INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Indus Waters Treaty (IWT),
Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and Cloudburst, Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Same Sex Marriage for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Illegal migrants and India-EU FTA important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for September 20, 2024
|
- India, which had earlier called for a review, modification, and even renegotiation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), suspended the pact after the April terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
- The treaty, which had endured Indo-Pak hostilities for more than six decades, now finds itself in a fragile state.
- Going ahead, the question of sharing river waters across the border is likely to become an equally contentious issue alongside terrorism and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Debates on the IWT have often been charged with sentiment rather than grounded in facts. In this context, a recent book by Uttam Kumar Sinha, senior fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses and a noted expert on the IWT, provides clarity.
- The Treaty allocated nearly 80% of the waters of the Indus system’s six rivers to Pakistan, a division that has caused dissatisfaction in India in recent years. As Sinha points out, the agreement was shaped less by volume calculations and more by geographical and natural factors such as terrain and river flow.
- The two countries entered the Treaty with differing motives. For Jawaharlal Nehru, it was a step toward ensuring peaceful coexistence, a gesture of goodwill that he believed could anchor regional stability.
- He viewed water disputes as secondary to India’s development priorities and was willing to go further with Pakistan on this matter than on Kashmir. Critics, however, felt Nehru’s concessions were excessive.
- While Nehru described it as “purchasing peace,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently argued it was instead “purchasing appeasement.” Pakistan, meanwhile, understood the strategic importance of upper riparian control and recognized its vulnerability as the lower riparian state.
- Interestingly, despite the seemingly favorable 80:20 distribution, Pakistani leaders have avoided celebrating the arrangement. Acknowledging victory would undermine their longstanding narrative of victimhood. Over time, Pakistan too has remained dissatisfied, albeit for reasons different from India’s.
- From a needs-based perspective, the division was not inherently unfair. India received more than it had originally sought—besides full rights over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), it also gained limited rights on the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).
- Yet, India has underutilized these rights, partly because Pakistan has used the Treaty provisions to delay or block Indian projects in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Remarkably, the IWT has endured through four wars, countless terrorist incidents, and recurring diplomatic crises, often being hailed as a model of transboundary water management.
- Much of its success lies in India’s role as the upper riparian, which carries the responsibility of maintaining flows and sharing hydrological data. The downstream state, Pakistan, wields no such responsibility. Analysts question whether the Treaty would have survived if the positions were reversed.
- Today, Pakistan continues to exploit Treaty mechanisms to obstruct India’s legitimate projects. India, however, is determined that any renegotiation will remain a bilateral matter, without external mediation such as the World Bank, which facilitated the original deal in 1960.
- This raises concerns in Pakistan, which occasionally hints at involving China and Afghanistan—countries that together hold about 14% of the Indus basin—in future negotiations.
- For now, India seems content with the deadlock. Its suspension of Treaty obligations does not appear aimed at disrupting flows but at asserting its right to fully use western river waters. While India may still share some hydrological data with Pakistan, the suspension of Permanent Indus Commission meetings has reduced the detail and regularity of such exchanges.
- After more than sixty years, India has chosen to leverage its upper riparian advantage, having failed to curb Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism through other means.
- Even minor uncertainties regarding the timing and quantity of flows could cause significant challenges for Pakistan. India hopes this newfound pressure will push Pakistan toward a more pragmatic approach
1.With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus direct? (2021)
(a) Chenab
(b) Jhelum
(c) Ravi
(d) Sutle
|
Answer (a)
|
- A cloudburst refers to a highly localised and sudden spell of very heavy rain. Contrary to popular belief, it does not mean a cloud literally bursts open, but rather an extreme downpour over a small area within a short time frame.
- According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cloudburst is defined as unexpected rainfall exceeding 100 mm in an hour across an area of about 20–30 square kilometres. Such intense rainfall often results in flash floods. However, while every cloudburst involves heavy rain in a short span, not all heavy rains qualify as cloudbursts unless they meet this definition.
