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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on March 20, 2025
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Competition Commission of India (CCI)
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Statutory bodies, Constitutional bodies
Context:
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday raided the offices of media agencies, including GroupM, Dentsu and IPG Mediabrands, as well as the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), an apex body of broadcasters, over alleged fixing of ad rates and discounts, industry sources told FE
Read about:
What is the role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in India?
Statutory Body or Constitutional Body?
Key takeaways:
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The Competition Commission of India (CCI) serves as India's primary competition regulatory authority. Operating as a statutory body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, it is responsible for implementing the Competition Act, 2002 to foster fair competition and curb activities that could negatively impact market dynamics. The CCI examines cases and conducts investigations into practices that may hinder competition.
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The Commission's key responsibilities include eliminating anti-competitive practices, maintaining market competition, safeguarding consumer interests, and ensuring trade freedom within India. Additionally, it provides expert opinions on competition-related matters when requested by statutory authorities, promotes competition awareness, and conducts training programs.
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As defined by Investopedia, collusion refers to a secretive and often unlawful agreement between competitors to manipulate the market, disrupt its natural equilibrium, and gain an unfair advantage. This typically involves businesses that should be competing but instead cooperate to limit competition.
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The recent enforcement action took place just before the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to begin on March 22. The CCI conducted raids in Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram, marking an unexpected move that industry analysts have called "unprecedented." Reports suggest that the CCI first initiated an investigation against media agencies and broadcasters before executing these searches, with speculation that industry rivalries may have influenced the decision.
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Legal experts suggest that the alleged price collusion involves the manipulation of advertising rates, discounts, and inventory, leading to unfair market conditions. Such practices could benefit select players, drive up costs, and reduce choices for consumers. The CCI’s ongoing investigation focuses on these concerns, with the raids forming part of its broader probe into anti-competitive activities.
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The crackdown comes at a time of rapid consolidation within India's media and broadcasting sector. Notably, Star India and Reliance-backed Viacom18 merged their operations in a $8.5 billion joint venture (JV) named JioStar last year. The JV controls 35-40% of television viewership and holds a dominant position in both digital streaming and sports broadcasting, further shaping the competitive landscape of the industry
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Answer (A)
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body established under the Competition Act, 2002 to regulate competition and prevent anti-competitive practices in India. It operates under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Polity & Governance
Context:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will work with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to link its voter records with the Aadhaar database, while the Law Ministry will amend Form 6B to clarify that providing Aadhaar details remains voluntary, though voters declining to share this information must explain their reasons
Read about:
Examine the legal and constitutional validity of Aadhaar-Voter ID linking.
What are the potential benefits and risks associated linking Voter ID with Aadhaar?
Key takeaways:
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Sections 23(4), 23(5), and 23(6) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 outline the authority of the Electoral Registration Officer to request Aadhaar for voter identity verification. These provisions also specify the voluntary nature of Aadhaar submission for existing voters and ensure that individuals cannot be denied voter registration or removed from electoral rolls due to non-submission of Aadhaar.
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Form 6B currently does not provide an explicit option to decline Aadhaar submission, offering only two choices: either providing the Aadhaar number or stating, "I am not able to furnish my Aadhaar because I don’t have an Aadhaar number." While amendments are planned, voters will still be required to provide a reason for not submitting their Aadhaar details.
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This revision aligns with the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) assurance to the Supreme Court in G Niranjan Vs Election Commission of India (September 2023), where it committed to making necessary clarifications in the forms to emphasize that Aadhaar submission is voluntary.
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Addressing concerns over duplicate voter identification, the ECI acknowledged errors caused by some state Chief Electoral Officers who mistakenly used alphanumeric sequences while generating EPIC numbers. However, the Commission clarified that identical voter card numbers do not necessarily indicate fraud, as other identifying details—such as demographic information, constituency, and polling station—remain unique for each voter.
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These discussions took place during a high-level meeting on Tuesday, attended by senior officials from the ECI, Home Ministry, Law Ministry, IT Ministry, and UIDAI. Key attendees included Home Secretary Govind Mohan, MEITY Secretary S. Krishnan, Legislative Department Secretary Rajiv Mani, and UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar.
