UPSC to take up today Haryana plea to promote 27 HCS officers to IAS
With Haryana facing a shortage of IAS officers — against the sanctioned strength of 225, the state currently has only 169 such officers in service — it has urged the UPSC to consider promoting HCS officers to IAS. The Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) of the UPSC will take up the matter in a meeting scheduled for July 14.
In 2023, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had filed a chargesheet in a Hisar court, alleging irregularities in the recruitment of the 2002 HCS batch, which has hindered the promotion of several officers in recent years. Eight of the 27 HCS officers — whose names have been forwaded to the UPSC for promotions — have been named in the chargesheet.
One of them, Jagdeep Dhanda, recently approached the high court alleging that he has been 'implicated in the impugned FIR and chargesheet has been filed against him for extraneous reasons and with mala fide intentions'.
A few years back too, the Haryana government had sent a proposal to the UPSC to consider HCS officers for promotion to IAS. Dhanda's name figured in that list too. The selection committee meeting was fixed for December 6, 2022, but could not be held. It was claimed on the behalf of Dhanda that 'to exclude certain officers from zone of consideration, the affected parties managed to influence the government to send a vigilance report concerning the FIR to the UPSC on December 22, 2022. It was also claimed that 'he (Dhanda) was not even named in the said vigilance report, nor was any allegation of any kind levelled against him'.
Meanwhile, after 18 years of registration of the FIR regarding alleged irregularities in the recruitment, the Vigilance Bureau filed a chargesheet in the Hisar court in January 2023. Dhanda's counsel contended that 'the entire sequence shows that it was only to exclude the petitioner from the process of selection to IAS cadre that he has been included as an accused in the challan/chargesheet, though none of the ingredients of the alleged offences are established against him'.
On the other hand, the state counsel submitted that 'the petitioner (Dhanda) remains an accused in the charge-sheet filed, and, therefore, has no right to be considered for promotion'. As the state counsel sought time to file a detailed reply to the petition, the High Court on July 11 ordered a stay on the 'operation and effect of the impugned chargesheet'.
In March this year, when the state government had approached the UPSC for the promotion of 27 HCS officers, it had conveyed that 'the term chargesheet cannot be construed as the final form/report submitted under section 173 of the CrPC'.
However, the UPSC had returned the promotion proposal after the Solicitor General did not agree with the state government's opinion. 'All the cases where the report under section 173 CrPC is filed, it would be treated as filing of the chargesheets as stipulated in 'Regulations 5 (5) of the lAS Regulations, 1955,' the Solicitor General had opined.
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The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Duration of the CSE exam cannot be curtailed, the UPSC says
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed a parliamentary panel that the duration of the one-year long Civil Services Examination (CSE) cannot be curtailed. The time cycle for the CSE had been optimised to the extent possible, despite an increase in the number of candidates, centres and venues over the years, following a detailed analysis of the time taken in the pre-examination and post examination activities, the Commission said. 'One of the most vital factors that go into the determination of the time schedule of an examination is the need to maintain the utmost confidentiality and integrity of the examination process. Various checks and balances have been integrated in the examination system, which have been gained through years of experience to eliminate the risk to confidentiality and integrity,' the UPSC said in its reply to the the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice. The reply is mentioned in the 154th Report on Action Taken on the 131st Report on 'Review of Functioning of Recruitment Organisations of Government of India' pertaining to the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, tabled in the Rajya Sabha on August 8. The CSE is conducted in three stages — the Preliminary Examination (objective type), the Civil Services (Mains) Examination (descriptive type), and Personality Test/Interview. The exams are held to recruit officers for 19 civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service (IPS), and the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). In accordance with the current trend, the number of applications for the Preliminary Examination was over one million every year, the UPSC said. The 2023 Examination was held at 79 centres across the country, with 2,538 venues to accommodate 10.27 lakh candidates. The gap between the three phases of the exam had been within a range of around two-and-a-half to three months, the UPSC said, adding that there was hardly any scope to further compress the time between the date of advertisement or notification of the CSE, and the date of holding it. Evaluation of nine descriptive-type answer scripts took more time, that is, over two months, as nearly 1.20 lakh answer sheets in different subjects were evaluated by different teams of experts, the UPSC said. The parliamentary panel had recommended a comprehensive re-examination of the civil services recruitment framework, stressing that the process be rationalised and streamlined. 'At present, the examination cycle stretches across almost an entire year,' the panel said. The Parliamentary Standing Committee had asked the Department of Personnel and Training to establish a clear timeline for the implementation of the Baswan Committee's reforms. In 2015, an expert committee, chaired by B.S. Baswan, former Secretary, Ministry of Education, was constituted to comprehensively examine the various issues regarding the CSE, including a high rate of absenteeism among the applicants to the exam. The panel said that UPSC should explore the feasibility of declaring the answer key to the Preliminary exam after the exam was over, instead of publishing it after the declaration of the final results. 'Candidates should be allowed to raise objections at this stage only, and on that basis, any discrepancies related to the answer key of the Preliminary examination should be resolved. This should be taken into account before publishing the results of candidates qualifying for the next stage, i.e., the Civil Services Mains examination,' the panel said. The UPSC said it had an online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) on its website, where candidates could submit their views on any aspect of a question. The Commission released the answer key after the completion of the entire process, a policy it followed in all examinations, which had been working smoothly. 'As the above system of disclosing keys after the final result of the Examination is working fine since inception and serving the larger public interest very well, no requirement is felt to change the same,' the UPSC said. The matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court, the UPSC told the parliamentary panel.
