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UPSC Key: Inverted Duty Structure, Proxy Warfare and Martyrs' Day
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for July 14, 2025. If you missed the July 13, 2025 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here FRONT PAGE Why hurry, wait for outcome in SC: Opp on EC move to revise rolls nationwide Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People's Act. What's the ongoing story: On the day The Sunday Express reported that the Election Commission had directed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states to begin preparations for a Bihar-like Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, Opposition parties criticised the EC move and questioned the 'hurry' for a nationwide SIR without consulting political parties. Key Points to Ponder: • What are the legal and ethical implications of revising electoral rolls nationwide while a related matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court? • How the Election Commission of India balances the need for maintaining updated electoral rolls with ensuring free and fair elections in the country? • What is the role of judicial oversight in electoral processes with specific reference to electoral roll revision? • What are the potential consequences of large-scale deletion or inclusion errors in electoral rolls? • Discuss the interplay between political concerns and administrative autonomy in decisions like nationwide revision of electoral rolls. • What is the significance of linking electoral rolls with Aadhaar data? • How do periodic revisions of electoral rolls impact electoral participation, especially among marginalized communities in India? Key Takeaways: • The parties, from the Congress to TMC to Left, said Sunday that the EC should have waited for the matter to conclude in the Supreme Court before giving directions for a Bihar-like SIR. • Recently, the Supreme Court, while hearing a clutch of petitions voicing concerns over the SIR in poll-bound Bihar, declined to restrain the EC from proceeding with the SIR but suggested that the poll panel also consider Aadhaar, voter ID and ration cards for the purpose of updating the rolls. It said the EC could file a counter-affidavit by July 21 and the matter be listed for another hearing on July 28. • The Sunday Express reported that on July 5, a day after a petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the SIR in Bihar, the EC wrote to Chief Electoral Officers of all other states, directing them to begin preparations for a similar exercise – this time with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date. • Among other concerns raised by Opposition members was the 'hurry' and lack of consultation with political parties before undertaking the exercise. Do You Know: • The nomenclature 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) indicates that the ECI is exercising its discretionary powers under Section 21(3) of the 1950 law, which permits it to revise electoral rolls 'in such manner as it thinks fit'. For this exercise, the ECI has adopted a hybrid approach — combining door-to-door field verification that is characteristic of an intensive revision with elements of a summary revision, such as the reliance on existing electoral rolls to distribute enumeration forms. • In its instructions, the Commission — referring to paragraph 10 of its order dated June 24, when it formally announced the SIR in Bihar and said detailed guidelines for the rest of the country would follow — has asked all CEOs to complete 'pre-revision activities.' • These include: rationalisation of polling stations (including identification of new buildings to ensure no polling station has more than 1,200 electors); filling up all vacant positions of key officials, from Block Level Officers (BLOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), and supervisors who will undertake the enumeration on the ground; and conducting their training. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Why is the Election Commission revising electoral rolls in Bihar, and when have revisions happened previously? GST reforms: Home Minister set to open talks for consensus on rate rationalisation Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development and Indian Polity and Governance Mains Examination: General Studies II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein What's the ongoing story: TO IMPART urgency to the process of overhauling the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to initiate discussions with all stakeholders — states as well as Central ministries — to build consensus and resolve contentious outstanding issues. Key Points to Ponder: • What is Goods and Services Tax (GST) and How does it work? • What are the different types of Goods and Services Tax (GST)? • Know the differences between Central GST (CGST), State GST (SGST), Union territory GST (UTGST) and Integrated GST (IGST) • How a particular transaction of goods and services be taxed simultaneously under Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST)? • Goods and Services Tax (GST) Reforms-what you know so far? • GST Council and Article 279A of the Constitution-Key Provisions • GST Council and Members-Know in detail • What is the role of GST Council? • The term 'rate rationalisation' in the context of GST in India refers to what? • In GST framework, inverted duty structure is seen as problematic-why? • How does the process of GST rate rationalisation align with the principle of cooperative federalism in India? • How the involvement of the Home Minister in GST Council deliberations signifies a shift in the political management of economic reforms? Key Takeaways: • Amongst the many proposals on the table, the one to do away with the 12 per cent slab has been hanging fire for long. This involves shifting some items to the lower 5 per cent slab, and some others to the higher 18 per cent slab. Though this would simplify the multiple rate structure, it is estimated to result in significant revenue losses of Rs 70,000-80,000 crore for the Centre and states combined, top sources said. • 'Any tweaks in GST structure right now, especially when it has stabilised after eight years of rollout, are not going to be easy. A lot of factors will be in consideration, and revenue loss is a big factor. No state, whether Opposition or BJP, will accept the proposals easily. Therefore, the Home Minister plans to hold discussions with states beforehand,' the source told The Indian Express. • The sources said that the Home Minister has already held discussions with Finance Ministry officials last week. Do You Know: • GST, the biggest indirect tax reform in recent years, was introduced in July 2017. But it is riddled with a multiplicity of rates — zero, 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent, in addition to the cess rates for luxury and sin goods, and special carve outs for precious metals. • This rate rationalisation has not been palatable to many states, both BJP-ruled and Opposition. Several attempts to simplify or reduce rates on consumer-focused items were stalled earlier in the GST Council, the overarching federal body with members from both the Centre as well as states. • The GST rate rationalisation has been talked about for over four years now. In its 45th meeting held in September 2021 in Lucknow, the GST Council discussed the need to undertake rate rationalisation including correction of inverted duty structure, to reduce classification related disputes, and enhance GST revenues. The Council then approved changes in GST rates to correct inverted duty structure in many sectors, including textiles and footwear that were brought into effect from January 2022. • As per government data for 2023-24 shared in Parliament last year, around 70-75 per cent of the GST revenue came from 18 per cent tax slab, while the 12 per cent slab contributed 5-6 per cent of the GST collections. The lower 5 per cent slab accounted for 6-8 per cent of the GST, while the higher 28 per cent slab's share was 13-15 per cent. • In its 55th meeting held in Jaisalmer in December 2024, the GST Council held discussions on lowering rates on several items. However, it decided to defer a key decision to lower the tax rate on health and life insurance premiums. • The GoM on rate rationalisation had sought more time to discuss the proposal to tweak rates on as many as 148 items, which is expected to come up for discussion in the next meeting of the GST Council. