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National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Article 200 of the Constitution and its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Retail Inflation, Monetary Policy Committee(MPC), Tropical evergreen forest important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for April 23, 2025 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on April 23, 2025
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National Investigation Agency (NIA)
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance
Context:
More than 16 years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Tahawwur Rana, one of the key conspirators, was finally extradited to India from the US to face trial.
Read about:
What is the National Investigation Agency (NIA)?
What is the India-US extradition treaty?
Key takeaways:
-
The India-United States extradition treaty, signed in June 1997, laid down a formal legal structure to facilitate the transfer of individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes in either nation.
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For an offence to qualify for extradition under this treaty, it must be punishable by more than one year of imprisonment in both countries.
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The treaty excludes political offences from extradition. However, certain acts—including the murder or intentional attack on a Head of State or their family, hijacking, sabotage in aviation, attacks on internationally protected persons, and hostage-taking—are explicitly not classified as political offences.
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By 2023, India had formal extradition treaties in place with 48 nations and extradition arrangements with 12 additional countries.
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Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an associate of Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Coleman Headley, was taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) immediately upon his arrival, following the completion of required legal procedures. A medical check was also conducted at the airport.
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Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national and former member of the Pakistan Army Medical Corps, is accused of providing essential logistical support to the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He had been arrested in Chicago in October 2009, nearly a year after the incident.
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The NIA stated that it had “successfully secured the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, one of the key planners behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks,” after years of coordinated and persistent efforts to ensure he faces justice in India.
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Rana’s extradition was announced two months after then-U.S. President Donald Trump, standing alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, declared: “Today, I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters of the horrific Mumbai terrorist attack. He will now return to India to face justice.”
1.Which of the following statements regarding the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is/are correct?
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The NIA was established under an Act of Parliament in response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
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The NIA has the authority to investigate offences listed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), even outside India.
-
The NIA functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
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 (A)
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What has the SC ruled on the T.N. Governor?
For Preliminary Examination: Governor and their powers
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
Context:
On April 8, the Supreme Court declared Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s prolonged refusal to give his assent to 10 Bills as illegal and erroneous in law. In a landmark verdict, Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan underscored the importance of cooperative federalism, amid growing concerns over the increasing politicisation of the Governor’s office in Opposition-ruled States
Read about:
Governor’s office in Opposition-ruled States
Article 200 of the Constitution
Key takeaways:
Understanding the Assent Process
- Article 200 of the Indian Constitution outlines the authority granted to a State Governor when a Bill, passed by the State legislature, is submitted for assent. The only exception pertains to Money Bills, which are automatically considered to have received assent.
- For other types of Bills, the Governor has three options: approve the Bill, withhold assent and send it back to the Assembly for reconsideration, or forward it to the President for consideration.
- However, only those Bills that significantly affect the powers of the High Court and threaten its constitutional role may be sent to the President.
- As per the first proviso of Article 200, if the Governor decides to withhold assent, the Bill must be returned to the legislature "as soon as possible," along with recommendations for review or amendments. Should the legislature pass the Bill again—either with or without changes—the Governor is then constitutionally bound to provide assent.
Is a ‘Pocket Veto’ Possible?
- The tension between Governors and Opposition-led States often revolves around the interpretation of this proviso. While the Constitution requires prompt action, it does not set a specific timeframe, allowing some Governors to delay action indefinitely without officially rejecting or returning the Bill—a practice known informally as a “pocket veto.”
- However, the judiciary has clarified that the use of the word “shall” in the main text of Article 200, along with the phrase “as soon as possible,” rules out the legality of such indefinite delays.
- Allowing such unchecked power, he noted, would erode the principles of representative democracy.
Role of the President in the Assent Process
- The court further restricted the Governor’s discretion by ruling that once a Bill is returned, reconsidered by the legislature, and passed again, it cannot be referred to the President—unless it is substantially altered from its original form.
- Additionally, the Governor's decision to reserve a Bill cannot be based on subjective dissatisfaction or political motives; it must relate to serious concerns about democratic integrity.
- Importantly, the court set a three-month deadline for the President to decide on Bills sent by Governors. This timeline begins from the day the reference reaches the President. Any delay beyond this must be justified and communicated to the concerned State.
- The court also advised that the President may consider consulting the Supreme Court under Article 143 of the Constitution to obtain legal clarity, given the absence of a provision for Governors to seek judicial guidance directly.
- To safeguard the legislative process at the State level, the court imposed clear timelines on Governors: any decision to withhold assent or refer a Bill to the President must be taken promptly and within one month.
- If the Governor withholds assent against Cabinet advice, the Bill must be returned within three months, along with a written explanation. Similarly, if a Bill is reserved for the President despite ministerial opposition, it must also happen within three months.