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The meeting occurred amid allegations from the INDIA bloc opposition parties, which raised concerns over irregularities in electoral rolls across various regions.
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During the hour-long discussions, officials deliberated on the legal and technical implications of linking voter databases with Aadhaar.
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While the ECI’s official statement did not explicitly confirm the linking process, it emphasized that any such move would be in accordance with Sections 23(4), 23(5), and 23(6) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. Additionally, it announced that technical consultations between UIDAI and ECI’s technical experts would commence soon
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Answer (D)
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In 1975, the Punjab government issued a notification dividing its 25% Scheduled Caste (SC) reservation into two distinct categories. The first category exclusively reserved seats for the Balmiki and Mazhbi Sikh communities, as they were considered among the most economically and educationally disadvantaged groups in the state. These communities were given priority access to reservations in education and public employment.
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The second category comprised the remaining SC communities, who did not receive this preferential treatment. This was one of the earliest instances of sub-classification within an existing reservation system, aiming to extend additional benefits to certain groups beyond the general SC category.
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Although this policy remained in effect for nearly 30 years, it encountered legal challenges in 2004 when a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court invalidated a similar law in Andhra Pradesh. In the case ‘E.V. Chinnaiah v. State of Andhra Pradesh,’ the Court struck down the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2000, ruling that it violated the right to equality. The law had outlined a comprehensive list of SC communities and allocated specific reservation benefits to each group.
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On August 1, 2024, a seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, in a 6-1 majority ruling, determined that Scheduled Castes are not a socially homogeneous group and that states have the authority to sub-classify them to ensure reservations benefit the most disadvantaged communities among them.
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As per the Bill presented by Minister Damodar Rajanarasimh, the Scheduled Caste quota will now be divided into three groups:
- Group I will receive 1% reservation within the 15% SC quota
- Group II will be allotted 9% reservation
- Group III will receive 5% reservation
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Calling it a historic moment, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy acknowledged the long-standing struggle for SC sub-categorization, highlighting the sacrifices made by activists in the movement. He specifically referred to the Madiga Reservation Poratta Samithi (MRPS), an organization that had actively campaigned for sub-categorization, benefiting the Madiga community, which has now been allocated 9% reservation
1.Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (UPSC CSE 2019)
1. PVTGs reside in 18 states and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4
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Answer (c)
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a landmark or area which has been officially recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its cultural, historical, scientific, or other form of significance. These sites are legally protected by international treaties and are considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO under the World Heritage Convention, which was established in 1972. The goal of the convention is to identify, protect, and preserve cultural and natural heritage around the world that is considered to be of outstanding universal value.
There are three types of World Heritage Sites:
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Cultural Heritage Sites: These include monuments, groups of buildings, and sites with historical, aesthetic, archaeological, scientific, ethnological, or anthropological value. Examples include the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Historic Centre of Rome.
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Natural Heritage Sites: These are natural features, geological and physiographical formations, and natural sites that are of outstanding value from the point of view of science, conservation, or natural beauty. Examples include the Grand Canyon National Park in the USA, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
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Mixed Heritage Sites: These sites have elements of both cultural and natural significance. An example is Machu Picchu in Peru, which is both an archaeological site and a natural landscape
1.Recently, which one of the following was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage list? ( UPSC CSE 2009)
(a) Dilwara Temple
(b) Kalka-Shimla Railway
(c) Bhiterkanika Mangrove Area
(d) Visakhapatnam to Araku valley railway line
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Answer (b)
The Kalka-Shimla Railway was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008 under the "Mountain Railways of India" category. It is a narrow-gauge railway known for its scenic beauty and engineering marvel, connecting Kalka in Haryana to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. It was recognized for its cultural and historical significance, as well as its contribution to the development of the region. The other options listed were not included in the UNESCO World Heritage List at the time of the UPSC CSE 2009 exam:
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Parents and activists are expressing concerns over the increasing push by schools to register students for an APAAR ID. While the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) is a voluntary initiative under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, schools and state authorities have been strongly encouraging students to enroll.