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍GST Council to meet soon to discuss rate rationalisation, future cess levy 📍Explained: What is the GST Council, and what does it do? EXPRESS NETWORK India's role key in multipolar world, says Singapore minister after meeting EAM Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Main 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 will play an increasingly important role globally as the world 'inexorably' transitions into multipolarity, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said after holding talks with External Affairs minister S Jaishankar on Sunday. Key Points to Ponder: • What do you understand by 'multipolar world' in global geopolitics? • How India's 'Act East' policy complements its ties with Singapore in shaping Indo-Pacific geopolitics? • What is the importance of India-Singapore economic and technological partnerships in the context of emerging global trade frameworks? • How do India-Singapore defence and security ties contribute to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific? • How does the India-Singapore relationship reflect India's broader foreign policy objectives in the ASEAN region? • 'Singapore has often acted as India's bridge to the larger ASEAN community'—how this positioning aids India's regional diplomacy? Key Takeaways: • Singapore is at the 'heart' of India's Act East Policy, Jaishankar said after his meeting with Balakrishnan. From Singapore, he travels to China. • India-Singapore relations were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country in September last year. 'As the world inexorably transitions into multipolarity, India will play an increasingly important role as one of these major poles of opportunity,' Balakrishnan said in a social media post. • The two sides also decided to hold the third India-Singapore ministerial roundtable in New Delhi soon. The External Affairs Ministry said the two sides reviewed progress of the outcomes of Prime Minister Modi's visit as well as the second round of India-Singapore ministerial roundtable. • The focus of India-Singapore ties during Modi's visit as well as the ministerial roundtable was to boost cooperation in areas of investments, industrial parks, semiconductors, infrastructure, skill development and connectivity. Do You Know: • India has emerged as Singapore's fourth-largest tourist destination, with over 650,000 Indians visiting Singapore in 2006. Both countries have collaborated in aviation, aerospace engineering, space programs, IT, biotechnology, and energy sectors. • Singapore has a well-developed semiconductor industry, the outcome of an early start and the vision of its first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. • By the early 1980s, the electronics industry was already accounting for 7% of Singapore's GNP and a quarter of its manufacturing jobs, Miller notes. • Today, Singapore contributes around 10% of the global semiconductor output, along with 5% of the global wafer fabrication capacity (silicon wafer is a circular piece of ultra pure silicon, usually 8-12 inches in diameter, out of which chips are carved) and 20% of semiconductor equipment production. Nine of the world's top 15 semiconductor firms have set up shop in Singapore, and the semiconductor sector contributes significantly to the country's economic growth. • Singapore has players in all segments of the semiconductor value chain: integrated circuit (IC) design, assembly, packaging and testing; wafer fabrication, and equipment/ raw material production. • The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) is a free trade pact between Singapore and India aimed at boosting bilateral trade, signed on June 29, 2005. • The CECA also fostered cooperation in areas such as education, science and technology, intellectual property, aviation, information technology, and finance. Singapore has contributed to infrastructure development in India by investing in projects like upgrading ports, airports, IT parks, and establishing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Singapore President says ties with India on 'new trajectory' THE EDITORIAL PAGE Drawing a line in water Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Main Examination: General Studies II: India and its neighbourhood- relations. What's the ongoing story: Syed Akbaruddin Writes: Pakistan must decide whether to treat the Indus system as rivers of peace or allow them to become torrents of tension. Key Points to Ponder: • What exactly the supplemental award of the Court of Arbitration in the Hague on June 27 has said? • What does keeping the Indus Waters treaty 'in abeyance' mean? • When the treaty is renegotiated, what changes should India ask for? • How the Indus Waters Treaty has withstood geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan? • What is the relevance and limitations of international arbitration mechanisms like the Permanent Court of Arbitration in resolving water disputes under the Indus Waters Treaty? • 'Trust cannot flow when terror does'-discuss • What is the graded dispute resolution mechanism provided under the Indus Waters Treaty? • What is the role of the World Bank as a guarantor of the Indus Waters Treaty? Key Takeaways: Syed Akbaruddin Writes: • Rivers obey gravity, not flags. Yet, as the snow-fed waters of the Indus system flow silently across borders, the roar of geopolitics now echoes louder than ever. The supplemental award of the Court of Arbitration in The Hague on June 27 has again turned attention to the simmering challenges confronting the Indus Waters Treaty. • The tribunal rejected India's suspension of the Treaty and reaffirmed its jurisdiction despite India's absence from the proceedings. India responded swiftly. It called the court illegal, the proceedings irrelevant, and reiterated that the Treaty stands in abeyance until Pakistan abjures cross-border terrorism. • The simmering dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty is not just about water. It is about sovereignty, security, and a Treaty that has withstood conflicts for over six decades but now strains under the pressures of asymmetric warfare. Do You Know: Syed Akbaruddin Writes: • The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, was hailed as a triumph of cooperative diplomacy. It partitioned the rivers of the Indus basin between India and Pakistan, granting India full rights over the eastern rivers and limited use of the western ones. Despite wars and political breakdowns, the Treaty endured because it insulated water from politics. But terrorism has no insulation. And India, bleeding from attacks launched across the very rivers it shares, reached the limits of forbearance. • The Hague tribunal's award may be procedurally valid. It reflects the logic of legal permanence. Pakistan, which initiated the proceedings, argued that disputes over interpretation should be addressed legally and stated that India's suspension was unjustified. The Treaty, the panel concluded, cannot be suspended unilaterally, and jurisdiction, once triggered, cannot be undone by later events. • India has not cut off water or violated Pakistan's share. Instead, it has frozen the instruments of cooperation as a wake-up call. The message is stark: Treaties are built on trust, and trust cannot flow when terror does. • Article IX of the treaty lays down a graded three-level mechanism, in which disputes are first taken up at the level of the Indus Commissioners of India and Pakistan, then escalated to the World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert, and finally to the International Court of Arbitration (CoA) in The Hague. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍India issues notice to Pakistan seeking review of Indus Waters Treaty: What to know THE IDEAS PAGE Proxies & missiles aren't enough Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests. What's the ongoing story: Syed Ata Hasnain Writes: In April 2024, as Iranian missiles rained down across Israel and many were intercepted mid-air, analysts around the world took note of the sheer scale of Iran's ballistic reach. Key Points to Ponder: • What are the strategic advantages and disadvantages for Iran in relying on proxy warfare as an element of its foreign policy? • How Iran's proxy strategy affects regional stability in West Asia, with examples from countries like Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon? • How does Iran's reliance on proxies impact its diplomatic engagements with major powers such as the United States, Russia, and China? • What is the role of the Quds Force in shaping Iran's proxy warfare strategy. • Compare and contrast Iran's use of proxies with similar strategies employed by other regional powers in West Asia. • How does Iran's proxy strategy intersect with non-traditional security threats such as terrorism and organized crime? Key Takeaways: Syed Ata Hasnain Writes: • Many seasoned military minds could easily note what didn't happen — there was no Iranian 'air power' to speak of. Not a single Iranian fighter entered contested airspace, no attempt was made to suppress Israeli defences through air dominance, and not one sortie altered the course of events. The