- In recent weeks, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have witnessed multiple such events, which triggered landslides, mudslides, swollen rivers, and flash floods. These incidents caused severe destruction, disrupted communication, and claimed many lives.
- Although extreme rainfall during the monsoon is common in these states, the rising frequency and severity of such episodes in recent years is alarming.
- This year’s monsoon has been particularly vigorous. The northwestern belt of India has received excessive rainfall, especially in the last six weeks, due to a series of low-pressure systems originating in the Bay of Bengal that moved unusually far north, intensifying rainfall in the Himalayan belt.
- The impact of extreme rainfall depends largely on geography. For example, coastal regions such as Goa, Konkan, Karnataka, Kerala, and Meghalaya often experience over 300 mm of rain in 24 hours without major disasters.
- But similar rainfall in the fragile Himalayan terrain—Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—can be catastrophic.
- In the mountains, rising air currents promote the growth of towering rain-bearing clouds, resulting in sudden, intense precipitation.
- While in plains, excess water usually drains into rivers and lakes, in hilly areas the situation is far riskier. Torrential rain rushing downhill drags soil, rocks, and debris along its path, leading to landslides and flash floods.
- Recent events in Mandi, Kullu, Dharali, Tharali, and Jammu illustrate how blocked rivers and overflowing streams can devastate settlements, damage infrastructure, and sever transport links.
- Still, not every cloudburst results in a disaster. Outcomes depend on local factors—if rainfall occurs on slopes less prone to landslides, or if debris does not choke a river, the damage may be minimal.
- Another emerging concern is the shifting of large-scale weather systems, particularly western disturbances. These are eastward-moving wind systems from the Mediterranean that typically bring winter rain or snow to northern India.
- However, their southward drift in recent years and interaction with the southwest monsoon has complicated rainfall patterns in the Himalayas.
- Scientists attribute this shift mainly to global warming. The expectation is that extreme rainfall events will become more frequent in mountainous regions, accompanied by prolonged dry spells. Factors like melting Arctic sea ice could further influence these changing monsoon dynamics, deepening uncertainties about rainfall behaviour in the hills
|
Answer (C)
|
The National Pension System (NPS) replaced the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) on January 1, 2004. Since then, many government employees have pressed for the restoration of OPS, as NPS not only offered comparatively lower assured returns but also required employee contributions — something OPS did not demand.
In 2023, the government set up a panel headed by then Finance Secretary (now Cabinet Secretary) T.V. Somanathan. Based on its report, the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) was unveiled.
Key Features of UPS (as per government notification):
-
Assured Pension: Employees completing at least 25 years of service are entitled to 50% of the average basic salary (from the last 12 months before retirement). Those with fewer years of service but at least 10 years will receive proportionately reduced pensions.
-
Minimum Assured Pension: At least ₹10,000 per month for employees retiring after 10 years of service.
-
Family Pension: On the retiree’s death, the immediate family will get 60% of the last drawn pension.
-
Inflation Indexation: Dearness relief for pensioners will be linked to the All-India CPI for Industrial Workers, similar to serving staff.
-
Lump-sum Payment: Besides gratuity, retirees will get a lump sum equal to one-tenth of their monthly pay (basic + DA) for every six months of completed service.
On September 2, 2025, the Department of Personnel issued the Central Civil Services (Implementation of Unified Pension Scheme under NPS) Rules, 2025, to regulate service conditions of employees opting for UPS.
Until this announcement, employees recruited before January 1, 2004, continued under OPS (guaranteed pension), while those joining later were under NPS (market-linked returns). Despite persistent demands by unions and NPS subscribers to restore OPS universally, the government instead introduced UPS in August 2023.
UPS vs. NPS
-
Mandatory vs. Optional: NPS was compulsory for central government employees joining from Jan 1, 2004. UPS, however, is optional. Employees can choose UPS, but they also have a one-time chance to switch back to NPS by September 30. This option can be exercised until a year before retirement or three months prior to opting for Voluntary Retirement (VRS). Once exercised, the choice is irreversible.