What is the APAAR ID?
APAAR, or the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, is designed to implement the "One Nation, One Student ID" system. It aims to store students' academic records digitally, ensuring smooth transitions between educational institutions. The APAAR ID is linked to Aadhaar and is stored in DigiLocker, offering standardized academic data, including marksheets and institutional details. It is expected to simplify the verification process for students transferring between schools or applying for further studies. The ID is created via the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), which maintains educational data on schools, teachers, and students.
As a key part of NEP 2020’s focus on education data management, the Ministry of Education has been urging schools, especially those affiliated with CBSE, to ensure full enrollment of students into the system.
Is APAAR Mandatory?
- Although APAAR is officially voluntary, there is ambiguity in government communications. While official documents state that registration is optional, CBSE circulars and state directives often imply that participation is expected.
- Authorities highlight the advantages of APAAR, such as tracking academic history, easing entrance exams and admissions, and supporting job applications and skill development.
- Despite the lack of legal enforcement, some states—like Uttar Pradesh—have pressured schools to register students, creating confusion among parents. Many parents report that they were not clearly informed about the voluntary nature of the initiative. In December 2024, the Union government reaffirmed in Parliament that APAAR registration remains optional.
Data Security Concerns
- The origins and governance of the APAAR program remain unclear. When the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) sought policy documents through a Right to Information (RTI) request, the application was transferred over 30 times without a conclusive response. IFF has raised concerns about the vast amount of student data collected, extending beyond academic records to other personal details.
- Critics argue that gathering such extensive data on minors without a legal framework could violate constitutional rights. Teachers have also questioned the necessity of APAAR, pointing out that much of the required data is already collected through UDISE+, leading to redundant administrative work.
- Additionally, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, under Section 9(3), explicitly prohibits tracking or behavioral monitoring of children for targeted advertising. Experts warn that without strong safeguards, open data-sharing mechanisms could expose children’s information to unauthorized third parties. They emphasize the need for robust cybersecurity measures before fully implementing the APAAR system.
How is an APAAR ID Created?
The registration process is facilitated by schools, with teachers verifying a student’s details, such as name and date of birth. Parents must submit a consent form, and after authentication by the school, the APAAR ID is generated. However, some parents have reported discrepancies between school records and identity documents, leading to errors in registration. If incorrect information is entered, students must correct the details and reapply.
Can Parents Opt Out?
- Parents can formally decline participation by informing their child’s school in writing. Organizations like the Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC) have provided template letters for parents who wish to opt out.
- Despite APAAR’s voluntary nature, pressure is mounting at the local level. In Uttar Pradesh, authorities have flagged "mismatches" between school enrollment and APAAR registration and have even warned of de-recognizing madrassas that do not comply.
- However, digital rights activists note that some parents have successfully opted out by submitting official documentation confirming the program’s voluntary status
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Answer (b)
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The Indo-Pacific: A strategic arena for India’s global influence
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations
Context:
As the Indo-Pacific region evolves into a key driver of the changing world order, India is poised to play a major role. But in what ways can India's involvement in the Indo-Pacific contribute to an inclusive, cooperative and sustainable regional order?
Read about:
What is Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs’ Conference (IPACC)?
Key takeaways:
The Indo-Pacific has become a crucial geopolitical and strategic zone, with India reaffirming its strong dedication to maintaining a free, open, inclusive, and resilient region. India's vision, as a key actor in the Indo-Pacific, prioritizes collaboration with regional partners to ensure maritime security, freedom of navigation, and adherence to a rules-based international order.
Initiatives like the “Quad-at-sea Ship Observation Mission,” aimed at enhancing cooperation and maritime safety, have further spotlighted the Indo-Pacific as a significant geopolitical, economic, and security construct, especially in a dynamic global landscape.
Understanding the Indo-Pacific’s rise as a strategic concept requires examining its regional framework, key players, and the factors behind its growing importance.
What is the Indo-Pacific?