longstanding asymmetry in Iran's force structure — a missile-rich, air force-poor doctrine — was laid bare. This was, surprisingly, decades in the making. It's the reality of war that is making this dawn on us. • Iran's defence posture since the 1990s has been shaped less by hard-nosed strategic logic and more by institutional interests — especially those of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). • The IRGC's progressively growing dominance over defence and foreign policy led to a doctrinal preference for asymmetric tools — missiles, drones, and proxy militias. This was driven by Israel's dominance of the conventional war environment in the Middle East and the reputation gained from major victories against Arab conventional armed forces. • It led to Iran choosing to become the world's foremost practitioner of hybrid and grey-zone warfare, from Lebanon to Yemen, Syria to Gaza. Its missile arsenal expanded from basic Scud variants to precision-strike capabilities. Its drones progressed to become battlefield disruptors. But its air force — still operating pre-1979 US-made aircraft like the F-4 and F-14 — remained frozen in time. Do You Know: Syed Ata Hasnain Writes: • The events of 2024-25 should force a review in Tehran. Iran's adversaries — especially Israel — have mastered the art of integrated deterrence: Layered missile defence, electronic warfare, and unmatched airpower. • A revolutionary guard corps is an excellent mechanism for regime protection, internal security, and ideological enforcement. But when war calls for black-and-white outcomes — dominance, not deterrence — only conventional forces can deliver. Air power remains the centre of gravity in any future conflict, especially in the Middle East, where terrain and geography demand long-reach precision and rapid mobility. • Perhaps now, more than three decades after it first chose rockets over wings, Iran will revisit that decision. The conflict dynamics have changed, but the fundamental truth has not: Strategic victory demands air superiority. No amount of missiles can substitute for it. Iran now faces the reality that asymmetry is being countered with global coordination — a major shift from the permissive environment it exploited earlier. Iran's strategic choice to privilege proxies and missiles has reached its upper limit. Israel is not its only adversary. Despite Chinese efforts at rapprochement with Saudi Arabia, the strategic competition in the Gulf remains unresolved. For Iran to transition from a reactive regional disruptor to a true strategic actor, it must reinvest in conventional power. Only then can it match ideology with capability — and rhetoric with reach. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍War clouds over Middle East Previous year UPSC Main Question Covering similar theme: 📍'India's relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.' Discuss. (2018) EXPLAINED Chance to repay Green debt Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests What's the ongoing story: It was William S Gaud, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), who coined the term 'Green Revolution'. Key Points to Ponder: • What is CIMMYT International research Centre for? • How the Green Revolution transformed India's food security landscape? • According to the article, in what ways India should now 'repay' that debt internationally? • What are the challenges India faces in balancing domestic food security with its role in global food assistance initiatives? • What are the concept of 'Green Revolution debt' as a moral and strategic responsibility for India? • How can India leverage its food stock surplus to contribute to global food security while safeguarding its domestic interests? Key Takeaways: • In a speech delivered on March 8, 1968, Gaud delved on the 'paramount importance of the world food problem' and how countries such as India were addressing it through planting of high-yielding varieties of wheat. This development, he said, had the makings of a new revolution: 'It is not a violent Red Revolution like that of the Soviets…I call it the Green Revolution'. • It's the same USAID that has been shut down by the Donald Trump administration from July 1. Among the institutions impacted by the closure of the agency — that oversaw civilian foreign aid and development assistance from the US government — is the Mexico-headquartered International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center or CIMMYT. • Synonymous with the renowned agricultural scientist Norman Borlaug, CIMMYT bred the semi-dwarf varieties Lerma Rojo 64A, Sonora 63, Sonora 64 and Mayo 64 that Indian farmers first sowed in 1964-65. Over the next few years, these varieties spread to more countries, heralding Gaud's 'Green Revolution.' • While CIMMYT originated from a Mexican government and Rockefeller Foundation-sponsored programme in the 1940s and 50s, USAID became its main funder. It accounted for about $83 million out of CIMMYT's total $211 million grant revenues received in 2024. With the USAID's dismantling, CIMMYT is now looking at India — one of its major beneficiaries — as a potentially significant benefactor. • CIMMYT is to wheat what the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) — established by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations in 1960 — has been to the other big cereal grain crop. Do You Know: • The Green Revolution was seeded in India by CIMMYT and IRRI. Even the blockbuster wheat varieties Kalyan Sona and Sonalika, released for commercial cultivation by Indian scientists in 1967-68, were developed through selections from the progeny of advanced breeding material supplied by CIMMYT. • Over time, Indian scientists, led by VS Mathur at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, came out with their own varieties, particularly HD 2285 in 1982 and HD 2329 in 1985. These raised wheat yields to 5-6 tonnes per hectare. It went up further to 7 tonnes-plus with HD 2967, which IARI scientists — mainly BS Malik, Rajbir Yadav and AP Sethi — unveiled in 2011. • India exported 6.1 million tonnes of basmati rice valued at $5.94 billion (Rs 50,311.89 crore) in 2024-25. More than 90% of that was from IARI-bred varieties. Borlaug was once asked why the Green Revolution succeeded in India and not in most other developing countries, specifically Africa. He is said to have replied that it was because 'they didn't have institutions like IARI and scientists like MS Swaminathan'. The latter was instrumental in devising the overall strategy and implementation plan for the Green Revolution, with the full support of the then political leadership — from agriculture minister C Subramaniam to Prime Ministers Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi. • CIMMYT and IRRI, to that extent, remain relevant to India, which has a vital stake in both institutions. With the US under Trump adopting a more transactional, if not coercive, approach to foreign policy, India has both scope and reason to step up funding of the global breeding research and development programme. In 2024, India contributed a mere $0.8 million to CIMMYT and $18.3 million to IRRI. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍With USAID shut, Norman Borlaug's institute knocks on India's doors Mandate of AAIB, probing Ahmedabad plane crash Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Disaster and disaster management. What's the ongoing story: A month after the deadly Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad, where 241 of the 242 people onboard flight AI 171 died, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report on Friday night (July 11). Key Points to Ponder: • Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)-what you know about same? • The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in India operates under which ministry? • What are the statutory framework and mandate of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)? • How does the AAIB's preliminary finding of 'fuel control switch transitioning' from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' raise questions about cockpit ergonomics and human machine interface? • What are the implications of the Ahmedabad tragedy for India's expanding civil aviation ambitions under the Tata Air India roadmap? Key Takeaways: • The 15-page report stated that the two engine fuel control switches onboard transitioned from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' position within a second of each other, moments after lift-off. One of the two pilots is recorded as asking the other why he cut off the fuel, to which the other pilot responded, saying he did not. • According to a Reuters report, pilots usually cannot accidentally move the switches, but if switched off, they can immediately cut off engine power. The report has led to further questions about the switches' functioning and what exactly happened, and demands for greater scrutiny of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR). It is one of the two black boxes on aircraft, alongside the Flight Data Recorder (FDR). • Matters of international civil aviation are today governed by the Convention on International Civil Aviation, or the Chicago Convention, signed in 1944. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN agency with 193 member countries (including India, the United States, and the United Kingdom), oversees its technical standards. • Annex 13 of this convention lays out the international protocols for investigating aircraft accidents and serious incidents. It bestows the responsibility for investigation with the 'State of Occurrence' — the country where the accident happened. • In addition, other countries connected to the aircraft have a formal right to participate. These include the 'State of Registry' (where the aircraft is registered), the 'State of the Operator' (which operated the flight), the 'State of Design', and the 'State of Manufacture' (of the aircraft in question). • Since the AI 171 air crash occurred on Indian soil, India holds the State of Occurrence right. The investigation into the accident is thus led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the government agency under India's Ministry of Civil Aviation that is responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and serious incidents. Do You Know: • In general, the AAIB classifies 'Safety Occurrences' involving aircraft operating in the Indian airspace into the categories of Accidents, Serious Incidents and Incidents. It investigates all Accidents and Serious Incidents involving aircraft with All Up Weight (the total weight of an aircraft with passengers and cargo) of more than 2,250 kg, as well as Turbojet aircraft. It can also investigate other cases if necessary. • Under Rule 3 of Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, the sole objective of the investigations carried out by AAIB is the prevention of accidents and incidents and not to apportion blame or liability. • As part of the investigation, AAIB deputes one or more Investigators to reach the site and gather evidence soon after it receives notice of the incident. Its website states that the primary aim of the initial investigation is to gather and preserve perishable evidence for subsequent analysis. This can include obtaining samples of the wreckage and from the surroundings, retrieving the black boxes, and so on. • The Investigation team reviews all evidence collected to assess the detailed examinations that must be conducted. Domain experts can then be called in. AAIB also has a Memorandum of Understanding with agencies such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the DGCA for using their laboratories. • The AAIB also conducts safety studies from time to time. The recommendations made in the Investigation Reports and Safety Studies are forwarded to the DGCA, India, or Civil Aviation Regulatory bodies of other ICAO Contracting States for their implementation and follow-up. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Air India crash report: Unanswered questions, and some reading between the lines What is the Martyrs' Day row in Jammu & Kashmir Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. What's the ongoing story: Politics in Jammu and Kashmir is heating up over 'Martyrs' Day' on July 13, the official holiday for which was scrapped after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. This is the first time since then that an elected government is in power. Key Points to Ponder: • What are the historical significance of July 13 as Martyrs' Day in Jammu & Kashmir and its impact on contemporary political discourse in the region? • Know the implications of removing Martyrs' Day from Jammu & Kashmir's official calendar post-Article 370 abrogation? • How do state-sponsored commemorative events shape regional identity and political narratives? • How the abrogation of Article 370 has altered administrative, political, and social dynamics in Jammu & Kashmir? • What are the legal safeguards available under Indian law against misuse of preventive detention provisions? Key Takeaways: • The valley's main political parties had resolved to visit the 'Martyrs' Cemetery' in old Srinagar city on July 13 to pay their tributes, while the BJP opposed any official commemoration. • Now, Jammu and Kashmir Police have put several leaders across the political divide under house detention to prevent them from visiting the cemetery. • Before the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in 2019, July 13 was officially commemorated as Martyrs' Day in the erstwhile state as a tribute to 22 people killed by the Dogra regime in 1931. They had been assembled outside Srinagar's central jail in protest when they were shot by the police. • In the run-up to July 13, 1931, several incidents had already taken place, brewing discontent against the Dogra rulers. It was in this backdrop that Abdul Qadeer Khan, in June 1931, gave a fiery speech against the Dogras and asked the people to rise against them. Do You Know: • July 13 was officially commemorated as 'Martyrs' day' in Jammu and Kashmir and the day was observed as a state holiday till August 2019. The Chief Minister and political leaders would visit the 'Martyrs' cemetery' in Srinagar to pay tributes. The BJP opposed this. • In 2015, when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formed a coalition government with the BJP, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti visited the graveyard, but BJP leaders, including the deputy chief minister and ministers, most of whom hailed from Jammu, didn't join her. Since the formation of the coalition, the BJP leaders and ministers had started to demand a holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, the Dogra king in power when the 1931 killings took place. • July 13 was perhaps the only occasion where the separatists and the mainstream political parties were unanimous, and that is why the departed were called 'martyrs' of all'. While the government would officially commemorate the day declaring it a holiday, the separatists would call a shutdown on the day to protest against their killing. The protests on July 13, 1931 were seen as the first assertion of Muslim identity in Jammu and Kashmir and the beginning of the struggle for freedom. • After the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5, 2019, the Centre-appointed Lt Governor scrapped the official holiday on July 13. The holiday on the birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was also scrapped. The official commemorations of the 'Martyrs' day' were stopped and the administration prevented political leaders and parties from commemorating the day by sealing the 'martyrs' cemetery' and putting the leaders under house detention. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍After house arrest of political leaders, Omar slams J&K administration – 'democracy in J&K is a tyranny of unelected' For any queries and feedback, contact 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. Priya Kumari Shukla is a Senior Copy Editor in the Indian Express (digital). She contributes to the UPSC Section of Indian Express (digital) and started niche initiatives such as UPSC Key, UPSC Ethics Simplified, and The 360° UPSC Debate. The UPSC Key aims to assist students and aspirants in their preparation for the Civil Services and other competitive examinations. It provides valuable guidance on effective strategies for reading and comprehending newspaper content. The 360° UPSC Debate tackles a topic from all perspectives after sorting through various publications. The chosen framework for the discussion is structured in a manner that encompasses both the arguments in favour and against the topic, ensuring comprehensive coverage of many perspectives. Prior to her involvement with the Indian Express, she had affiliations with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) as well as several coaching and edutech enterprises. In her prior professional experience, she was responsible for creating and refining material in various domains, including article composition and voiceover video production. She has written in-house books on many subjects, including modern India, ancient Indian history, internal security, international relations, and the Indian economy. She has more than eight years of expertise in the field of content writing. Priya holds a Master's degree in Electronic Science from the University of Pune as well as an Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, widely recognised as one of the most prestigious business schools in India. She is also an alumni of Jamia Milia Islamia University Residential Coaching Academy (RCA). Priya has made diligent efforts to engage in research endeavours, acquiring the necessary skills to effectively examine and synthesise facts and empirical evidence prior to presenting their perspective. Priya demonstrates a strong passion for reading, particularly in the genres of classical Hindi, English, Maithili, and Marathi novels and novellas. Additionally, she possessed the distinction of being a cricket player at the national level. Qualification, Degrees / other achievements: Master's degree in Electronic Science from University of Pune and Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta ... Read More