-
Contribution: Under NPS, employees contribute 10% of basic + DA, while the employer contributes 14%. In UPS, both employee and employer contribute 10% each of basic + DA to the PRAN account.
-
Assured vs. Market-Linked: UPS guarantees 50% of the average basic pay of the last 12 months (for 25 years of service) plus a minimum of ₹10,000/month after 10 years. NPS does not assure fixed payouts; benefits depend on the accumulated corpus.
-
Corpus Pool: To support the assured pension, UPS provides for a pooled corpus with an additional 8.5% government contribution of basic + DA.
-
Lump-sum Benefit: Absent in NPS, but available in UPS as 1/10th of last basic + DA for every six months served.
-
Exclusion Clause: Employees dismissed from service will not be eligible for assured payouts under UPS.
Meanwhile, to make NPS more attractive for the private sector, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) recently allowed fund managers to design customised plans with up to 100% equity exposure. Though private-sector participation in NPS has been growing rapidly, it still accounts for only about one-fifth of total Assets Under Management (AUM)
Follow Up Question
1.Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? (UPSC CSE 2017)
(a) Resident Indian citizens only
(b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only
(c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments
(d) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004
|
Answer (c)
(a) Resident Indian citizens only (b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only (c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments (d) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004 |
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance, especially the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
For Mains Examination: General Studies-I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms
Context:
Even as the stage is set for a UNESCO team to visit Sarnath soon, after the Buddhist site near Varanasi was nominated by India for the World Heritage List, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is preparing to install a “corrected” plaque at the location to credit the family of an erstwhile local ruler for its preservation — instead of the British
Read about:
What is the process of selecting the World Heritage List?
What is the role and function of the ASI?
Key takeaways:
- Buddhism stands today as one of the world’s major religions, shaping the lives of millions through its philosophy and practices. It emerged in the 6th century BCE in the Indian subcontinent, alongside other Åšramanic traditions, as a response to the ritualism and rigid hierarchy of Brahmanical practices.
- The exact dates of the Buddha’s birth and death remain a subject of scholarly debate. His life story is preserved in Pali canonical texts such as the Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka, which often present hagiographical accounts. Additional narratives about his life are also found in texts like the Mahavastu and Buddhacharita.
- The Buddha, originally Siddhartha, was born to King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan at Kapilavastu (in present-day Nepal). Tradition holds that his mother, Maya, gave birth to him at Lumbini while traveling to her parental home.
- After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha delivered his first sermon at the deer park in Sarnath, near Varanasi, addressing five disciples. This sermon, known as Dhammachakka-pavattana (“Turning the Wheel of Dhamma”), laid out a transformative path to break free from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
- Recent discussions have also focused on the archaeological heritage of Sarnath. A proposal has challenged the long-standing view that the site was brought to light by British officers in 1798. Instead, it argues that Jagat Singh, through a digging exercise in 1787–88, was the first to reveal its significance. Accordingly, there is a demand for the installation of a new plaque giving him credit.
- Currently, the site’s plaque attributes the discovery to Mr. Duncan and Col. E. Mackenzie in 1798, followed by excavations led by Alexander Cunningham (1835–36), Major Kittoe (1851–52), F.O. Oertel (1904–05), Sir John Marshall (1907), M.H. Hargreaves (1914–15), and Dayaram Sahni.
- However, earlier this year, after a petition from Singh’s family, the ASI amended a plaque at the Dharmarajika Stupa in Sarnath. The earlier description that labeled Jagat Singh as a “destroyer” of the structure was removed; the revised version acknowledges that the stupa came to light through him and was once even referred to as the Jagat Singh Stupa.
- In parallel, India has officially nominated Sarnath for the UNESCO World Heritage List (2025–26 cycle), renewing its push after being on the tentative list for 27 years.