- The Indo-Pacific covers the vast areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as well as the nations bordering them, including essential maritime routes and resources. Critical chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca, Taiwan Strait, Bab-al-Mandeb, and the South China Sea are vital for global trade and energy supplies.
- However, the exact geographical boundaries of the Indo-Pacific differ by country. For instance, India views the Indo-Pacific as stretching "from the shores of Africa to the Americas," as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 2018 Shangri-La Dialogue address.
- Meanwhile, the U.S. defines it as the region from India's western coast to the western U.S., and Australia’s Foreign Policy White Paper describes it as spanning from the eastern Indian Ocean to the Pacific, encompassing Southeast Asia, North Asia, and the U.S. Japan’s "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" vision also extends to the eastern African coast and ASEAN countries.
These diverse perspectives reflect each nation's strategic and economic priorities, shaping how they approach the Indo-Pacific as an arena for both cooperation and competition in the 21st century.
From Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific
The idea of the Indo-Pacific as a strategic region has evolved throughout the 21st century, especially in the last decade, as seen in various security strategies and defense white papers. This shift from the "Asia-Pacific" to the "Indo-Pacific" highlights a broader, more inclusive approach driven by national, regional, and global factors. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was one of the early advocates for combining the Indian and Pacific Oceans into a single strategic space, which he discussed in his "Confluence of the Two Seas" speech at the Indian Parliament.
The U.S. policy shift, encapsulated in the "Pivot to Asia" strategy of 2011 under President Barack Obama, also marked the beginning of greater focus on the Indo-Pacific, aligning with the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the refocusing of U.S. interests toward the Pacific.
Shifting and Converging Strategic Interests
In recent years, shifting global priorities have required a change from the Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific framework. This has been crucial in addressing China’s growing assertiveness, threats to key maritime routes, and non-traditional security issues. India, as a rising power, has become integral to this strategy, particularly in collaboration with the U.S.
The convergence of India’s and the U.S.'s strategic interests, especially under former U.S. President Trump, further solidified the Indo-Pacific concept. The Trump administration's focus on a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” formalized this vision through the National Security Strategy of 2017 and the renaming of the U.S. Pacific Command to Indo-Pacific Command in 2018.
India’s SAGAR Policy
- As China's influence in the South China Sea grew, the need for a more comprehensive regional framework became apparent. India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean allows it to play a crucial role in balancing Chinese power.
- Through its “Act East” policy, India has enhanced its partnerships across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific, strengthening its role in the Indo-Pacific while countering Beijing’s influence.
- India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy, along with the shift from “Look East” to “Act East,” reflects this strategic vision. Prime Minister Modi has consistently emphasized an inclusive approach to the Indo-Pacific, ensuring that it remains open and not exclusionary, while recognizing ASEAN's centrality.
- Economically, the Indo-Pacific holds immense importance, contributing about 62% of global GDP and facilitating 50% of global trade. The region is also critical to India’s economy, with 90% of its trade and 80% of its strategic freight passing through these waters.
- The Indo-Pacific is not limited to addressing traditional security issues like military competition or territorial disputes. It also offers vast potential to tackle non-traditional challenges such as climate change, maritime piracy, illegal fishing, and cybersecurity threats.
- Moreover, the region is emerging as a hub for bilateral and multilateral engagements, encompassing economic, political, and security issues.
- Organizations like ASEAN, the Quad, and agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) underscore the Indo-Pacific’s role as a center for economic integration and cooperation.
- For India, the Indo-Pacific represents a critical strategic landscape. By actively engaging in Indo-Pacific affairs, India not only safeguards its interests but also contributes to building an inclusive, cooperative, and sustainable regional order as the global order continues to evolve
1.Consider the following statements regarding India's strategic approach towards the Indo-Pacific region:
- India's vision of the Indo-Pacific stretches from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of the Americas.
- The Indo-Pacific contributes approximately 62% of the global GDP and accounts for 50% of global trade.