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- The Market Online
The world's first quantum computing Super Hub opens in Alberta
SuperQ (CSE:QBTQ) officially opened the world's first quantum computing Super Hub at the Tecconnect Innovation Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta SuperQ is a global quantum and supercomputing company building tools for industry, research and education SuperQ stock last traded at C$0.82 SuperQ (CSE:QBTQ) officially opened the world's first quantum computing Super Hub at the Tecconnect Innovation Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here. The Super Hub provides businesses, governments and researchers with access to the company's Super platform – a natural-language-based platform similar to ChatGPT equipped with quantum, artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing capabilities – as well as experts on hand, to guide the adoption of quantum data processing across industries. The company set up shop in Lethbridge driven by the city's role at the centre of Alberta's contributions to technological innovation, including 'a proven track record of pioneering AI, blockchain and IoT programs catering to industry needs,' according to Monday's news release, while serving as 'a convergence point of Canada's Premiere Food Corridor and Western Gateway that comprise major manufacturing and supply chain activities.' The initial response to the Super Hub has been encouraging, with ongoing participation from 'business executives, innovation leaders, economic developers and scientists' placing quantum computing in the service of real-world problem solving. SuperQ intends to build upon this momentum with a global network of Super Hubs, including locations in the United States, Europe, India and the United Arab Emirates, with approximately 20 locations planned over the next six-to-eight months, according to an article from My Lethbridge Now. Leadership insights 'Quantum and supercomputing isn't a future promise – it's delivering ROI today,' Muhammad Khan, SuperQ Quantum Computing's chair and chief executive officer, said in a statement. 'Our Super platform is the ChatGPT for this industry, empowering businesses to harness quantum advantage without needing specialized training. We are thrilled to partner with Economic Development Lethbridge to make quantum and supercomputing accessible to every business and individual in Alberta and beyond.' 'Alberta tech is booming. From Lethbridge and Medicine Hat to Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray. The Quantum Hub is especially relevant for industries with complex decision-making like agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, finance and post-secondary or STEM education, offering hands-on exposure to emerging technology,' commented Nate Glubish, Alberta's Minister of Technology and Innovation. 'Lethbridge is now home to the world's first Quantum Super Hub, giving local companies a competitive edge by unlocking powerful computing capabilities that were previously accessible only to large tech centers or research labs,' added Renae Barlow, vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation at Economic Development Lethbridge. About SuperQ Quantum Computing SuperQ is a global quantum and supercomputing company building tools for industry, research and education. SuperQ Quantum Computing stock (CSE:QBTQ) last traded at C$0.82. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this quantum computing stock on the SuperQ Quantum Computing Inc. Bullboard and check out the rest of Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Majority of the coal-based TPPs spared from installing anti-pollution flue gas desulphurization systems
NEW DELHI: In a move that may spare majority of the coal- and lignite-based thermal power plants (TPPs) in the country from installing anti-pollution flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems, the environment ministry has issued a revised notification regarding Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) emission standards for such plants and introduced a new compliance framework based on categories exemptions, penalties, and extensions. All these power plants were earlier expected to install FGD equipment to meet the SO2 standards by the previous deadline but many of them failed to do it. The FGD is a process of removing sulphur compounds from the exhaust emissions of fossil-fueled power stations. The TPPs that do not retire by December 31, 2030 and fail to meet pollution standards (especially for Sulphur Dioxide) within their respective deadlines will have to pay a penalty called environmental compensation. Their compliance deadlines have already been extended four times since 2017. Though there will not be any exemption for existing and under-construction TPPs within 10 km of the air pollution hotspot, the national capital region (NCR), or cities with 1 million plus population (Category A cities, comprising 11% of total 600 of plants in the country) under the revised notification, it will be the government's discretion to decide exemption of another 11% such plants located within 10 km of Critically Polluted Areas (CPAs) or Non-Attainment Cities (Category B) beyond the NCR. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 이 게임은 대부분의 TV 프로그램보다 더 재미있어요 – 게다가 무료예요. Raid: Shadow Legends 플레이하기 Undo The remaining TPPs (78% of the total) in the rest of the cities which fall under Category C will be fully exempted from adhering to the anti-pollution norms relating to the Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) emission standards. "The revised notification weakens India's clean air ambitions by diluting or removing SO₂ norms for Category B and C thermal power plants, which together represent most of the country's coal capacity. Together, these exemptions threaten to derail progress on industrial air pollution control, compromise public health, and reduce the effectiveness of India's environmental regulations," said Nivit Kumar Yadav, director, industrial pollution team of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The CSE analysis shows that the exempting all Category C plants from SO₂ norms simply based on location ignores cumulative pollution, especially in areas like Singrauli or Korba which are not "officially" CPAs but are severely impacted. Notably, more than 75% of India's thermal power capacity—amounting to approximately 166,885.5 MW—falls under Category C. "Granting such a large-scale exemption undermines the effectiveness of the emission standards and poses a serious risk to public health and environmental sustainability," said Yadav. The notification, issued on Saturday, came six months after the ministry gave the TPPs a fourth extension by stretching the timeline by three more years to install pollution control equipment. Giving relief to defaulters, the ministry had in Januaryextended the deadline for TPP located within 10 km radius of the NCR or cities having million plus population from Dec 31, 2024 to Dec 31, 2027. Under the revised notification, if a thermal power plant plans to retire before December 31, 2030, then it does not have to meet the SO₂ emission standards but only if the plant officially submits an undertaking to both Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Central Electricity Authority (CEA) stating that the plant will be retired by 31st December 2030. Pointing at loopholes of the revised notification, the CSE in its analysis noted that allowing Sulphur Dioxide compliance for Category B thermal power plants to be decided on a "case-by-case" basis creates a major regulatory loophole. "This ambiguous and subjective approach introduces inconsistency, delays, and a lack of accountability in enforcement. Instead of providing clarity, it fosters regulatory uncertainty for operators. For a pollutant as critical as SO₂, whose health impacts are well-documented, such discretion dilutes the integrity of environmental regulation and undermines the core objective of emission standards," said Yadav. Referring to repeated extension of deadlines, he said, "Allowing the central government to grant more extensions based on CPCB advice may further delay actual pollution control. Past experience shows timelines are repeatedly extended."
Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: Eco-Sensitive Zones, Stablecoins and Special Intensive Revision
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for July 13, 2025. If you missed the July 12, 2025, UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here. Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisation. Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Government policies and interventions, Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. What's the ongoing story: The standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), has decided to revisit the government's 2011 guidelines on declaration of eco-sensitive zones (ESZ) around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to make them more site-specific and tuned to ecological and socio-economic realities of each region, as per the minutes of its June 26 meeting. The meeting was chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. Key Points to Ponder: • What are eco-sensitive zones (ESZ)? Why are they created? • What are national parks and wildlife sanctuaries? • What is the significance of ESZs in the context of wildlife conservation in India? • Read about the National Board for Wildlife. • Know the 2011 guidelines on eco-sensitive zones? • How a blanket 10-km rule for ESZs does not serve the ecological or socio-economic objectives of conservation. • What are the challenges faced by states in implementing the ESZ guidelines? • What can be the implications of ESZ guidelines on local communities and development? • Why do marine sanctuaries need distinct regulatory frameworks than land-based sanctuaries? • What effects do extensive renewable energy projects in ESZs have on the environment and ecology? Key Takeaways: • The SC-NBWL decided that the Union Environment Ministry will prepare a note on the ESZ issue and carry out international consultations with the impact assessment, eco-sensitive zone, forest conservation, wetland and other relevant divisions. • ESZs are demarcated and notified to create a buffer around protected areas such as parks and sanctuaries to regulate activities. The 2011 guidelines have laid down an indicative framework on demarcation of ESZs ranging from identification of land use around parks, grouping of activities as permitted, regulated, prohibited and promoted. States also ought to prepare a zonal master plan within two years of an ESZ notification. • Minister Yadav suggested that a note must be prepared on the revision of guidelines and circulated to various ministries and states to invite suggestions, as per the minutes. Yadav said that extending a blanket 10-km ESZ to all protected areas, irrespective of local ecological and geographical conditions, will not serve the intended purpose. • He went on to cite the examples of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai and the Asola Bhatti wildlife sanctuary in Delhi, both located in urban areas, to underline his point. In hill states like Himachal Pradesh, Yadav said that approximately 65 per cent of the area is already under forest or protected status and 'further rigid imposition of ESZ norms could hinder local development without proportional ecological gains,' he said. • 'Therefore, ESZ rules should not be uniform across the country; instead, they must be adapted to reflect the specific ecological and socio-economic realities of each region,' he added. • Meanwhile, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) director Virendra Tiwari (now former director), pointed out that existing guidelines tuned towards land-based sanctuaries may not suit marine sanctuaries and their eco-systems. '…There may be specific regulatory principles tailored to the unique ecological characteristics and conservation needs of marine ecosystems,' he stated. • For protected areas where the process of ESZ demarcation has not been undertaken, areas within a 10-km range of the protected area boundary is considered as the default ESZ, based on the Supreme Court's directions. • H S Singh, non-governmental member of the SC-NBWL who raised the agenda in the meeting, said that certain activities that were once categorised as 'promoted', but if their scale was big, they could pose a threat to flora and fauna. In his agenda brief, Singh said that giant solar or wind energy plants using large sprawl of lands around parks may threaten wildlife and their migration routes. He advocated that such projects should be regulated in ESZs. The 2011 guidelines already mention that ESZs can be flexible and protected-area specific. • The SC-NBWL advises the government on wildlife conservation, policy and appraises projects that fall in areas inside and around protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Do You Know: • The National Environment Policy (2006) defines Eco-Sensitive Zones as 'areas with unique environmental resources that require special attention for their conservation' because they feature landscape, wildlife, biodiversity, historical, and scenic qualities. • The concept of Eco-Sensitive Zones was proposed at the XXI meeting of the Indian Board for Wildlife on January 21, 2002, when the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002, was approved. • According to the guidelines issued by the Environment Ministry on February 9, 2011, ESZs are created as 'shock absorbers' for the protected areas, to minimize the negative impact on the 'fragile ecosystems' by certain human activities taking place nearby. Furthermore, these areas are meant to act as a transition zone from areas requiring higher protection to those requiring lesser protection. • The guidelines also state that the ESZs are not meant to hamper the daily activities of people living in the vicinity, but are meant to guard the protected areas and 'refine the environment around them'. • To do so, the guidelines list the activities prohibited in an ESZ, such as commercial mining, saw mills, commercial use of wood, etc., apart from regulated activities like felling of trees. Lastly, there are permitted activities like ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, among others. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Explained: What are Eco-Sensitive Zones 📍SC modifies order on eco-sensitive zone around national parks, sanctuaries Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (1) In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass? (UPSC CSE 2012) (a) Biosphere Reserves (b) National Parks (c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention (d) Wildlife Sanctuaries (2) With reference to the Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ), consider the following statements: 1. ESZs are defined in the Biodiversity Act, 2002. 2. These are the areas that have unique environmental resources that require special attention for their conservation. 3. The idea of Eco-Sensitive Zones was mooted during the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People's Act, Constitution of India — features, significant provisions and basic structure. What's the ongoing story: A day after a petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's (EC) controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the poll panel wrote to Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all other states on July 5, directing them to begin preparations for a similar exercise — this time with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date, The Sunday Express has learned. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Representation of the People Act, 1950. • Why is the Election Commission revising electoral rolls in Bihar, and when have revisions happened previously? • What are the constitutional and legal mandates empowering the ECI to carry out SIR? • How does the current revision announced on June 24 differ from previous revision drives? • Compare the SIR measures in Bihar with Assam NRC exercise. • What are the challenges and implications of requiring birth date/place proof for different age cohorts during roll revision? • What can be the implications of shifting the onus of voter registration from the State to citizens, especially in states with high poverty and migration? • What measures should be taken to balance electoral integrity with inclusivity? Key Takeaways: • The qualifying date mentioned in the letter indicates that while the nationwide exercise may start soon, a final timeline for the rest of the country is yet to be decided — though the aim is to include everyone who turns 18 years of age by January 1, 2026. • Since 2003 has been chosen for Bihar as 'probative evidence of eligibility' —meaning voters on the electoral roll that year, when the last intensive revision was done, will be presumed Indian citizens unless proven otherwise—other states are also likely to use the year of their last intensive roll revision as the cut-off for presumption of citizenship for existing voters. For instance, Delhi's electoral roll was last intensively revised in 2008. • In its instructions, the Commission — referring to paragraph 10 of its order dated June 24, when it formally announced the SIR in Bihar and said detailed guidelines for the rest of the country would follow — has asked all CEOs to complete 'pre-revision activities.' • During the hearing on Thursday (July 10), the SC raised concerns about the timing of the exercise and whether it could be delinked from the state election. Justice Joymalya Bagchi, part of the two-judge bench, flagged the risk of disenfranchising voters by removing names from the rolls just months before polling, even if the broader objective of cleansing the rolls is legitimate. • The Supreme Court eventually declined to restrain the EC from proceeding with its intensive revision of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar but suggested that the poll panel also consider Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards for the purpose of updating the rolls. If accepted, this would widen the ambit of the current 11-document list — which has already triggered widespread panic and confusion on the ground. • As the ongoing series in The Indian Express shows, Aadhaar, Voter ID, and ration cards are the documents most