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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on April 22, 2025

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Buddhist Conclave

For Preliminary Examination: Buddhist Circuits, Tipatikas

For Mains Examination: GS I - Art & Culture

Context:

In a first, the government is organising a two-day conclave starting April 21 in Arunachal Pradesh to highlight the spread and impact of Buddhism in India’s Northeast. It is organised jointly by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.

Read about:

International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)

Impact of Buddhism in India’s Northeast

Key takeaways:

Essence and Significance of Buddhism in Northeast India

An event titled ‘Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of Northeast India’ seeks to underscore the vital role that the northeastern region of India plays in the preservation and propagation of Buddhist heritage, monastic traditions, and spiritual culture. According to Abhijit Halder, Director-General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)—a global body headquartered in New Delhi—the Northeast has been a cradle for various strands of Buddhism, notably Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna.

This region is home to numerous indigenous communities who have deeply woven Buddhist philosophy into their cultural and spiritual practices. Halder emphasized that the narrative of Theravāda Buddhism in Namsai district is a striking example of enduring faith, cultural strength, and a contemporary revival of ancient traditions. One of the key goals of the conclave is to bring such inspiring stories to the attention of the global community.

The Origins and Core Teachings of Buddhism

Buddhism originated in India around the 5th or 6th century BCE, during a transformative period often described by historians as India’s “second urbanisation.” This era saw significant socio-cultural shifts in the Gangetic plains. Arising alongside other non-Vedic belief systems like Jainism, Buddhism served as a response to the orthodox and ritual-heavy practices of Vedic Hinduism.

At the heart of the Buddha’s teachings are the Four Noble Truths, which outline the nature of suffering and the path to liberation:

• The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life is fundamentally marked by suffering, whether in the form of pain, loss, or dissatisfaction.

• The Cause of Suffering (Dukkha-samudaya): Suffering originates from a chain of twelve interconnected causes, known as the twelve links of dependent origination (dvādaÅ›a nidānacakra or bhāvacakra). These links include:

  • Avidyā (ignorance)

  • Samskāra (karmic formations)

  • Vijñāna (consciousness)

  • NāmarÅ«pa (name and form)

  • Sadāyatana (six sense bases)

  • SparÅ›a (contact)

  • Vedanā (sensation)

  • Trsnā (craving)

  • Upādāna (clinging)

  • Bhava (becoming)

  • Jāti (birth)

  • Jarā-marana (old age and death)

• The Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): Freedom from suffering is attainable. When ignorance—the root cause—is eliminated, the entire chain of suffering collapses.

• The Path Leading to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga): The Eightfold Path offers a systematic approach to ending suffering and achieving enlightenment

The Eightfold Path: A Roadmap to Liberation

Detailed in the Mahāparinibbāṇa Sutta of the Dīgha Nikāya within the Sutta Piṭaka, the Eightfold Path provides practical guidance to attain ultimate insight and extinguish suffering by removing ignorance. The components include:

1. Right View (Sammā diṭṭhi)

2. Right Intention (Sammā saṅkappa)

3. Right Speech (Sammā vācā)

4. Right Action (Sammā kammanta)

5. Right Livelihood (Sammā ājīva)

6. Right Effort (Sammā vāyāma)

7. Right Mindfulness (Sammā sati)

8. Right Concentration (Sammā samādhi)

National Civil Services Day 2025

For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance

For Mains Examination: GS II - Role of Civil Services in Democracy

Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Nation’s Civil Servants on 17th Civil Services Day 2025 on April 21, 2025. On this occasion, he conferred the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration on 17th Civil Services Day 2025.

Read about:

National Civil Services Day

Macaulay Committee (1855)

Key takeaways:

National Civil Services Day and the Evolution of India's Civil Services

• Observed annually on April 21, National Civil Services Day serves as a tribute to the unwavering dedication of India’s civil servants—key pillars in the machinery of governance.
• On this occasion, the Government of India acknowledges the exceptional commitment and contributions of these officials, with the Prime Minister presenting the PM Awards for Excellence in Public Administration to recognize outstanding work in public service.
• The tradition began in 2006, but its roots stretch back to April 21, 1947, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country’s first Home Minister, addressed newly inducted Administrative Services probationers at Metcalf House, Delhi.
• He famously referred to them as the “steel frame of India,” emphasizing their role in maintaining the integrity of the administrative setup in a newly independent nation. While launching the Indian Administrative Service, Patel reminded officers that colonial dominance had ended, and their work must reflect a spirit of sincere public service.
• He also stressed the importance of developing a sense of unity and pride within the Service—a feeling of shared purpose that gives the institution its strength and meaning.