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: India-Singapore ties, Agnipath scheme, and Income Tax Bill 2025
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for August 14, 2025. If you missed the August 13, 2025, UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here. Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. What's the ongoing story: INDIA AND Singapore on Wednesday finalised around ten as the top ministers from both sides met in Delhi, ahead of a possible visit by Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong next month. Key Points to Ponder: — What is the history of India-Singapore relations? — What are the areas of cooperation between both the countries? — What is the Act East policy? — How is Singapore an important facilitator of India's Act East policy? — In the light of India's semiconductor push, what is the significance of Singapore for India? Key Takeaways: — Pacts were signed on areas including connectivity, digitalisation, healthcare and medicine, skills development and advanced technology, an official statement said. — External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw held the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable with six Singaporean ministers. — At the third ISMR, the two sides are also understood to have deliberated on an ambitious proposal to lay an undersea cable to carry solar energy from India to Singapore that will also provide data connectivity. — An Indian statement said the two sides reviewed the progress of various bilateral cooperation initiatives under the six pillars of the ISMR — advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitalisation, healthcare and medicine, skills development and sustainability. — It said India views Singapore as an important partner in its 'Act East' policy. The inaugural ISMR was held in New Delhi in September 2022 and the second meeting was held in Singapore in August 2024. Do You Know: — Underlining the strategic partnership between India and Singapore, Modi said in his visit to Singapore last year: 'Over the past 10 years, our trade has more than doubled. Mutual investment has increased almost threefold to cross US$150 billion. Singapore was the first country with which we launched the UPI person-to-person payment facility.' Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Singapore & Semiconductors Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (1) What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north? (UPSC CSE 2014) 1. Bangkok 2. Hanoi 3. Jakarta 4. Singapore Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 4 – 2 – 1 – 3 (b) 3 – 2 – 4 – 1 (c) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2 (d) 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Main Examination: General Studies-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. What's the ongoing story: A new draft on the plastics treaty shared Wednesday on the penultimate day of the global negotiations has left out provisions on plastic production cuts, chemicals of concerns, and no clear definition of plastics, threatening to derail consensus on an agreement. Around 190 countries have assembled in Geneva to negotiate the first-ever treaty to end plastic pollution. Key Points to Ponder: — Read about plastics and their different categories. — Why is a global plastic treaty required? — What are the challenges faced by global leaders in drafting a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution. — What is the significance of the Global Plastic Treaty in the context of international environmental agreements? — What is India's position on the plastics treaty? — Read about the Plastic Waste Management Rule 2021. Key Takeaways: — The talks in Geneva reached a critical point as the chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), leading the task to thrash out a treaty, shared the draft at a stocktake plenary, drawing sharp reactions from several countries. Luis Vayas Valdivieso, the Ecuadorian diplomat chairing the INC of UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said during the plenary that he had shared a draft in his capacity as the chair, capturing areas of convergence and disagreements. — The draft text and the procedural pathway expressed by Valdivieso drew sharp reactions from countries. The draft was unequivocally slammed by both, a bloc of countries pushing for production cuts and called 'imbalanced' and the bloc of countries led by Kuwait and other oil producing countries, who want to focus on plastic waste management. — Countries have been pushing to address the full life-cycle, which includes addressing upstream issues such as limiting manufacturing of polluting plastic products, prohibiting use of toxic chemicals, and including a list of products for phase-out. — India aligned with Kuwait and said there are some 'serious concerns' and 'fundamental elements' were missing, said Naresh Pal Gangwar, Additional Secretary, Environment Ministry. — In the crucial article on 'plastic products', the draft said that countries should take measures 'as appropriate' and 'in accordance' with national circumstances and capabilities to manage, reduce, or not allow import or export of plastic products. This was seen as a major dilution by several countries, who slammed the draft for being 'weak' and lacking any legally binding goals. Do You Know: — The Plastic Waste Management Rule 2021 banned the use of single-use plastics covering 19 categories in 2022. Single-use plastic refers to plastic items that are used once and discarded. Single-use plastic has among the highest shares of plastic manufactured and used — from packaging of items, to bottles (shampoo, detergents, cosmetics), polythene bags, face masks, coffee cups, cling film, trash bags, food packaging etc. — According to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, there are 7 categories of plastics on the basis of their recyclability. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Why the world needs a global plastic treaty Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (2) Consider the following: (UPSC CSE 2025) 1. Cigarette butts 2. Eyeglass lenses 3. Car tyres How many of them contain plastic? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None (3) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2024) Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution. Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base. Which pone of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies-III: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. What's the ongoing story: The Armed Forces are discussing a reassessment of the Agnipath scheme, keeping in mind the requirement for an ideal ratio between technically proficient and trained manpower and a reduced age profile of soldiers in the military, The Indian Express has learnt. Key Points to Ponder: — What is the Agnipath scheme? — What are the issues related to this scheme? — How is Agnipath different from regular military service? — Do Agniveers draw pensions post-retirement? — What is the rationale for introducing the Agnipath scheme? Key Takeaways: — The services have been periodically reviewing the scheme — for recruitment of soldiers, airmen and sailors for a limited period of four years — ever since it was introduced in 2022. — While there have been discussions between the services and the Department of Military Affairs on possible tweaks, no major changes have been cleared so far. — However, according to sources, following Operation Sindoor in May, there have been discussions on increasing the retention of Agniveers, based on factors such as training, experience and expertise acquired by them in their four years. — The first batch of Agniveers will complete their four years by 2026-end, and a decision on making changes to the scheme is likely to take place around that time. — According to current rules, at the end of the four-year tenure, up to 25% of the Agniveers can join the services, subject to merit and organisational requirements. — According to sources, discussions are underway in the Army to increase this retention percentage — with the number varying in different departments. — While there are increasing efforts to procure and induct a range of new generation military platforms, equipment and modern technologies in the Armed Forces after Operation Sindoor, much of the discussions stem from the requirement of a bigger manpower trained to use them. — In the Army, for instance, most of such specialised training is done after Agniveers join their respective units after the initial six months of training at their regimental centres. — Earlier this year, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi had said that efforts to align Agniveers' leave policies with those of regular soldiers and to harmonise benefits in case of casualties were also being considered. — He also mentioned the requirement for technically skilled recruits and spoke about the possibility of increasing the upper age limit from 21 to 23 years. Do You Know: — Agnipath was aimed at recruiting personnel below officer ranks — soldiers, airmen, and sailors who are not commissioned officers — to the Indian Armed Forces for a period of four years. — At the end of this tenure, upto 25% of these recruits, the so called 'Agniveers', can join the services on a permanent commission (another 15 years), subject to merit and organisational requirements. — Aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 23 years are eligible to apply (the upper age limit was increased from 21), and the recruitment standards remain the same as with regular service, prior to Agnipath. — The scheme was announced in June 2022, after military recruitment was paused for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. — Agniveers draw a basic salary of Rs 30,000-Rs 40,000 per month, and are entitled to other risk and hardship allowances. — They contribute 30% of their monthly emoluments to the Seva Nidhi fund, which the government matches. At the end of their service, they receive approximately Rs 11.71 lakhs (with interest) as a lump sum severance package from this fund, which is exempt from income tax. — If they die on duty, their family receives a lump sum of Rs 1 crore (including the Seva Nidhi package), and full pay for the period which the soldier could not serve. In case of disability, an Agniveer can receive upto Rs 44 lakh as compensation, depending on the percentage of disability suffered which is attributed to, or aggravated by military service. — Unlike soldiers in regular service, Agniveers do not draw pensions post-retirement. Only the 25% of Agniveers who get absorbed into the forces after four years will receive pensionary benefits, although the initial four years of service will not be considered for these. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Explained: What is the Agnipath scheme and the opposition to it? Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which has been in her neighborhood. Discuss along with the strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. (UPSC CSE 2014) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. What's the ongoing story: During a discussion in the state Assembly last week, legislators across party lines demanded the legalisation of bull fighting in Goa. The MLAs said that bull fighting, locally referred to as dhirio or dhiri, is an integral part of Goa's cultural fabric. Key Points to Ponder: — What is the bull festival of Spain called? — How is dhiri different from Spain's bull fight? — Are there any constitutional provisions related to cruelty against animals? — What are the other traditional sports in India that involve animals? — What is the Supreme Court ruling on the Jallikattu festival? — What is the objective of enacting the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960? Key Takeaways: — In the book Goa, Cradle of My Dreams (1988) Nora Secco de Souza described Goan bull fighting as a 'less complicated' and 'less colourful affair' than its Spanish counterpart 'for there are no flamboyant matadors [in dhiri]'. — These bull fights have traditionally been held in paddy fields and football grounds of Goa, with village shepherds bringing in their animals. — Dhiri was a 'part and parcel of every Church fest' and villagers from miles around would gather to witness the popular sport in which 'two thorough-bred bulls fight each other'. — The bull that gets pushed out of the arena first or turns and runs away loses the fight, unlike in Spain where the animal has to die for the fight to end. A fight can be over in a few minutes or stretch for more than an hour. — 'It is a straight fight till one bull falls or flees. Often a bull is seriously injured,' said one bull owner who was previously involved in the practice. Bulls can even be gored to death at times. Agitated bulls may also charge at spectators, causing grievous injuries. — The bulls often had names such as (Mike) Tyson and Rambo (the famous Sylvester Stallone character), and had a devoted fan following, Gracias said. — In September 1996, Xavier Fernandes from Cana-Benaulim was killed by a 'violent' bull at a fight organised at Ambaji-Fatorda. After the incident, the NGO People for Animals filed a petition in the High Court of Bombay at Goa contending that bull fights were occurring