Latest news with #RepresentationofPeople'sAct
Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Hyderabad court issues non-bailable warrant against Bandi Sanjay for absence in model code of conduct violation case
Hyderabad: A special court in Hyderabad on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant against Union minister of state for home affairs, Bandi Sanjay, for failing to appear before the court in connection with a case registered against him at Huzurabad, in Karimnagar district in 2021. 'Accused is absent. Issue NBWs,' recorded the special judicial first class magistrate for excise cases in Hyderabad. The case was posted to July 30 for further hearing. The case was registered against Bandi Sanjay in Oct 2021 for alleged violation of the model code of conduct during the by-election to the Huzurabad assembly constituency. He was booked under various sections of the IPC and the Representation of People's Act, for allegedly making remarks against the opponent party. The Union minister alleged that the party had given Rs 20,000 to be distributed to every voter in exchange of their support, but the party leaders allegedly distributed only Rs 5,000 to the voters and pocketed the balance amount. After the police filed a chargesheet in the case in 2023, the case was transferred to the special JFCM's court. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, Sanjay's counsel informed the court that he could not be present because of the ongoing Parliament session in Delhi. However, in view of multiple earlier opportunities directing his appearance and his subsequent disobedience to the orders, the magistrate took a serious view and issued the NBW.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
CMRL-Exalogic case: Kerala High Court issues notice to Veena, 12 others
The Kerala High Court has issued notice to Veena T., the daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, her IT firm Exalogic Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and 11 others who had been arraigned as respondents in the case pertaining to the allegations regarding the financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL) and Exalogic. The notice was issued on a petition filed by BJP leader Shone George, seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the allegations. The 11 other respondents include Sasidharan Kartha, the MD of CMRL. In the petition, Mr. George said that the contents of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) probe report on the alleged financial transactions between the two companies had referred to corporate fraud. But the SFIO had limited the scope of its probe to offences under the Companies Act and did not investigate the motive behind the alleged illegal payments. He thus sought further probe in coordination with the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Election Commission, since the findings involved offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Representation of People's Act. Veena's stance Ms. Veena had in an affidavit before the High Court in June refuted the allegation that her company is a 'benami' firm, and said it is operated independently of her father. In response to a PIL filed seeking a CBI probe into the allegations pertaining to the financial transactions between the two companies, she had said that the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs had ordered a probe by the SFIO into certain affairs of the CMRL, including its transactions with Exalogic, under the Companies Act. As the SFIO was currently seized of the matter, all other agencies are precluded from probing it, she had contended then.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: Urban Maoism, USAID funding and Namami Gange Programme
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for July 11, 2025. If you missed the July 10, 2025 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here FRONT PAGE SC lets EC revision continue, suggests adding Aadhaar, ration, voter card to list of documents Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance Mains Examination: General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People's Act. What's the ongoing story: Declining to restrain the Election Commission of India from proceeding with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, the Supreme Court Thursday suggested to the poll panel to also consider Aadhaar, voter ID and ration cards for the purpose of updating the rolls. Key Points to Ponder: • What Supreme Court of India said about special intensive revision? • What is an 'intensive' revision? • How does 'intensive' revision differ from other revisions? • Why is the ongoing exercise in Bihar called a special intensive revision? • Why has the ECI undertaken this exercise at the present moment — and why has Bihar been chosen for it? • How often has the ECI revised electoral rolls intensively, and what were the circumstances of those earlier exercises? • How electoral roll revision ensures free and fair elections in India? • How can the inclusion of Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Cards aid this process? • How does the Supreme Court's intervention in electoral roll revision reflect the balance between electoral integrity and individual rights? • Compare India's approach to electoral roll management with other democratic countries. Key Takeaways: • The vacation bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi said it was leaving it to the EC to consider its suggestion on the inclusion of these three documents and 'if you have good reasons to discard it, discard it' but 'give reasons'. • It directed that the matter be listed for hearing again on July 28, before publication of the draft electoral roll. • The bench's suggestion to consider Aadhaar, voter ID and ration cards for updating the rolls, came after Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the ECI, submitted that the list of 11 documents to be considered for the revision exercise was not exhaustive. • Intensive revision refers to the de novo preparation of the electoral roll from scratch through personal, house-to-house field verification by electoral registration officers. 