Civil Services Under East India Company

• Lord Cornwallis is often hailed as the "Father of Civil Services in India." The Charter Act of 1793 formalized covenanted civil services, introducing structured governance and offering pensions to employees. For much of the 19th century, the East India Company’s Directors nominated young men for these services, forming a European elite known as the Covenanted Civil Service.
• In 1800, Lord Wellesley established the College of Fort William in Calcutta to train civil service aspirants. However, by 1806, the Company created its own training facility—the East India College at Haileybury, England.
• Admission was based on a basic test and personal recommendation. The curriculum included subjects like Law, Political Economy, and Indian languages, with recruits sent to India post-training.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a leading figure in Indian reform, was the first Indian to formally demand reforms in civil services. In his 1832 testimony before the British Parliament’s select committee, he advocated for qualified Indians to be allowed administrative roles.

Shift to Merit-Based Recruitment and Macaulay’s Reforms

• Before 1853, civil service appointments were made through patronage. The Charter Act of 1853 ended this system and introduced merit-based competitive exams, promoted by reformers like Sir Charles Trevelyan and Robert Lowe.
• The Macaulay Committee (1855) recommended selecting candidates based on academic merit. It suggested that aspirants should ideally be graduates from Oxford or Cambridge and advocated general education over vocational training.
• A Civil Service Commission was set up in London in 1854, with the first exam conducted in 1855. The age range for candidates was set between 18 and 25, but the exam's Eurocentric syllabus proved a disadvantage for Indian candidates.

Indian Inclusion in the ICS

The Indian Civil Services Act of 1861 allowed certain positions to be filled by Indians or Europeans who had resided in India for at least seven years. Candidates had to pass an exam in the vernacular language of their district. Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to clear the ICS exam in 1864. However, simultaneous exams in India were delayed due to British resistance.

Civil Service Exams in India

Following the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, exams were finally allowed in India from 1922, starting in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), later shifting to Delhi. The Public Service Commission was established in 1926, although London-based exams continued.

Judicial and Administrative Developments (1876–1935)

• By 1876, the civil service had been divided into Executive and Judicial branches to improve judicial efficiency. District Collectors, in consultation with the Board of Revenue, appointed Deputy Collectors without requiring competitive exams.
• The Aitchison Commission (1886) sought to increase Indian participation in administration, suggesting the end of the Statutory Civil Service and dividing services into Imperial, Provincial, and Subordinate categories. It also recommended reducing the entry age to 23 and ending simultaneous exams.
• The Islington Commission (1917) proposed reserving 25% of top posts for Indians, but these recommendations were largely ignored. The Montagu-Chelmsford Report later increased this quota to one-third.
• In 1923, the Royal Commission on Superior Civil Services in India, led by Lord Lee, reviewed the composition of higher services and recommended categorizing them into All India Services, Central Services, and Provincial Services. The Government of India Act of 1935 established the Federal Public Service Commission, decentralizing recruitment to provincial levels.

Contempt of Court

For Preliminary Examination:  Current events of national and international Significance

For Mains Examination: GS II - Judiciary

Context:

Hours after his party distanced itself from his statement that Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna was responsible for “grih yuddhas” (civil wars) in the country, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Sunday morning attacked former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) S Y Quraishi over his criticism of the Waqf Act, labelling him a “Muslim Commissioner”.

Read about:

What is Contempt of Court?

What are the Types of Contempt of Court?