illegally in contravention to the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. — The High Court subsequentlly found bullfights to be illegal and said they 'cannot be permitted to be organised'. The Court directed the state to take immediate steps to ban 'all types of animal fights including bull fights and 'dhirios' in the state of Goa.' — In 2021, a contempt petition was filed in the High Court, alleging that bull fights were taking place despite orders of the court. In April this year, a bull died during a bullfight in a paddy field in Betalbatim. In January, a spectator was gored to death at a bull fight near Benaulim. — Supporters and bull fight aficionados argue that bull fights are a traditional 'sport of Goa'. — 'There is no cruelty. It is a sport where the strength of bulls is put to test. It is like boxing. It can be regulated. The horns of bulls can be capped, but a ban goes against the tradition,' Francis, a resident of Taleigao, told The Indian Express. — In 2023, AAP MLA from Benaulim, Venzy Viegas sought an amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to exclude dhirio, along the lines of a similar legislation passed by Tamil Nadu, which excludes the traditional sport of jallikattu from the ambit of the law. Do You Know: — A five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court on May 18, 2023 upheld the amendments made by the legislatures of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, allowing bull-taming sports like jallikattu, kambala, and bullock-cart races. — The five-judge Bench overruled the view taken by a two-judge Bench of the court in its 2014 ruling in 'Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja', banning such sports including jallikattu. — Jallikattu, also known as eruthazhuvuthal, is a bull-taming sport traditionally played in Tamil Nadu as part of the Pongal harvest festival. The festival is a celebration of nature, and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, of which cattle-worship is part. — In 2017, Tamil Nadu amended the PCA Act to allow jallikattu in the state. The amending Act sought to preserve the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, and to ensure the survival and well-being of the native breeds of bulls. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Supreme Court upholds Tamil Nadu law allowing jallikattu: What is this decade-old case? Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (4) Consider the following pairs: 1. Jallikattu : Tamil nadu 2. Kambala : Karnataka 3. Dhirio : Goa How many of the above pairs are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation . General-Studies III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development and employment. What's the ongoing story: Parliament on Tuesday passed a new income tax Bill to replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act, 1961. The new Bill removes redundant provisions and archaic language, and is likely to come into effect from April 1, 2026. Key Points to Ponder: — What is income tax? Who levies the income tax? — Is Income tax a progressive taxation system? — What is the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) remittances? — How has the new income tax bill defined virtual digital space? — What are the national pension system (NPS) and unified pension scheme (UPS)? Key Takeaways: — The new Income-tax Bill, 2025 was first introduced in February, and then sent to a Parliament Select Committee. On August 12, the government introduced a new version, the Income-Tax (No.2) Bill, 2025, incorporating most recommendations of the Committee. — The first draft of the Bill, introduced in February, had included a provision — Clause 263(1)(a)(ix) — that implied that taxpayers could only claim a refund if they had filed tax returns on or before the due date. The new version has removed this provision. — The new Bill also clarified that there will be nil TCS on Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) remittances for education purposes financed by any financial institution, a provision that had gone missing in the earlier version. — The Bill has corrected other drafting errors such as those related to inter-corporate dividend deductions for companies availing concessional tax rates. — The Bill has also allowed taxpayers who do not have any I-T liability to obtain a nil-TDS certificate. — The government has corrected the anomaly regarding donations linked to non-profit organisations in line with the recommendation of the Select Committee. Exemption has been allowed to NPOs for 5 per cent of the 'total' donation instead of just 5 per cent of 'anonymous' donations, as is the case in the existing Act. — The new Bill introduces the concept of 'tax year', which has been defined as the 12-month period beginning April 1. The concept was introduced in the first draft in February. — The new Bill removes redundant provisions and archaic language and reduces the number of Sections from 819 in the Income Tax Act of 1961 to 536 and the number of chapters from 47 to 23. — The government has, however, retained the contentious definition of 'virtual digital space' — the powers to call for information by income tax authorities during surveys, searches and seizures, including email servers, social media accounts, online investment, trading and banking accounts, remote or cloud servers and digital application platforms. — Separately, the government also brought in the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which amends the Finance Act, 2025. — The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill also extended income tax benefits under the market-linked national pension system (NPS) to the guaranteed unified pension scheme (UPS), by allowing tax-free withdrawal of lump sum payments or the accumulated UPS corpus, up to 60 per cent, at the time of retirement. Do You Know: — Overseas remittances by Indian residents under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) fell by 29 per cent to $1,964.21 million in February 2025 from $2,768.89 million in January. — Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, resident individuals, including minors, can freely remit up to $2,50,000 per financial year for permissible current or capital account transactions. These transactions include education, medical treatment abroad, purchase of property, and investments in foreign stocks. — The new I-T bill has defined 'virtual digital space' in the powers to call for information by income tax authorities during surveys, searches and seizures. — It defines a virtual digital space as 'any digital realm that allows users to interact, communicate and perform activities' through computer technology. It also allows tax authorities to override the access code to any said computer system, or virtual digital space, where the access code thereof is not available. — The National Pension Scheme (NPS) replaced the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) on January 1, 2004. — Like the OPS, the UPS provides a guaranteed pension. It aims to give stability, dignity, and financial security to government employees after retirement, assuring their well-being and a secure future. More importantly, the UPS promises retirees a fixed pension, unlike the NPS. This was one of the major criticisms of the NPS. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Overseas remittances by Indians under LRS were down 29% in February to $1,964.21 mn: Here's why 📍New Income Tax Bill defines virtual digital space for searches, seizures Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (5) With reference to India's decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act. 2. Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the 'Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements'. Select the correct answer using the code given below : (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance, Economic Development Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Government policies and interventions, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development. What's the ongoing story: The much-awaited bill to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who said that the proposed changes are aimed at reducing delays, maximising value for all stakeholders, and improving governance of all processes under the Code. Key Points to Ponder: — What is the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)? — Read about the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India. — What were the first generation of economic reforms? — Why was the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code introduced? — What are the issues associated with IBC? — What steps should be taken to address the issues and challenges associated with the functioning of the IBC? — What are the key changes proposed in the amendment bill? Key Takeaways: — The proposed modifications include provisions to ensure faster admission of insolvency cases, an out-of-court mechanism to address 'genuine business failures', and introduction of group and cross-border insolvency frameworks, and a slew of others. — Introduced in 2016, the IBC promised an overhaul of insolvency resolution with the aim to rescue and reorganise distressed companies through a time-bound process, prioritising their survival as going concerns. — While the IBC has fostered a culture of accountability and credit discipline among debtors, its efficiency has been undermined by procedural delays, shortage of personnel, deviations from key principles, and slow implementation of critical provisions. — Although the IBC has had a few successes, it has been marred by issues like high case backlog, lengthy delays in admission and resolution, and steep haircuts for creditors. Over the past couple of years, various stakeholders flagged concerns and the need to rethink the IBC's design. — The amendment bill—referred to a select committee for consultations—is expected to help make the insolvency resolution process swifter and efficient, in addition to being in line with international best practices. The proposed amendments are to facilitate faster admission, resolution, and liquidation, maximise asset value, and improve governance. — One of the key changes proposed in the amendment bill is that an insolvency application filed by a financial creditor 'must' be admitted if the default is proven, procedural compliance is met, and there are no disciplinary proceedings against the resolution professional. This means that there will be no real scope for rejecting such applications on additional grounds, and the default would be the only real ground for consideration of an insolvency application. — The bill also clarifies that records from financial institutions are to be considered as sufficient and conclusive proof of default by the debtor. — The amendment bill also stipulates that the adjudicating authority — the NCLT — should strictly enforce the 14-day timeline to decide on admission of insolvency applications, and if there is a delay, it would need to 'record the reasons for such delay in writing'. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍With long delays and steep haircuts, chorus for revamping IBC grows louder ALSO IN NEWS This AI-tool will automatically generate minutes of meetings of gram sabhas, the primary body of the Panchayati Raj system, consisting of all registered voters of a gram panchayat. The visits are taking place in the run-up to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin in China, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel on August 31-September 1. Delhi is following its multi-alignment foreign policy, and will be careful not to become part of an anti-Western grouping. Delhi likes to portray itself as a non-Western, and not an anti-Western country, keeping intact its strategic autonomy. Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at
Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Indian Express
UPSC Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 Economy topics aspirants shouldn't miss
Are You Mains Ready? With the UPSC CSE Mains 2025 beginning on August 22, no subject can be taken for granted—each one has the potential to surprise you with unexpected questions. Thus, to make your economy preparation sharper and more focused, here's a checklist of important topics with PYQ insights based on the syllabus of General Studies-III, highlighting why the given topic is relevant. Are these topics part of your final revision plan yet? UPSC Mains 2025 Revision: Top 15 Polity and Governance topics UPSC Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 International Relations topics UPSC Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 Science and technology topics 📌 Why in News? Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025-26 on 1st February. In her speech, she highlighted four engines of development for the 2025-26 fiscal year: agriculture, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), investments, and exports. The Union Budget is a crucial component of the UPSC syllabus. Thus, understanding its facts, figures, and analysis is significantly important, as questions can be asked on various aspects, and it also provides good fodder for the Mains answers. Key dimensions to cover: • Know in detail the basics of a budget and its components. • Know the key highlights of Union Budget 2025-26. • What does the Union Budget 2025-26 say on agriculture? • What are the major government schemes related to the agriculture sector? • What are the major announcements for India's MSME sector in the Union Budget? • How Union Budget addresses investment-related challenges to stimulate economic growth? • How does the Union Budget align with India's goal of becoming a global export hub? PYQ Insight: 📍Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. (UPSC CSE 2021) 📍One of the intended objectives of the Union Budget 2017-18 is to 'transform, energise and clean India'. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective. (UPSC CSE 2017) Other important article covering the same topic: UPSC Issue at a Glance | Facts, figures, and analysis of the 4 engines driving the Union Budget 2025 How Budget 2025 empowers India's cities as engines of economic growth 📌 Why in News? Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey for 2024-25 in Parliament on January 31. The Economic Survey is the comprehensive analysis of the economy that is conducted from within the Union government. Its observations and details provide an official framework for not only analysing the Indian economy but also sheds light on the challenges faced by our economy and the required solutions. It is an important document for the UPSC CSE, as questions have been asked based on it, and it also provides fodder for mains answers. Key dimensions to cover: • What is the Economic Survey and its significance? • What are the key highlights of the Economic Survey 2024-25? • What are the main concerns flagged by the Economic Survey? • What are the survey's key recommendations for the various sectors of the economy, such as the external sector, investment, infrastructure, industry, service sector, and employment? • Know about these government schemes mentioned in Economic Survey – Jan Aushadhi scheme, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), PM Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) , One Station One Product Scheme, Bharatmala Pariyojana, National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA), Bharat Net Project. PYQ Insight: 📍Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced a V- shapes recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. ( UPSC CSE 2021) Other important article covering the same topic: UPSC Issue at a Glance | Economic Survey 2024-25 Decoded — What it says, what it warns, and what it recommends 📌 Why in News? With the announcement of reciprocal tariffs by the US, the tariff and trade war has come into the spotlight. As this topic holds multi-dimensional relevance for the UPSC CSE exam, it relates not only to global trade, economic relations, and geopolitics but also to India's bilateral relations with the US. Trump's reciprocal tariffs affect international markets, influencing India's trade policies and economic strategies. Thus, understanding tariffs and their impact on India from a broader perspective becomes important. Key dimensions to cover: • What are tariffs? • How do tariffs work? • What is protectionism? How is it opposed to globalisation? • What are the key reasons behind the recent US government's decision to increase tariffs? • How do countries generally retaliate against tariffs, and what are the potential consequences of such retaliatory measures? • In what ways can the Trump administration's tariff policies impact India's economy? • How to navigate protectionism fallouts? • Analyse factors that contributed to the resurgence of protectionist policies in recent times? • How do you think India can navigate the protectionist measures and safeguard its economic interests? • What role should global institutions (like the WTO) play when powerful economies engage in protectionism? PYQ Insight: 📍What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of 'Trade War', especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC CSE 2018) Other important article covering the same topic: UPSC Issue at a Glance | Tariff war: 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains Promise and perils of protectionism Trump's tariffs shake the foundation of globalisation 📌 Why in News? Amid US President Donald Trump's tariff regime looming over global trade, India's fiscal deficit remains a key concern. The government is mulling over tariff changes to address external imbalances, safeguard local manufacturing, and maintain fiscal targets. However, such measures could strain trade ties and inflate prices, potentially exacerbating the fiscal burden in the long term. In this context, covering the topic of fiscal management becomes important. Key dimensions to cover: • What is fiscal deficit and how does it reflect the government's financial health? • Types of deficit • Management of fiscal deficit • Why is it important for the government to maintain a moderate, but not zero, fiscal deficit? • Why fiscal discipline matters • What steps has the Indian government taken under Budget 2025 to move toward the fiscal deficit target of below 4.5% by 2025–26? • In what ways can deficit financing contribute positively to economic growth and welfare? • Is India's current fiscal deficit strategy sustainable in the face of potential economic shocks or global slowdowns? Other important article covering the same topic: India's fiscal balancing amid global economic uncertainties 📌 Why in News? The rising inflation in 2023-24 has been shaped by a combination of domestic and global factors, with a report by the State Bank of India projecting India's retail inflation to remain above 5 per cent in 2024. Inflation is an important part of the UPSC CSE syllabus of economy, as it is connected with multiple aspects of the economy. Key dimensions to cover: • What is inflation? How is it measured? • What are the major causes of inflation? • What are demand-pull and cost-push inflation? What are the primary drivers behind the two? • India has experienced rising inflation in 2023-24. What were the major factors behind it? • How does inflation affect the cost of living? • What is wage inflation, and how is it different from general inflation? • What measures have been taken by the government to manage rising prices and support economic stability? • What role does the Reserve Bank of India play in controlling inflation? PYQ Insight: 📍Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments (UPSC CSE 2019) Other important article covering the same topic: Rising inflation: A growing concern for policymakers How inflation affects cost of living UPSC Issue at a Glance | Food Inflation: 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains 📌 Why in News? As one of the oldest agrarian societies in the world, India's farming practices have evolved over the years. However, agriculture today stands at a crossroads, with farmers grappling with challenges like climate change, shrinking arable land, depleting freshwater reserves, and rising input costs. In this context, covering the various aspects of agriculture becomes important for exams. Key dimensions to cover: • Contribution of Agriculture in the Indian economy. • Sustainable agriculture and different types of farming systems. • How has Indian agriculture evolved, and in what ways it is adapting to contemporary challenges? • What role has technology played in the evolution of Indian farming methods? How has the shift to market-oriented practices impacted Indian farmers and rural communities? • How have government policies influenced the transition from subsistence to market-driven agriculture in India? • Government initiatives related to agriculture. • How effective are the government's initiatives in supporting farmers and improving agricultural practices in the country? • How can agriculture be an engine for growth of the Indian economy? PYQ Insight: 📍How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? (UPSC CSE 2019) Other important article covering the same topic: How agriculture evolves and adapts to current challenges How agriculture can be an engine for growth 📌 Why in News? With the World Bank raising its threshold poverty line to $3 a day (daily consumption of less than $3) from the earlier $2.15 a day, the extreme poverty rate for India declines sharply to 5.3 per cent in 2022-23 from 27.1 per cent in 2011-12. In absolute terms, people living in extreme poverty fell from 344.47 million to just 75.24 million, the latest data from the World Bank shows. In this context, covering the topic of the status of poverty in India is becoming increasingly important. Key dimensions to cover: • What is poverty? • Poverty measurement in India. • The evolution of poverty estimates in India. • Debates around India's poverty line. • The poverty debate. • What is poverty? How has poverty measurement evolved in India? • How can the social and institutional mistreatment of the poor hinder their ability to escape poverty, and what measures can be taken to address these issues? • Has economic growth contributed to increasing income and consumption inequality in India? • Evaluate major recommendations made by the Tendulkar Committee on Poverty estimates. PYQ Insight: 📍'Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing'. Explain by giving reasons. (UPSC CSE 2018) Other important article covering the same topic: Knowledge Nugget: World Bank's revised poverty line and India — A must-know for UPSC Exam Poverty debates in India UPSC Essentials | Poverty and associated issues (Part 1) UPSC Essentials | Poverty and associated issues (Part 2) UPSC Essentials | Poverty and associated issues (Part 3) 📌 Why in News? The issue of unemployment has been at the heart of economic policy discussions, especially in recent decades when the link between economic growth and employment generation has social dimension too. This topic has various dimensions: factual – reflected through surveys, government reports and think tank data and analytical- based on experts' analysis and debates revolving around them. Key dimensions to cover: • What is unemployment or who is an unemployed person? Is unemployment synonymous with joblessness? • Different types of unemployment. • Issue of structural unemployment- Know in detail • What are the major causes of unemployment in India? • Why is youth unemployment seen as a major problem today? • Analyse the unemployment scenario in India. How does the government seek to tackle it? • What are the various consequences of unemployment? • What have been some of the measures or policy initiatives taken to control unemployment? • Will AI be the new cause of unemployment in the age to come? • How does the global economy affect national employment? PYQ Insight: 📍Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (UPSC CSE 2023) 📍The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favor of your answer. (UPSC CSE 2015) Other important article covering the same topic: UPSC Essentials | Unemployment and associated issues (Part 1) UPSC Essentials | Unemployment and associated issues (Part 2) The issue of structural unemployment 📌 Why in News? With over 80 per cent of the world's poor living in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, India is among the countries with the largest number of the world's poor, found the 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report. The report also stated that almost 84 per cent of the world's poor live in rural areas and they are poorer than their counterparts in the urban areas. In the case of India, rural poverty has been a persistent issue for policymakers. Key dimensions to cover: • What are the key socioeconomic determinants of rural poverty in India and how do they impact both livelihoods and quality of life? • What are some key characteristics of rural poverty in India? • How does rural poverty differ from urban poverty? • What are the potential impacts of outdated poverty data on understanding and addressing multidimensional poverty in India? • How do social constraints related to caste, gender, and ethnicity impact poverty in rural areas and limit social mobility? • Rural-urban migration. • Government policies for growth of the rural economy. PYQ Insight: 📍Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators (UPSC CSE 2015) Other important article covering the same topic: Socioeconomic determinants of rural poverty in India 📌 Why in News? Women contribute around 63 per cent of the agricultural labour force in India, yet they lack access to key resources such as land ownership, finance, and advanced farming technologies. In this context, covering this emerging trend from a comprehensive perspective becomes essential. Key dimensions to cover: • What does the feminisation of agriculture imply? • How does the increase in farm-related work undertaken by women contribute to the feminisation of agriculture? • In what ways does feminisation of agriculture relate to women's control, ownership, and participation in agricultural resources? • Why is women's ownership of farmland and decision-making power over agricultural resources crucial for their empowerment? • What policy measures can help achieve gender equity in agriculture? PYQ Insight: 📍Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India. (UPSC CSE 2014) Other important article covering the same topic: How can feminisation of agriculture empower women? 