Based on the provided newspaper file, here is a detailed breakdown of the news topics categorized for UPSC and TNPSC exam preparation.
I. Polity &
Governance (GS Paper II)
1. Anti-Defection
Law & The Role of Constitutional Functionaries
·
Context: A recent Supreme Court verdict (16th Presidential Reference) regarding
timelines for constitutional authorities has sparked debate.
·
The Issue: The Constitution is silent on specific timelines for the President,
Governors, or Speakers to act on Bills or defection petitions. This ambiguity
has led to delays, such as Speakers not ruling on Tenth Schedule
(anti-defection) petitions and Governors "sitting on Bills"
indefinitely.
·
Judicial Stand: The Supreme Court exercised judicial deference to the written text,
refusing to mandate timelines where the Constitution does not prescribe them.
·
Critique (Constitutional
Morality): The article argues this verdict may amount to an
"abdication of judicial function". It references Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s
warning that administrative forms could pervert the Constitution without
"Constitutional Morality.
·
Exam Relevance: Powers of Governor (Article 200), Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule), Judicial
Review, and the concept of Constitutional Morality.
2. The National
Song Debate (Vande Mataram)
·
Current Issue: There is a renewed debate on according Vande Mataram equal legal
status to the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana), with suggestions to
amend Article 51A (Fundamental Duties).
·
Historical Context:
o
1937 CWC Resolution: A committee including Nehru, Bose, and Patel decided that only the first
two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung. This was a pragmatic
decision to ensure the song had a pan-India, secular appeal and to address
objections from the Muslim community regarding later stanzas.
o
Constituent Assembly: While Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the Anthem, Vande Mataram
was given equal status as the National Song.
·
Legal Precedent: The Supreme Court in Bijoe Emmanuel vs State of Kerala upheld the
right to silence during the anthem if it conflicts with religious beliefs,
provided there is no disrespect.
·
Exam Relevance: History of National Symbols, Constituent Assembly debates, Fundamental
Duties (Article 51A).
3. Electoral Rolls
& Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
·
Context: The Election Commission is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
of electoral rolls.
·
Concern: Voters are being asked to verify details against 2002-2005 electoral
rolls. Critics argue this shifts the burden of proof to citizens and may
disenfranchise vulnerable groups (migrants, homeless).
·
Legal Context: Section 19 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, allows
enrollment for "ordinary residents," a term courts have previously
interpreted liberally.
·
Governance Parallels: The article compares this to the "technocratic exclusions" seen
in MGNREGA (Aadhaar-based payment systems) where rigid documentation led to the
deletion of workers' rights.
II. Economy (GS
Paper III)
1. PLI Schemes
& Investment
·
Performance: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes have attracted over ₹1.88
lakh crore in investments across 14 sectors as of June16.
·
Outcomes:
o
Generated incremental production/sales of over ₹17 lakh
crore.
o
Created over 12.3 lakh jobs (direct and indirect).
o
Exports exceeded ₹7.5 lakh crore.
·
Key Sectors: Electronics, pharmaceuticals, telecom, and food processing20.
2. GDP Growth vs.
IMF ‘Grade C’ Rating
·
Growth Data: India’s GDP grew by 8.2% in Q2, with Manufacturing (9.1%) and
Services (9.2%) showing strong momentum.
·
The 'Grade C' Warning: Despite growth, the IMF assigned India a 'Grade C' for its national income
accounting.
·
Reasons for Low Grade:
o
Use of an outdated base year (2011-12).
o
Reliance on Wholesale Price Index (WPI) instead of
Producer Price Indices.
o
Lack of consolidated data on State and local bodies after
2019.
·
Structural Concerns: The employment structure is mismatched (high dependency on agriculture),
and core sectors like mining are sluggish.
·
Exam Relevance: GDP calculation methods, Base Year revision, Employment vs. Growth
(Jobless Growth debate).
3. Startups &
Digital Commerce
·
Startup India: DPIIT has recognized over 2 lakh startups, creating 21 lakh jobs.
·
ONDC: The Open Network for Digital Commerce processed 326 million orders as of
October.
III. International
Relations (GS Paper II)
1.
Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute
·
Flashpoint: Resumption of hostilities near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
·
Background: The conflict has roots in colonial treaties (1904/1907) between Siam
(Thailand) and France which left borders undemarcated. The ICJ awarded the
temple to Cambodia in 1962, but the surrounding area remains disputed.
·
Significance: The conflict threatens ASEAN stability and economic cooperation.
2. Sudan Civil War
(Humanitarian Crisis)
·
Crisis: A civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support
Forces (RSF) has caused the world's largest displacement crisis (10 million
people).
·
Impact: The economy contracted by 29%, and famine conditions have emerged with
food prices rising tenfold.
3. India-Russia
Defence Ties
·
Shift in Policy: India showed a "tepid response" to Russian offers of Su-57
stealth fighters and drones during President Putin's visit.
·
Indigenization: India is prioritizing Atmanirbhar Bharat. Domestic defence
production hit ₹1.51 lakh crore, and exports rose to ₹24,000 crore.
IV. Culture &
Heritage (GS Paper I)
Deepavali on
UNESCO List
·
Inscription: Deepavali has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
·
Significance: It is recognized for strengthening social bonds and supporting traditional
craftsmanship (e.g., potters making diyas)
V. TNPSC Specific
(Tamil Nadu & Regional Focus)
·
Vande Mataram in TN: The article mentions a 2017 Madras High Court order that directed schools
in Tamil Nadu to sing Vande Mataram at least once a week.
·
Tribal Status in Assam: The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) has agreed to Scheduled Tribe (ST)
status for six communities (including Adivasis and Tai Ahom) within its
jurisdiction, provided there is no sub-categorization.
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