- As part of its cultural diplomacy, India continues to project itself globally as the land of the Buddha. In a related move, the Ministry of Culture recently issued notices to Sotheby’s Hong Kong to halt the auction of Buddhist relics
What is the cultural significance of Sarnath?
-
Buddhist Heritage
-
Sarnath is one of the four holy sites of Buddhism (along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar).
-
It is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakka-pavattana sutta) after attaining enlightenment, setting in motion the Wheel of Dharma.
-
The site symbolizes the beginning of the Sangha (Buddhist monastic community).
-
-
Archaeological Importance
-
Home to ancient monuments such as the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and Ashokan Pillar (with the Lion Capital that later became India’s National Emblem).
-
Excavations reveal layers of cultural development from the Mauryan to the Gupta period, reflecting India’s rich civilizational continuity.
-
-
Art and Architecture
-
Gupta-era sculptures from Sarnath are renowned for their grace, serenity, and refinement, representing a high point of Indian artistic expression.
-
The Ashokan lion capital from Sarnath is not only an outstanding example of Mauryan art but also a powerful cultural and political symbol.
-
-
Interfaith Connections
-
While primarily a Buddhist center, Sarnath also attracted Jain and Hindu traditions, making it a symbol of India’s pluralistic culture.
-
-
Modern Cultural Identity
-
Sarnath strengthens India’s soft power diplomacy as the “Land of the Buddha.”
-
Its nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List highlights its global recognition as a site of universal value
-
1.With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2023)
1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c)All three
(d) None
|
Answer (b)
1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. 2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition. |
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: General Studies-I, II: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Context:
A same-sex couple has moved the Bombay High Court, challenging the law that discriminates against them by taxing gifts received by one partner from the other. Under the Income Tax Act, no such tax on gifts is levied on heterosexual couples. This discriminates against them according to Article 14 and 15 of the Constitution
Read about:
Article 14 and 15 of the Constitution
What is gift tax?
Key takeaways:
- In 2023, a Constitution Bench of five judges of the Supreme Court, led by then Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, delivered a unanimous verdict refusing to legalise same-sex marriages in India.
- The Court, by a 3:2 majority, also declined to recognise civil unions for non-heterosexual couples. All judges agreed that the Constitution does not provide a fundamental right to marry.
- Chief Justice Chandrachud observed that the Court lacked the authority to rewrite or reinterpret the provisions of the Special Marriage Act (SMA). The petitions before the Court had sought a gender-neutral reading of this secular law, which was originally framed to enable inter-caste and inter-faith marriages.
- Petitioners had argued for its extension to same-sex couples, but the Bench did not accept this demand.
- Earlier, on September 6, 2018, another Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra and including Justices R.F. Nariman, A.M. Khanwilkar, D.Y. Chandrachud, and Indu Malhotra, had unanimously struck down Section 377 of the IPC to decriminalise consensual same-sex relations.
- Reflecting on the 2023 ruling, Firoza Mehrotra described October 17 as a deeply disappointing day for advocates of marriage equality, since the Court reiterated that the right to marry is not fundamental. However, it did direct the Union government to set up a committee under the Cabinet Secretary to examine the rights and entitlements of queer persons in unions.
- In April 2024, the Centre constituted this committee, comprising the Cabinet Secretary and senior officials from key ministries.
- Following its deliberations, some reforms were announced: the Department of Food and Public Distribution issued guidelines instructing states and Union Territories to treat queer partners as members of a single household for ration card purposes; the Department of Financial Services clarified that queer individuals face no barriers in opening joint bank accounts or nominating their partners; and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare directed states to prevent discrimination against queer persons in healthcare, including matters relating to claiming a deceased partner’s body.