- In cases where the legislature re-passes a Bill, the Governor is obliged to grant assent within one month. Exceptions to these timelines may be accepted only if justified with valid reasons
Follow Up Question
1.With reference to the Legislative Assembly of a State in India, consider the following statements: ( UPSC 2019)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer (C)
Statement 1: The Governor makes a customary address to Members of the House at the commencement of the first session of the year. Statement 2: When a State Legislature does not have a rule on a particular matter, it follows the Lok Sabha rule on that matter. Thus, both statements are correct |
US retail inflation cools to 2.4% in March
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Economy
Context:
Underlying US inflation cooled broadly in March, indicating some relief for consumerss prior to widespread tariffs that risk contributing to price pressures.
The consumer price index, excluding often volatile food and energy costs, increased 0.1 per cent from February, the least in nine months, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data
Read about:
Retail Inflation
Food Inflation
Key takeaways:
- Retail inflation refers to the rise in prices of goods and services that consumers purchase for their daily needs. It reflects the change in the cost of living for the average consumer and is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- When we talk about inflation in everyday terms—like the increase in the price of vegetables, fuel, clothes, transport, and healthcare—we're actually referring to retail inflation.
- To understand retail inflation better, imagine a household that spends money on a fixed basket of goods every month. If the total cost of this basket increases over time, it means inflation is rising.
- For example, if this basket cost ₹1,000 last year and ₹1,050 this year, the inflation rate is 5%. This percentage increase is what we refer to as the retail inflation rate.
- Retail inflation matters because it directly affects people's purchasing power. When prices go up, the value of money goes down, and people can buy fewer goods and services with the same amount of income.
- This impacts the common man more severely, especially lower-income groups, since a larger portion of their income goes towards basic necessities like food, transport, and housing.
- The government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) monitor retail inflation closely. The RBI, in particular, uses inflation data to decide monetary policies, such as changing interest rates.
- If inflation is high, the RBI might increase interest rates to curb spending and bring prices down. If inflation is too low, it might lower interest rates to boost demand in the economy.
- Thus, retail inflation is not just an economic term but a crucial indicator of how affordable life is for ordinary citizens and how stable the economy is overall
Monetary Policy Committee(MPC)
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is a key decision-making body in India that is responsible for setting the repo rate, which is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to commercial banks. By changing this rate, the MPC influences interest rates in the economy, thereby controlling inflation and ensuring economic stability.
The committee was formally established in 2016 under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, following amendments made to improve transparency and accountability in monetary policy decisions. Before this, the RBI Governor had the sole authority to set interest rates, but now decisions are taken collectively by the MPC.
The MPC consists of six members:
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Three members are from the RBI, including the Governor (who acts as the Chairperson),
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And three are independent members appointed by the Government of India.
Each member has one vote, and in case of a tie, the RBI Governor has a casting vote.
The main objective of the MPC is to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the goal of economic growth. In simpler terms, this means controlling inflation without hurting the economy’s expansion. The government has set a target for inflation at 4% (with a tolerance band of 2% to 6%), and it is the MPC’s job to adjust policy rates to keep inflation within this range.
The committee meets at least four times a year, and its decisions are published along with detailed reasoning, making the process transparent and predictable. This helps build trust among investors, businesses, and the general public.
In summary, the Monetary Policy Committee plays a vital role in shaping India’s economic landscape by managing inflation, influencing interest rates, and steering the overall monetary policy in a balanced and transparent manner
Follow Up Question
1.Concerning the Indian economy, consider the following: (UPSC 2015)
- Bank rate
- Open Market Operations
- Public debt
- Public revenue
Which of the above is/are component(s) of Monetary Policy?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 1, 3 and 4
|
Answer (c)
Monetary Policy refers to the policy measures taken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to control the supply of money, availability of credit, and interest rates in the economy. The primary objective is to maintain price stability and ensure economic growth. Let’s examine each option:
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- Active mobility involves human-powered modes of transportation, as opposed to vehicles driven by motors. Common examples include walking, cycling, skateboarding, and other non-motorised options used primarily for daily commuting rather than leisure.
- In India, active mobility has started gaining prominence due to growing issues such as traffic congestion, urban air pollution, health challenges, and an alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities.
- This focus aligns with broader sustainable transport initiatives, both national—like the National Transit Oriented Development (NTOD) policy and the Smart Cities Mission (SCM)—and global efforts such as the Paris Agreement, which urges reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and encourages eco-friendly transport.
- In Bengaluru, Sathya Sankaran, the city’s first Bicycle Mayor, has played a key role in promoting infrastructure that supports non-motorised transport since 2018. His advocacy helped shape the Karnataka Active Mobility Bill, 2022. In 2020, the state reported the highest pedestrian fatality rate in India at 13%, prompting the bill’s creation.