- The Indo-Pacific region primarily addresses traditional security concerns such as military competition and territorial disputes, with limited focus on non-traditional security threats.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(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 (a)
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- The agreement to resume patrolling along the previously recognized Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China in 2020 is a positive development, allowing Indian troops to access areas they patrolled before the 2020 standoff.
- The agreement reportedly involves disengagement in key conflict zones like the Depsang Plains and Demchok, which had previously been off the negotiating table for China. However, without more specific details, it's challenging to fully assess the agreement's implications.
- Several areas in Eastern Ladakh have become contentious as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian forces have made competing claims. Out of 65 defined patrolling points (PPs), 11 have been disputed since May 2020, primarily due to intrusions by either side.
- For example, in the Sirijap range on Pangong’s north bank, an agreement reached in February 2021 restored the status quo to its pre-April 2020 conditions. After India repelled China’s attempt to seize the Kailash Heights in September 2020, both sides agreed to de-escalate from Pangong Tso-Chushul, maintaining peace.
- In areas like the Galwan Valley, Changlung Nalla, Hot Springs, and Kongrung Nalla, where the PLA had previously restricted Indian movement, disengagement agreements from June 2020 have led to relative peace.
- However, the situation in Depsang and Demchok remains unresolved despite 21 rounds of military talks. The friction in Depsang dates back before 2020, with PLA offensive actions observed since 2009, including building a road in 2011 to project influence in the Depsang Plains.
- While the new agreement suggests the PLA will no longer block Indian patrols from reaching key points in the Depsang region, this outcome seems uncertain given the significant infrastructure China has developed there since 2020. Satellite images reveal new Chinese settlements in the Pangong area, making it unlikely they will dismantle their positions.
- In Demchok, Chinese forces have violated the LAC at Charding-Nilung Nalla since 2018, obstructing Indian patrols. It remains unclear whether the new agreement will allow Indian troops to resume patrolling up to Charding La Pass, as was done before 2020, or if the deal only involves symbolic adjustments in patrolling arrangements.
- Without complete disengagement, effective patrolling will be difficult, as it often involves asserting dominance over disputed areas. True peace along the LAC will require both sides to fully de-escalate, but given the extensive militarization and infrastructure built over the past four years, a complete military rollback in Ladakh seems unlikely without a clear strategic understanding. India's upgrades, such as the 260 km Shayok-DBO road and enhanced aviation infrastructure, have provided significant advantages, potentially influencing China’s shift in approach.
- Indian military responses since 2020 have thwarted China’s strategic objectives, forcing Beijing to reconsider its actions. While not a breakthrough, these developments reflect China’s recognition of the costs of its misadventures. Still, China is unlikely to easily relinquish territory or positions gained.
- Future patrolling without disengagement remains a difficult proposition, and more details may emerge after a potential Modi-Xi meeting. The goal is to restore the peace that existed before 2020 along the border, with de-escalation and demilitarization dependent on broader improvements in bilateral relations.
- The 2017 Doklam standoff was resolved before the BRICS summit, and similarly, the Galwan issue was addressed during the 2022 SCO summit. The recent announcement, appearing ahead of the BRICS summit, suggests efforts to set the stage for a Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan.
- While no true breakthrough has been achieved in India-China relations, both sides appear to be seeking a face-saving resolution. China may have gained tactical advantages in Ladakh, but India has effectively countered through diplomatic and strategic maturity.
- The new patrolling agreement likely includes modifications to norms, protocols, and coordination between military commanders. However, patrolling will cease with the onset of winter, giving both sides an opportunity to work on broader disengagement. Until then, tensions along the LAC will persist
1.The Line of Actual Control (LAC) separates (Karnataka Civil Police Constable 2020)
A.India and Pakistan
B.India and Afghanistan
C.India and Nepal
D.India and China
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Answer (D)
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the de facto boundary that separates the territories of India and China. It is not clearly demarcated in certain areas, which has led to disputes and standoffs between the two countries.
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Centre and State relations | Centre State and interstate relations |
| Environment & Ecology | Marine Ecosystem | Marine Ecosystem |
| Economy | Consumer Rights | Consumer Rights |
| Ancient History | Buddhism | Buddhism |
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