B with ₹28,888.67 crore, representing 33.6% of its total outlay. It’s important to note that women accounted for 59.3% of all person-days under MGNREGA as of December 2023, and they should have received a proportionate share of the MGNREGA budget, yet only 33.6% is reflected in the GBS.
What Comes Next?
These discrepancies can be minimized by providing explanations for the entries in the GBS. Doing so would not only improve accounting accuracy but also facilitate gender audits and enhance gender outcomes in government programs. The inclusion of a third part in the GBS reflects years of expert advocacy for better reporting, but the anomalies indicate that the GBS still lacks a systematic and scientific approach.
While there are clear efforts to reduce misreporting and improve the quality of the GBS, there is still a long way to go. Including rationales for the reported allocations is crucial to ensure that detailed reporting is not just about increasing the reported amounts for women’s development. It should guarantee that actual spending on women is effective across all government programs, which should be carefully planned and designed to meet women’s needs from the outset. Gender-responsive budgeting remains a powerful tool to address gender disparities in the economy
Follow Up Question
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Answer (B)
The Committee on Subordinate Legislation is a Parliamentary Committee in India that is specifically tasked with examining whether the powers delegated by Parliament to the Executive to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc., are being properly exercised. This committee scrutinizes all such delegated legislation to ensure that:
The committee then reports its findings to the House, recommending corrective actions if necessary. This ensures that the Executive remains accountable to Parliament in the exercise of its delegated powers |
In signal to China, Modi says Quad ‘not against anyone but we are here to stay’
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International organisation & International Organisation
Context:
Underlining that leaders of the Quad grouping — India, US, Japan, and Australia — were meeting amid global “tensions and conflicts”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that they “are not against anyone”, and all of them “support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of all issues”
Read about:
What is QUAD?
What is QUAD +?
Key takeaways:
The QUAD, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a strategic partnership involving four nations: the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. It was established to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, countering growing regional challenges, particularly from China's expanding influence. Initially proposed in 2007, the group became more active around 2017 with a focus on cooperation in areas such as:
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Maritime Security: Ensuring the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific maritime routes, which are crucial for global trade.
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Defense and Military Cooperation: Conducting joint military exercises like the Malabar Exercise to enhance interoperability and collective security.
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Economic and Infrastructure Development: Collaborating on infrastructure projects and sustainable development initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region to offer alternatives to China's Belt and Road Initiative.
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Technology and Supply Chains: Focusing on resilient supply chains for essential technologies such as semiconductors, and 5G, and on combating cyber threats.
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Global Challenges: Addressing common global concerns such as climate change, COVID-19 pandemic response, disaster relief, and space cooperation
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following statements about the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is/are correct?
- QUAD is a formal military alliance between the United States, India, Japan, and Australia.
- The primary objective of QUAD is to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
- QUAD was established in 2007 and became more active after 2017.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
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Answer (b)
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- At the end of August, Vietnam and the Philippines agreed to strengthen their defense ties and enhance cooperation on maritime security. This development followed a meeting between Vietnam's Defense Minister, Phan Van Giang, and his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, in Manila.
- The two officials signed "letters of intent" to improve maritime operations and disaster response coordination. This agreement comes in the context of heightened tensions between the Philippines and China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
- The South China Sea dispute centers on Beijing's claim to almost the entire region, which sees over $3 trillion in trade flow annually and is believed to hold significant oil, gas, and fish resources.
- Other countries, including Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan, challenge China's claims. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against China’s broad claims, though Beijing dismissed the ruling.
- Tensions have escalated between China and the Philippines over contested shoals in the South China Sea, with both nations accusing each other of deliberately ramming coast guard ships in recent confrontations, including a violent incident in June where a Filipino sailor was injured.
- These clashes have hindered efforts by both countries to restore trust and improve maritime dispute management through new communication channels.
- In this tense environment, the United States has reiterated its commitment to defending the Philippines in the South China Sea under a 1951 mutual defense treaty.
- The agreement with Vietnam is also notable for the Philippines, as China has been working to divide ASEAN.
- According to Abuza, the only viable way forward for Southeast Asian claimants is through small-scale cooperation based on shared interests, as China prefers dealing with each country individually to avoid a multilateral approach
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Answer (B)
The Senkaku Islands, located in the East China Sea, are the subject of a territorial dispute between China and Japan. Both nations claim sovereignty over the islands, which are believed to be rich in natural resources and hold strategic significance. The issue has led to heightened tensions between the two countries in recent years
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India tops plastic pollution rankings, emitting a fifth of global plastic waste
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & ecology
Context:
India is now the biggest plastic polluter in the world, releasing 9.3 million tonnes (Mt) annually. This amounts to roughly one-fifth of global plastic emissions.
Read about:
What is a microplastic?
What is nanoparticle?
Key takeaways:
Microplastics refer to tiny plastic particles, usually less than 5 millimeters in diameter, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are produced as small particles in products like cosmetics, clothing, and industrial processes. They are a major environmental concern due to their persistence, widespread distribution, and impact on ecosystems
Key Aspects of Microplastics:
- Primary microplastics: These are manufactured as small particles, such as microbeads in personal care products or fibers from synthetic textiles.
- Secondary microplastics: These originate from the degradation of larger plastic products like bottles, bags, and fishing nets due to exposure to sunlight, ocean waves, and other environmental factors
- Marine pollution: Microplastics have been found in oceans, rivers, and even in polar regions, severely affecting marine life. Fish, birds, and marine mammals often mistake them for food, leading to ingestion and potential poisoning.
- Soil contamination: Microplastics are also found in agricultural soils due to the use of plastic mulch and sewage sludge. This can affect soil health and potentially enter the food chain.
- Microplastics have been found in drinking water, food, and even the air. While the full extent of their impact on human health is still under research, there are concerns about toxicity and the chemicals associated with plastics entering the human body
- Some countries have introduced bans on products containing microplastics, such as microbeads in cosmetics.
- International efforts are underway to reduce plastic pollution, including commitments to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste management systems
Types of Nanoparticles:
- Natural nanoparticles: These occur naturally in the environment, such as volcanic ash, ocean spray, and combustion by-products.
- Engineered nanoparticles: These are intentionally designed and manufactured for specific applications, including in medicine, electronics, and cosmetics. Examples include carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
- Incidental nanoparticles: These are by-products of industrial processes, such as those produced during fuel combustion or manufacturing
Environmental and Health Concerns:
- Toxicity: Due to their small size, nanoparticles can easily enter living organisms and tissues, potentially causing harm. Some nanoparticles may induce oxidative stress, inflammation, or other toxic effects in humans, animals, and plants.
- Environmental impact: Nanoparticles can accumulate in ecosystems, leading to unknown long-term environmental consequences. Their persistence and behavior in soil, water, and air need more research to understand their full ecological impact.
- Regulation: There is a need for strict regulation of the use and disposal of nanoparticles to mitigate potential risks. Governments and international organizations are still working on standard guidelines for nanoparticle safety
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Answer (D)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Company rule and Crown rule 1773 - 1947 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Fall of Mughals |
| History | Modern Indian History | Establishment of British rule in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Economic Policies of the British |
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