- The legislation aims to legally safeguard the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging inclusive access to public spaces. Other cities are also stepping up: Delhi is expanding its cycle lanes under the Delhi EV policy, Pune has rolled out a Comprehensive Bicycle Plan with over 300 km of cycling paths, Chennai is revamping its roads for better walkability under the SCM, and Kochi has introduced a Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) initiative to improve last-mile connectivity
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), active mobility yields a wide range of economic, social, environmental, and health-related advantages. Financially, it cuts down household spending on fuel and transport while reducing medical costs through improved physical well-being. Economically, it supports local businesses as pedestrian zones tend to attract more visitors.
- Environmentally, walking and cycling produce negligible carbon emissions, making them far more sustainable than motorised transport. These methods also contribute to energy conservation and can significantly help lower the 12% of India's carbon emissions that come from road transport.
- Urban areas with robust walking and cycling networks report cleaner air and less congested traffic.
- On the health front, active transport can reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases, enhance cardiovascular fitness, and boost mental health, making cities more livable and eco-conscious.
- Despite its many benefits, active mobility remains underutilised, largely due to urban infrastructure that fails to support it. Most Indian roads lack proper provisions for safe walking and cycling—in fact, by 2021, over 85% of roadways did not meet the minimum safety standards for non-motorised transport.
- Compounding this issue is the easy availability of inexpensive motorised alternatives, as well as climatic extremes and long commuting distances that dissuade people from using active modes.
- Social attitudes also present major obstacles. In many areas, motor vehicles like cars and motorcycles are viewed as status symbols, while non-motorised transport is often seen as inferior.
- With over 12,000 new cars sold daily in India (as per the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers), the number of private vehicles is surging. This leads to intensified congestion and, combined with poor enforcement of traffic laws, makes walking and cycling even more unsafe.
Critically examine the factors contributing to the underdevelopment of active mobility infrastructure in India. Also, discuss the measures taken by the government to promote it and suggest a roadmap for its effective integration into urban planning. (250 words)
- The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills, are a mountain range that stretches along the western coast of India, passing through six states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- This range is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and unique ecosystems, making it one of the world’s most ecologically significant regions.
- The Western Ghats are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region, and have earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their environmental importance.
- Historically, the Western Ghats were celebrated for their breathtaking natural beauty. The region is dotted with lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and a diverse range of plant and animal life.
- The region’s varied climate and topography support a wide array of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests in the lower elevations to montane grasslands and shola forests at higher altitudes. The Western Ghats also play a critical role in regulating the monsoon weather system and maintaining water sources for much of peninsular India.
- However, despite its ecological significance, the Western Ghats face numerous challenges. Climate change has altered weather patterns, affecting the region's delicate balance.
- Deforestation due to industrialization, urbanization, and agriculture has led to the loss of vital habitats.
- Traditional communities, particularly tribal populations, who have depended on the forests for their livelihoods, are facing the decline of their way of life as their lands are encroached upon.
- Additionally, urban sprawl and infrastructure development continue to put pressure on the ecosystem. These combined threats have left the Western Ghats in a vulnerable state, requiring urgent attention and conservation efforts to preserve its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage
- The Western Ghats are not just an ecological treasure trove, but also a living archive of culture, memory, and resilience for the diverse communities that have called this region home for centuries.
- This mountain range, with its sweeping landscapes and deep forests, has nurtured a unique blend of traditions, practices, and beliefs that are intricately tied to the land. The indigenous and local communities of the Western Ghats have developed a deep connection with their environment, relying on it not only for sustenance but for cultural identity.
- For these communities, the Western Ghats are much more than a geographical feature; they are a repository of cultural practices passed down through generations.
- From the rituals associated with sacred groves, to the traditional agricultural practices that harmonize with the natural rhythms of the region, the Ghats serve as a living testament to the sustainable relationship between people and nature. The wisdom embedded in these practices offers valuable insights into living in harmony with the environment, even in the face of modern challenges.
- Moreover, the Western Ghats also represent resilience. Communities living in the region have endured countless adversities—be it the ravages of natural disasters, political upheaval, or external pressures like land encroachment and development.
- Despite these challenges, these communities have continued to safeguard their traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, ensuring its transmission to future generations.
- The rich oral traditions, folk art, music, and dance of the Western Ghats further reflect this resilience, offering glimpses into the memories and experiences of those who have lived in these mountains for generations.
- In the face of climate change, deforestation, and modernization, the cultural heritage of the Western Ghats remains a source of strength and pride for the people who live there.
- The region’s preservation as a living archive of culture, memory, and resilience is not just an environmental concern—it is a vital effort to protect the ways of life that have sustained generations of people and the ecosystem for centuries.