Key takeaways:

Criticism of Contempt of Court Proceedings: Balancing Judicial Authority and Freedom

• While contempt of court proceedings play a critical role in maintaining the integrity and authority of the judiciary, they have been subject to criticism over the years.
• Critics argue that, when misused or overextended, contempt laws can pose a threat to democratic values, particularly the freedom of expression and the independence of the press.
• The debate over contempt of court laws centers on finding a balance between protecting the judiciary and ensuring that fundamental rights are not unduly restricted.
• One major criticism is that contempt of court proceedings can be used to suppress legitimate criticism of the judiciary.
• In a democratic society, the right to free speech and the freedom of the press are foundational principles. However, contempt laws, particularly criminal contempt, are sometimes perceived as being invoked to silence individuals or media outlets that critique or question judicial decisions, thus stifling public discourse.
• Critics argue that this undermines the transparency of the judicial process, as it discourages public debate on court judgments, which is essential for the evolution of law and justice.
• Additionally, there are concerns that contempt of court laws can be overly broad and vague. The definition of what constitutes contempt is often unclear, which can lead to arbitrary or excessive use of the power to punish individuals.
• For example, an individual who expresses an opinion about a court’s decision may be charged with contempt if the court deems the expression to be offensive, even if there was no intent to interfere with judicial proceedings.
• This lack of clear boundaries can result in inconsistent application of the law and the potential for abuse by those in power.
• Moreover, there is an argument that the judiciary should be self-regulating and not rely heavily on legal provisions to defend its honor. Some believe that judges should be able to withstand public criticism as part of the democratic process, as long as it does not impede the functioning of the court.
• In this view, contempt proceedings should only be used in cases of direct, serious interference with the judicial process, rather than as a tool to protect the judiciary’s image.
• Another point of contention is that contempt of court laws are often disproportionately applied to those without the means to defend themselves, such as journalists or activists.
• The cost and complexity of legal proceedings can make it difficult for these individuals to mount an adequate defense, potentially leading to a chilling effect on free expression. This concern is especially pronounced when contempt charges are used to target dissenting voices or those who challenge the status quo.
• In conclusion, while contempt of court proceedings are essential for ensuring that the judiciary operates without interference, they must be applied with caution and clarity.
• Overuse or misuse of contempt laws can infringe on fundamental rights and inhibit public discourse, which is a vital aspect of a functioning democracy.
• Striking the right balance between protecting judicial authority and safeguarding freedoms of speech and expression remains a challenge that needs ongoing attention and scrutiny

 Additional Information

• Dubey launched a scathing attack on the Supreme Court, holding Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna responsible for what he described as “all civil wars in the country.”

• Hailing from Deoghar (formerly in Bihar), Dubey, aged 56, is the nephew of a prominent Jana Sangh figure. He became involved with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) early on, attending its shakhas. After spending some time in the corporate sector, he formally entered politics in 2009. Since then, he has secured four consecutive terms as a Lok Sabha MP from Godda, Jharkhand.

• Known for his vocal stance on the issue of illegal immigration, Dubey has repeatedly demanded the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Jharkhand. He claims that unchecked migration from Bangladesh is altering the state’s demographic makeup. In a Lok Sabha session last year, he controversially proposed that Malda and Murshidabad—districts in West Bengal bordering Bangladesh—should be designated as Union Territories to curb illegal immigration.

• The 1978 case S. Mulgaonkar v Unknown marked a pivotal moment in Indian jurisprudence on contempt of court. In a split 2:1 verdict, the Supreme Court found S. Mulgaonkar—then editor of The Indian Express—not guilty of contempt, despite initiating proceedings against him. Justices P. Kailasam and V. R. Krishna Iyer overruled the then Chief Justice M. H. Beg. Justice Iyer’s call for restraint in the use of contempt powers later came to be known as the Mulgaonkar principles

Follow Up Question

 1.Consider the following statements: (2022)

1. Pursuant to the report of H.N. Sanyal Committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was passed.
2. The Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court and the High Courts to punish for contempt of themselves.
3. The Constitution of India defines Civil Contempt and Criminal Contempt.
4. In India, the Parliament is vested with the powers to make laws on Contempt of Court.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 3 only

Cloudburst

For Preliminary Examination: Flash floods, Cloudburst

For Mains Examination: GS I - World Geography

Context:

 A cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides in Jammu & Kashmir’s Ramban district on Sunday, killing three people, blocking the Jammu-Srinagar national highway at several points, and disrupting power and water supply, officials said.

Read about:

What is a cloudburst?

Can we predict cloudbursts?

Key takeaways:

• Since Saturday evening, multiple regions in the Union Territory have been battered by severe weather, including heavy rainfall, powerful winds, lightning strikes, and hailstorms. Numerous homes, businesses, and vehicles have sustained damage.

• In the Ramban tehsil of Jammu and Kashmir, three people lost their lives early Sunday morning (April 20) due to intense rain and hailstorms. The deluge led to building collapses, halted transportation, and forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents.