📌 Why in News? Presently positioned as the fourth-largest economy globally, on par with Japan, the IMF forecasts India to be the fastest-growing major economy over the next two years, maintaining a significant advantage over both global and regional competitors despite the adjustment in growth projections. As a key measure of economic growth is the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), its important to cover this topic from a broader perspective. Key dimensions to cover: • What does the World GDP Ranking 2025 say about the largest global economies? • What is GDP, and why is it considered a key measure of economic growth? • What are the different approaches used to measure GDP? • Is GDP an accurate measure of economic growth? • The recent debate related to GDP. PYQ Insight: 📍'Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product(GDP) in the post-reform period' Give reasons. How far the recent changes in Industrial Policy capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? (UPSC CSE 2017) 📍Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (2019) Other important article covering the same topic: UPSC Issue at a Glance | From largest economies to understanding GDP: 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains Three approaches to measuring GDP and why they matter Why is GDP considered a key measure of economic growth? 📌 Why in News? A recent study by V.V. Giri National Labour Institute, affiliated with the Ministry of Labour and Employment has estimated that the number of gig workers in India will grow to around 23 million by 2030 from around 3 million across 11 platform companies in 2020. This projection is supposed to include 7 per cent of India's total non-agricultural workers. Key dimensions to cover: • What is the gig economy? • What distinguishes gig work from traditional employment in terms of labour rights and protections? • The classification of gig workers as 'self-employed' is considered problematic. Why? • What does growth in the gig sector imply for India's economy? • What are the key provisions of the Code on Social Security, 2020 with respect to gig workers? • How have states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Telangana responded differently to the challenges faced by gig workers? • Labour regulations and gig workers • Need for fair treatment and protection PYQ Insight: 📍Examine the role of 'Gig Economy' in the process of empowerment of women in India. (UPSC CSE 2021) Other important article covering the same topic: How gig workers struggle between flexibility and insecurity 📌 Why in News? The Minimum Support Price is a central government policy designed to support farmers. MSP, along with Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), is an evergreen kind of economy topic; thus, covering it for mains becomes essential. Key dimensions to cover: • What is the Minimum Support Price (MSP)? • What is the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)? • What is the historical background of MSP? • Who recommends MSP and who takes the final call? • Challenges associated with India's current MSP framework. • Why guaranteeing MSP is essential for farmers and India? • Evaluate the need for reforms in the grain management and food subsidy systems to achieve the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. PYQ Insight: 📍What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low income trap? (UPSC CSE 2018) Other important article covering the same topic: The reform and welfare India needs by Ashok Gulati UPSC Essentials: One word a day — Minimum Support Price (MSP) Knowledge Nugget: What you must know about the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for UPSC Exam 📌 Why in News? Enhanced market access in export-oriented and job-creating sectors, and duty-free access for 99 per cent of India's exports to the UK are among the major benefits New Delhi bagged as part of its first landmark trade deal with London. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer in London on July 24, comes as India seeks to integrate more closely with developed countries. Thus, knowing about it in detail becomes crucial. Key dimensions to cover: • Status of India-UK trade. • What is a Free Trade Agreement or FTA? • Major highlights of the India-UK FTA. • What led to the deal, and what issues emerged during negotiations? • What is the significance of India-UK FTA? • How does the India-UK FTA represent a significant shift in India's historically protectionist trade strategy? • What are the benefits and challenges of the India-UK trade deal for the textiles sector? Other important article covering the same topic: UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed: the key goods included, what it means 📌 Why in News? Recently, in its half-yearly Financial Stability Report (FSR), the RBI also noted that the Indian economy remains a key driver of global growth, underpinned by sound macroeconomic fundamentals and prudent macroeconomic policies. At the same time, it has proposed the creation of a Financial Conditions Index (FCI), which would enable real-time monitoring of the country's financial health. As the central bank, the RBI plays a vital role in regulating the country's economy and promoting financial literacy. Key dimensions to cover: • How has the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) contributed to maintaining India's macroeconomic stability amid global economic uncertainties? • Evaluate the role of the RBI in maintaining monetary stability. What could be possible ways to improve its effectiveness, specifically amid rapid digitalisation? • What does the RBI Financial Inclusion Index measure, and how do the sub-indices of access, usage, and quality contribute to the overall picture of financial inclusion in India? • How can the RBI strengthen its supervisory framework to address rising cyber threats in the financial sector? • What is monetary policy? What are the major instruments of monetary policy employed by the RBI? • What is the difference between monetary policy and fiscal policy in managing the economy? • How has the relationship between the RBI and the government evolved recently? Other important article covering the same topic: How RBI helps maintain the resilience of Indian economy UPSC Issue at a Glance | RBI Explained – History, tools of monetary policy, and surplus transfer Check out the other UPSC Mains Special articles: What are 'directive words' in a UPSC Mains question paper and how do they help in scoring well? How to write effective answers for UPSC Mains Exam : 3 steps and 5 FAQs Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025.