- This ongoing connection between nature and culture in the Western Ghats highlights the importance of preserving both natural and cultural heritage, ensuring that the mountains continue to thrive as a symbol of both ecological and human resilience
1.Which of the following statements in respect of landslides are correct? (NDA 2022)
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
|
Answer (B)
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How will genetic mapping of Indians help?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & technology
Context:
The preliminary findings of the GenomeIndia project, which attempted to study whole genomes of 10,000 healthy and unrelated Indians from 83 population groups, were published in the journal Nature Genetics on April 8. After excluding two populations, the published findings are based on the genetic information of 9,772 individuals — 4,696 male participants and 5,076 female participants.
Read about:
Genome Mapping
Genome India project
Key takeaways:
- On April 8, the journal Nature Genetics published initial findings from the GenomeIndia project, which aimed to sequence the entire genomes of 10,000 healthy, unrelated individuals from 83 different population groups across India.
- Ultimately, the results reflect data from 9,772 participants—comprising 4,696 men and 5,076 women—after excluding two groups. Launched in January 2020 with support from the Department of Biotechnology, the project collected blood samples and phenotype data such as height, weight, waist and hip measurements, and blood pressure from a total of 20,000 individuals. Out of these, 10,074 samples were selected for genome sequencing.
- This pan-India initiative involved collaboration among 20 institutions, with major sequencing efforts carried out at the Centre for Brain Research (IISc Bengaluru), Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Hyderabad), Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (Delhi), National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (Kolkata), and Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (Gandhinagar).
- From each of the 83 population groups—including 30 tribal and 53 non-tribal communities—samples were gathered from a median of 159 people in non-tribal groups and 75 in tribal groups. The goal was to identify rare mutations that could be linked to complex diseases.
- To ensure statistical reliability in mutation frequency, only unrelated individuals were sampled, with each group also including three to six parent-child trios to help detect de novo mutations (those that occur spontaneously in a child but are absent in the parents).
- The project included sequencing from five tribal communities—Tibeto-Burman, Indo-European, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, and a mixed continental outgroup—as well as three non-tribal counterparts representing the same linguistic backgrounds.
- Language served as a proxy for genetic diversity, so the sampling reflected India’s four major language families: Indo-European, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, and Tibeto-Burman.
- However, four ancient Andamanese populations—believed to date back 65,000 years—and two relatively recent groups (around 5,500 years old) were not included in this study.
- In total, the sequencing revealed around 180 million genetic mutations—130 million in autosomal (non-sex) chromosomes and 50 million in sex chromosomes.
- This vast number of mutations is not unexpected given the complexity of the human genome, which consists of roughly three billion DNA base pairs.
- These findings are particularly significant given that the sequenced individuals came from 83 genetically distinct endogamous communities.
- Notably, around 98% of the human genome comprises non-coding DNA, which does not produce proteins, and a substantial portion of the discovered variants fall within these regions.
- Genetic variations in non-coding regions—especially those that are conserved through evolution—can shed light on human ancestry. Understanding this is critical, as many contemporary Indian communities trace their roots to a limited number of founding populations and have practiced endogamy over centuries, preserving unique genetic signatures.
- All 83 groups studied show a high prevalence of endogamy, leading to distinct genetic mutations that are often more common within specific communities. These unique mutations may also increase the frequency of certain genetic disorders within these groups.
- Historically, global genome studies have been dominated by data from European populations, leaving countries like India—despite its enormous genetic diversity—largely underrepresented.
- The GenomeIndia project addresses this gap by documenting genetic variation across diverse Indian communities, making it one of the most significant efforts in this space.
- The findings have far-reaching implications: identifying group-specific genetic mutations linked to diseases can help formulate targeted public health strategies.
- The data is expected to spur research into the relationship between genetic variation and disease, contributing to the advancement of precision medicine tailored to Indian genetic profiles.
- Furthermore, it can enable the development of cost-effective diagnostic tools based on genomics, promoting early disease detection, prevention, and management across the country
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Answer (D)
Statement 1: Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants. Statement 2: This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants. Statement 3: It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops. |
Why is lateral entry policy under scrutiny?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Governance
Context:
What did the Union Public Service Commission advertise on recruitment, and why was the order withdrawn? Has the government tried out the lateral entry policy in the past? How did it fare? What is the reservation issue? Is there a shortage of personnel?
Read about:
What is Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) ?
Functions and responsibilities of UPSC
Key takeaways:
- The UPSC is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.
- The UPSC conducts examinations for appointments to the all-India services, central services, and public services of the centrally administered territories.
- The UPSC's recommendations are binding on the government for all recruitment matters.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
|
Answer (a)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Municipalities | Municipalities |
| Polity | Emergency Provisions | Emergency Provisions |
| History | Medieval History | Harshavardhan |
| Environment | Protected Area | Protected Area |
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