- Although these steps mark incremental progress, their practical enforcement remains uncertain. To address this gap, some legal experts suggest implementing a Deed of Familial Association (DoFA), an idea first recommended by Justice N. Anand Venkatesh in a Madras High Court judgment delivered on November 17, 2023
Follow Up Question
1.Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice? (UPSC CSE 2019)
(a) Article 19
(b) Article 21
(c) Article 25
(d) Article 29
|
Answer (b)
The right to marry a person of one’s choice is derived from the fundamental right to personal liberty and privacy, which is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
|
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Context:
At a time when New Delhi is taking one step at a time in dealing with the US administration under President Donald Trump, the European Union announced “a new strategic agenda to raise bilateral relations with India to a higher level”. This includes a range of areas from trade and technology to defence, security, connectivity and climate change
Read about:
What is the status of India-EU FTA?
What is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)?
Key takeaways:
- The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is an ambitious connectivity initiative aimed at creating an integrated network of ports, railways, roads, maritime routes, and pipelines to boost trade between India, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean region, and Europe.
- IMEC seeks to leverage existing trade links between India and the Arab Gulf, as well as the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, while building the necessary infrastructure to fill connectivity gaps between these regions.
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for IMEC was signed in September 2023 in New Delhi during the G-20 summit, with participation from India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, Germany, Italy, the US, and the EU.
- The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 countries working together to simplify, secure, and enhance collaboration across Europe. India established formal relations with the European Economic Community in 1962, which later became part of the EU framework. Subsequent agreements, such as the Joint Political Statement (1993) and the Cooperation Agreement (1994), strengthened India-EU ties.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the time is ripe to deepen partnerships based on shared interests and values, noting that the new EU-India strategy aims to elevate bilateral cooperation.
- EU High Representative Kaja Kallas highlighted that some EU Commission members have reservations on certain contentious areas. Von der Leyen also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to finalising a Free Trade Agreement with India by the end of the year.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his invitation for the next India-EU Summit to be hosted in India, further strengthening diplomatic engagement.
- The Joint Communication from the European Commission, released after the February 2024 visit of EU Commissioners to India, outlines a strategic vision for deepening cooperation across multiple domains, including security, defence, maritime safety, cyber defence, and counterterrorism.
- The communication also underscores support for regional connectivity initiatives, such as IMEC, and the EU’s Global Gateway program, while promoting trilateral cooperation with India and third countries. It prioritises collaboration in multilateral forums, international law, global governance, and multilateral values.
- A key focus is creating a mobility cooperation framework encompassing study, work, and research opportunities, alongside engagement with civil society, youth, think tanks, and the business community, including the establishment of an EU-India Business Forum.
- India aims to secure investment commitments from the EU across broad sectors and gain better access to legal, accounting, and IT services under the comprehensive trade agreement expected by year-end. Negotiations, however, are ongoing on sensitive areas like automobile and alcoholic beverages markets, as well as non-tariff measures that increase compliance costs for Indian businesses.
- This trade agreement is particularly important for India as US tariffs of 50% threaten exports worth over $40 billion, and Indian exporters are seeking EU trade relief, especially in labour-intensive sectors. The EU is India’s second-largest export destination and the biggest source of services sector investment.
- According to a recent report by the European Commission, the EU is India’s largest trading partner, while India is the EU’s largest trade partner in the Global South. In 2024, bilateral trade in goods reached €120 billion, nearly doubling over the past decade, with about 6,000 European companies operating in India.
- Despite this growth, India represents less than 2.5% of EU trade in goods and services, and Indian investments in the EU total only €10 billion. Trade barriers include high tariffs, restrictive domestic policies, limited foreign direct investment, and constrained business opportunities.
- The report highlighted the EU’s commitment to increasing investments in India via Global Gateway, which supports private-sector investments through guarantees and blended financing. Global Gateway is the EU’s strategy to promote smart, clean, and secure connections in digital, energy, and transport sectors while strengthening health, education, and research systems globally
Follow Up Question
|
Answer (C)
ASEAN has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with several countries and groups, known as ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, including Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and others.
|