• Landslides triggered by the downpour buried many vehicles along the national highway and within Ramban town and its nearby areas. As a result, several individuals were stranded along the route.

• Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, stated that his administration was actively working with local authorities to manage the emergency response.

• Expressing his sorrow in a post on X, Abdullah said, “Deeply pained by the devastating landslide and flash flood in Ramban that have resulted in significant loss of life and property. Our thoughts are with the grieving families. The local administration is actively engaged in rescue operations. I will be reviewing plans for relief, restoration, and reconstruction later today.”

• Although heavy rainfall events are sometimes referred to as “cloudbursts,” the term has a specific scientific meaning: rainfall exceeding 10 cm within an hour across a 10 km x 10 km area.

• Cloudbursts are more prevalent in mountainous regions due to a process called orographic lift, where warm, moist air rises up mountain slopes, cools and condenses, eventually releasing sudden and intense rainfall when the system is overwhelmed.

• Due to their highly localized nature (around a 10 km radius), accurately tracking cloudbursts is challenging.

• Flash floods occur rapidly when excessive rainfall quickly floods drainage systems like rivers or streams, causing water to overflow. These floods are especially common in hilly areas with hard terrain that cannot easily absorb water. While riverine floods in the plains cause prolonged damage, flash floods are more likely to result in fatalities due to their sudden onset.

• In India, flash floods are frequently linked to cloudbursts — brief but intense rainfall episodes. Additionally, Himalayan regions face the risk of glacial lake overflows, a hazard increasing with accelerating glacier melt in recent years.

• A landslide happens when a section of land, such as rocks or soil, detaches and moves downhill. According to the British Geological Survey, landslides occur when gravity’s pull on a slope surpasses the forces holding it in place. Water makes slopes more susceptible by adding weight, weakening materials, and reducing friction, which eases the downward movement

Percentage of India’s GDP is agriculture

For Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development

For Mains Examination: General Studies II:  Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment

Context:

Amid the uncertainties and disruptions resulting from the ongoing global tariff war, India’s growth prospects seem to be at risk. Concerns have been raised over the future trajectory of capital expenditure and private sector investment for India, as the impact of a slowing global economy will make its way to domestic shores, sooner or later

Read about:

What percentage of India’s GDP is agriculture?

Why is India called an agrarian?

Key takeaways:

• Agriculture, contributing approximately 16% to the nation's GDP and supporting over 46% of its population, has demonstrated resilience in recent years, particularly after the pandemic.

• The sector’s annual growth has remained consistently above 4% (except for 2.7% in 2023-24) over the last five years, beginning in 2020-21. This year, it is anticipated to perform well, aided by a forecast for above-average rainfall during the four-month monsoon season in India.

• According to the India Meteorological Department’s forecast released on Tuesday, the monsoon is expected to bring rainfall at 105% of the long-term average, marking the second consecutive year of ‘above normal’ rainfall. India is likely to receive 100% or more rainfall for the fifth time in the last seven years, since 2019.

• The anticipated above-normal monsoon is expected to boost consumption demand, particularly in rural areas. With lower inflation and softer crude oil prices, this is seen as a positive factor for economic growth. Projections for agricultural production also suggest a favorable outlook for food inflation, according to the latest economic review by the Ministry of Finance.

• According to the second advance estimates, food grain output from the kharif and rabi seasons is expected to increase by 6.8% and 2.8%, respectively. Kharif rice production is projected to rise by 6.6%, while wheat output is forecast to reach a record 1,154.3 lakh tonnes.

• However, challenges from global trade disruptions continue to pose risks to India’s economy, as highlighted by the Reserve Bank of India in its latest monetary policy review on April 9. The RBI has revised its real GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 to 6.5%, down from an earlier projection of 6.7%, with quarterly growth projections for Q1 at 6.5%, Q2 at 6.7%, Q3 at 6.6%, and Q4 at 6.3%.

• Most economic forecasts have downgraded India’s growth expectations for the current financial year, 2025-26, by at least 20 basis points. However, a potential rise in rural demand, along with easing food inflation and crude prices, are seen as positive factors

Follow Up Question

1.Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (2017)

 1.In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (2020)
1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
2. Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
3. Social Capital development
4. Free electricity supply to farmers
5. Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 2, 3 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6