families in Bihar possess. The fact that none of these meets the current eligibility requirement has sparked concern among voters across the state. • The issue is particularly pressing for marginalised groups, including Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and minorities, prompting many to call it an 'NRC through the backdoor.' That's why the three newly suggested documents may offer relief — they're far more accessible. • The ECI's stated reason for the exercise is the 'significant change' in the electoral rolls over time, with large-scale additions and deletions since the last intensive revision. It has attributed these shifts to rapid urbanisation, increased migration for education and livelihood, and the tendency of voters to register at new addresses without deleting their names from the rolls of their previous residence. Hence, duplicate entries have become increasingly common. • This isn't the first intensive revision of electoral rolls. Such exercises — in all or some parts of the country — have previously been undertaken in 1952–56, 1957, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1983–84, 1987–89, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2002, 2003, and 2004. However, the current revision announced on June 24 differs from previous drives in two key aspects, first reported by The Indian Express on July 10. • One, for the first time, the SIR — essentially a fresh preparation through door-to-door enumeration — places the burden of proof on already enrolled voters (on the question of citizenship) at the draft roll stage. Two, it disregards the 'sanctity' of the existing electoral roll — something the Election Commission (EC) had consistently instructed its officers to uphold in all earlier revisions. Do You Know: • Under the EC's June 24 order, any person not listed in the 2003 electoral rolls in Bihar — an estimated 2.93 crore individuals — must submit at least one of these documents to prove their eligibility (essentially, age and Indian citizenship) to be included in the final roll. In effect, even voters who were added to the rolls after 2003 and have voted in subsequent Assembly and Lok Sabha elections will now have to prove their eligibility again. • The 11 documents include: any identity card or pension payment order issued to a regular employee or pensioner of any Central or State Government/PSU; any identity card, certificate, or document issued by Government/Local Authorities, Banks, Post Office, LIC, or PSU prior to July 1, 1987; a birth certificate issued by the competent authority; passport; matriculation or educational certificate issued by recognised boards or universities; permanent residence certificate issued by the competent state authority; forest rights certificate; OBC, SC, ST, or any caste certificate issued by the competent authority; the National Register of Citizens (where applicable); family register; and land or house allotment certificate issued by the government. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Starting with Bihar, fresh electoral rolls: Proof of birth date for those not in 2003 list 📍Revision of Bihar electoral rolls: Why, how Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (3) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2017) 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only How EC prepared electoral rolls for free India's first polls Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: History of India and Indian Polity Mains Examination: General Studies-I, II: Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation within the country, Salient features of the Representation of People's Act. What's the ongoing story: Shyamlal Yadav writes- 'The confusion on the ground that has marked the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar brings to mind the mammoth task involved in preparing the electoral rolls for the 1952 election. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the Election Commission and Representation of the People Act, 1950. • What were the challenges faced in the preparation of electoral rolls for the first general election? • What was the key eligibility criteria laid down for inclusion in the first electoral rolls of independent India? • What were the strategies adopted by the ECI to ensure the inclusion of women and Scheduled Castes in the first electoral rolls? • What is the significance of the Constituent Assembly's decision to implement universal adult suffrage in the first general elections? • Compare the challenges in voter registration during the first general elections with the contemporary issues in electoral roll revision. • What lessons can be drawn from 1951-52 for today's electoral processes? Key Takeaways: • 'With a population of approximately 34.8 crore and given the widespread illiteracy, diverse geographical terrain, and the aftermath of the Partition, creating accurate electoral rolls was a tough administrative task.' • 'In July 1947 itself, the Constituent Assembly had decided to grant voting rights to every citizen aged 21 or older, a bold commitment to universal adult suffrage for a young nation. By March 1948, the Assembly Secretariat issued detailed directions to states for preparing draft electoral rolls. These directions specified eligibility criteria: voters had to be Indian citizens, at least 21 years old as of January 1, 1949, and residents of a village or electoral unit for at least 180 days in the year ending March 31, 1948.' • 'The details sought for the proposed rolls included: the voter's name, parent or spouse's name, address, sex, age, and, religion or caste to determine eligibility for reserved seats for Muslims, Christians, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. The Constituent Assembly had initially considered reserving seats for Muslims and Christians, apart from SCs and STs. However, in May 1949, the Assembly reversed its plan to reserve seats for Muslims and Christians. Consequently, states were directed to remove these details from the rolls.' • 'One of the key challenges for the enumerators was to register displaced persons. States were advised to include these individuals based on a simple declaration of their intent to reside permanently in India, regardless of their actual residency period. This pragmatic approach ensured the inclusion of refugees, many of whom lacked documentation due to the chaos of Partition and the resultant influx of refugees from West Punjab and East Bengal in the newly created Pakistan.' • 'In July 1948, the Constituent Assembly publicised the voter enumeration process with January 1, 1949, as the reference date for the electoral rolls.' • 'The Constitution's provisions on citizenship and the establishment of the Election Commission of India took effect on November 26, 1949, with the full Constitution of India enforced on January 26, 1950.' • 'The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on January 25, 1950, with Sukumar Sen appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner. Operating as a single-member body, the ECI took full control of the electoral process after that.' • The Representation of the People Act, 1950, enacted in April that year, provided the legal framework for voter qualifications and roll preparation. However, it introduced changes that • 'Now, with the new law in hand, the ECI directed state governments to prepare supplementary rolls to list voters who might have turned 21 years between January 1949 and March 1950 or may have met the new residency criteria. Special provisions were made for armed forces personnel and certain government employees, whose names were listed separately to facilitate postal voting.' • 'A big challenge was to register displaced persons, particularly in Punjab, West Bengal, Delhi, and Assam. The inclusion of marginalised groups, such as women and Scheduled Castes, required innovative approaches. Many women, particularly in rural areas, were reluctant to provide their names, often registering under their husband's or father's name.: • 'The final delimitation report by the Election Commission was completed by August 1951, enabling the final publication of rolls. The final publication of the voter rolls began in September 1951, with the last rolls published on November 15, 1951. The final electoral rolls included 17.32 crore voters (excluding J&K), approximately 49 per cent of the country's population of 35.67 crore (excluding J&K). With an adult population (over 21 years of age) of about 18.03 crore, the enrollment was nearly 96 per cent.' Do You Know: • The ECI is a permanent, independent, and constitutional authority responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the Union and the States of India. • The ECI is empowered to supervise, oversee, and manage elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President of India. Since the ECI does not oversee elections to state-level urban bodies like municipalities and panchayats, there is a separate State Election Commission. • The Constitution has the following articles (Articles 324–329) to empower the Election Commission and provide insight into the potential roles and functions of the commission. • Article 324: The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and the Legislature of every state and of elections to the offices of President and Vice-President. • Article 325: No individual to be excluded from electoral rolls on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or any of them. • Article 326: Adult suffrage shall be the basis for elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States. • Article 327: Parliament may, according to the provisions of this Constitution, from time to time enact laws with respect to all matters relating to elections to Parliament and Legislative Assemblies of States. • Article 328: A state's Legislature may from time to time by law make provision with respect to all matters relating to, or in connection with, the elections to the House or either House of the Legislature. • Article 329: The article prohibits the courts from becoming involved in electoral matters. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍History Headline | 1920: The start of India's election journey Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (4) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2018) 1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party. 2. In the Lok Sabha, a 'Leader of the Opposition' was recognised for the first time in 1969. 3. In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the Opposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Economy. What's the ongoing story: On June 24, the Switzerland-based Bank for International Settlements (BIS) sounded a stark warning for policymakers pushing forward with the adoption of stablecoins — the asset-backed cryptocurrencies fall short of being money and they could pose risks to financial stability if allowed to grow. However, 2025 has been a watershed year of sorts for stablecoins, which are essentially private cryptocurrencies linked to an actual asset, usually the US dollar. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). • What are Stablecoins? • What are cryptocurrencies? • What are the advantages and disadvantages of Stablecoins? • What is the difference between cryptocurrency and digital currency? • What are the key concerns associated with Stablecoins? • How do Indian laws govern cryptocurrency? • What is the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act)? • How might the GENIUS Act and the STABLE Act influence global crypto governance? • Read about the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)? Key Takeaways: • Days earlier, on June 17, the US Senate passed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act). A week prior to that, the Digital Asset Basic Act bill was introduced in South Korea's National Assembly. Under this bill, domestic firms can issue their own stablecoins pegged to the South Korean won. In May, Hong Kong 's Legislative Council passed a stablecoin legislation to establish a licensing regime for local 'fiat-referenced stablecoins' issuers. • To be sure, new laws backing stablecoins underscore the need to ensure the protection of the general public and compliance with anti-money laundering requirements, among others. • Stablecoins have a limited use case. While being pegged to a currency such as the US dollar can reduce the volatility in the value of a stablecoin, experts are unsure about what the cryptocurrency has to offer. • According to the BIS, while stablecoins display 'some attributes of money', they were '…unsound money, with real societal costs… that fail the triple test of singleness, elasticity and integrity.' The BIS also has a more fundamental problem with stablecoins. It pointed out that there is an 'inherent tension between stablecoin issuers' ability to fully uphold their promise of stability and their pursuit of a profitable business model.' • Despite the warnings, lawmakers in the West as well as the East are moving ahead with frameworks for the issuance of private stablecoins. However, their objective may not necessarily be so much about boosting crypto and digital ecosystems. Instead, they may be looking to push demand for their respective national currencies, such as the Korean won and the Chinese yuan. • The US, China, and South Korea are not alone in trying to create global demand for their currencies — India, too, has been doing so, albeit through a different route on account of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) opposition to stablecoins. Apart from its well-known criticism of 'not even a tulip' backing private cryptocurrencies, the RBI views an increased acceptance of US dollar-linked private cryptocurrencies resulting in dollarisation of the Indian economy — a situation where the US dollar becomes increasingly acceptable in the country and begins to substitute the rupee. This can lead to domestic policies not having their desired impact because the government or the RBI cannot control the supply of the US dollar. • As such, the Indian government has looked to popularise the UPI as a payment mechanism and model around the world. The central government is working to encourage international trade settlement in rupees and the RBI is pressing hard with multiple use-cases for its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Do You Know: • A cryptocurrency is a medium of exchange, such as the rupee or the US dollar, but is digital in format and uses encryption techniques to both control the creation of monetary units and to verify the exchange of money. • It is based on a network that is distributed across a large number of computers. It is nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. Many cryptocurrencies are decentralised networks based on blockchain technology. • In traditional financial transactions involving fiat money, a third-party organisation—usually a central bank—ensures that the currency is authentic and that the transaction is properly recorded. • In contrast, with cryptocurrencies, a network of private computers is continuously engaged in authenticating the transactions by solving complex cryptographic puzzles. Those who successfully solve these puzzles are rewarded with cryptocurrencies. This process is known as mining. At the backend of these transactions is a technology called 'blockchain'. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍GENIUS Act: What US draft stablecoin regulation means for the crypto landscape 📍How are cryptocurrency and blockchain technology relevant to the UPSC exam? Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (UPSC CSE 2019) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance, Economic Development Main Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests. What's the ongoing story: President Donald Trump on Saturday (July 12, 2025) announced he's levying tariffs of 30% against the European Union and Mexico starting August 1. Key Points to Ponder: • What are tariffs, and how do tariffs work? • What are the key reasons behind the US government's decision to increase tariffs? • How do countries generally retaliate against tariffs? • What are the potential consequences of such retaliatory measures? • In what ways can the Trump administration's tariff policies impact India's economy and trade relations with the U.S.? Key Takeaways: • Trump detailed the planned tariffs in letters posted to his social media account. They are part of an announcement blitz by Trump of new tariffs with allies and foes alike, a bedrock of his 2024 campaign that he said would set the foundation for reviving a US economy that he claims has been ripped off by other nations for decades. • In his letter to Mexico's leader, President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump acknowledged that the country has been helpful in stemming the flow of undocumented migrants and fentanyl into the US. But he said the country has not done enough to stop North America from turning into a 'Narco- Trafficking Playground.' • European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded by noting the bloc's 'commitment to dialogue, stability, and a constructive transatlantic partnership.' 'At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required,' von der Leyen said in a statement. • Von de Leyen added that the EU remains committed to continuing negotiations with the US and coming to an agreement before Aug. 1. Trade ministers from EU countries are scheduled to meet Monday to discuss trade relations with the US, as well as with China. • The Mexican government said it was informed on Friday during high-level talks with U.S. State Department officials that the Trump letter was coming. Do You Know: • Tariffs are taxes or duties imposed by a government on imported goods and services. Their objective is to make foreign products more expensive compared to domestically produced goods, thereby encouraging consumers to prefer local products. Tariffs also act as a protective measure for domestic industries against foreign competition. Additionally, they serve as a source of revenue for the government. • The mechanics of tariffs are simple: when goods cross into a country, the government imposes a fee. These fees can either be a percentage of the goods' value (ad valorem tariffs) or a fixed amount per unit of goods (specific tariffs). Tariff rates vary depending on the product, its country of origin, and any existing trade agreements between the nations involved. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍'EU remains ready to protect interests': After Trump ratchets up trade pressure with 30% tariffs on EU, Mexico, a strong global response 📍UPSC Issue at a Glance | Tariff war: 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme: (5) Consider the following statements: 1. Tariffs are taxes or duties imposed by a government on imported goods and services. 2. Objective of tariffs is to make foreign products more expensive compared to domestically produced goods 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 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 June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
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Meet India's youngest IAS officer Ansar Shaikh's beautiful wife who gives competition to Bollywood actresses, her name is...
Every year, the Union Public Service Commission(UPSC) conducts the Civil Service Examination to recruit candidates for the posts of IAS, IPS, IFS, and other posts. The exam is held in three stages. Only a few candidates are able to clear the UPSC exam at a young age. One such person is Ansar Shaikh. Shaikh, son of an auto driver, cracked the UPSC CSE exam at just 21 years old. He hailed from a modest family. His father used to drive an auto rickshaw for a living. While his mother used to work in the fields. In 2023, Ansar got married to Waiza Ansari. Her elegance and looks often steal the spotlight. Whether she is in traditional suits or sarees or wearing trendy outfits, she always looks beautiful in how she carries herself. On December 24, 2023, Ansar and Waiza got married. Waiza looked phenomenal on her nikah day in a blush pink sharara. Waiza was elegant in a short kurta, sharara, and a dupatta on her head with beautiful floral motifs and sequin embroidery. Waiza was simply stunning.