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. What has set the ongoing SIR apart, however, is the introduction of a new step — the requirement of documentary proof at the enumeration stage itself. This is a striking departure from past practice. The 'special' in this intensive revision in effect signals its methodological flexibility. • The SIR is not limited to Bihar. On June 24, the ECI announced that it would carry out an intensive verification of electoral rolls across the country. This would be the first such exercise in more than two decades, and the process has begun with Bihar, where Assembly elections are due before November. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Why three documents SC suggests widen net, dial down panic 📍Timing, due process & PART 8 citizenship: SC flags key issues for poll panel 📍The revision of electoral rolls 📍EC must listen 📍As hearing starts, recalling key case from 1977 Fadnavis warns of 'urban Maoism', Bill to tackle 'extremist Left ideology' passed 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. What's the ongoing story: The stringent Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, which seeks 'to provide for effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist organizations or similar organizations and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto', was passed by the state Assembly Thursday via a voice vote amid Opposition concern over the definition and interpretation of some of the terms and clauses in the Bill. Key Points to Ponder: • Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill-Know its key features • What makes Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill stringent? • What is Urban Maoism? • How the term Urban Naxal came in to the picture? • Know the rationale and implications of Maharashtra's Special Public Security Bill in addressing 'urban Maoism.' • What are the key challenges in tackling urban ideological radicalisation as opposed to rural insurgency? • How legislative efforts like the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill align with national strategies against Left Wing Extremism? • To what extent does urban Maoism pose a challenge to India's internal security? Key Takeaways: • Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who tabled the Bill in the House and assured members that the Bill would not be misused against political protesters and activists, said Maoists had lost ground in the state and were 'trying to brainwash the youth of urban areas and make them stand up against the democratic system'. He warned of the rise of 'urban Maoism' and said the Bill would 'control them'. • Underlining the difference between dissent and extremism, Fadnavis said every citizen has the right to protest, and in case of violence, relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) would apply, not the new law. Do You Know: • The statement of objects and reasons of The Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPC) Bill, 2024, says the 'menace of Naxalism is not only limited to remote areas of the Naxal affected states, but its presence is increasing in the urban areas also through the Naxal front organisations'. • The Bill, which provides for punishment ranging from two to seven years in prison, defines 'unlawful activity' as 'any action taken by an individual or organization whether by committing an act or by words either spoken or written or by sign or by visible representation or otherwise, (i) which constitute a danger or menace to public order, peace and tranquility; or (ii) which interferes or tends to interfere with maintenance of public order; or (iii) which interferes or tends to interfere with the administration of law or its established institutions and personnel' – the Bill defines four other actions that constitute 'unlawful activity'. • Maharashtra becomes the fifth state to pass such a Bill. It will now be tabled in the upper house for further deliberations. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Maharashtra Public Security Bill: Vague and dangerous for civil liberties 📍What is Maharashtra's proposed law against 'urban Naxalism'? With USAID shut, Norman Borlaug's institute knocks on India's doors 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: Six decades ago, the legendary agricultural scientist Norman Borlaug ushered in India's Green Revolution through his high-yielding, semi-dwarf wheat varieties such as Lerma Rojo 64A, Sonora 63, Sonora 64 and Mayo 64. Key Points to Ponder: • What is CIMMYT International research Centre for? • Know about USAID funding. • How USAID funding helped India? • The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT)-what you know about the same? • What is the historical role of Norman Borlaug and CIMMYT in shaping India's agricultural landscape and food security? • Know the significance of the USAID shutdown on CIMMYT's R&D operations and its repercussions for Indian agriculture. Key Takeaways: • Today, his organisation – the Mexico-headquartered International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center or CIMMYT – is reaching out to the Indian government and the private sector, seeking financial support for its breeding research and development programme in the two cereals that cover over a quarter of the world's cropped area. • The reason: A funding crunch brought about by global factors, including the shutting down of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by the Donald Trump administration, officially from July 1. • The agency, which administered civilian foreign aid and development assistance for the US government, accounted for about $83 million out of CIMMYT's total grant revenue of $211 million in 2024. That made it CIMMYT's largest funder, followed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (now Gates Foundation), which gave $42 million. • CIMMYT's current research and field trials are aimed at raising yields as much as breeding varieties with improved heat tolerance, disease resistance and biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) traits. • Wheat is increasingly prone to yield losses from mercury spikes in March, at the crop's final grain formation and filling stage. Studies show that every one-degree Celsius rise in night temperatures lowers yields by an average of 6%. By identifying traits in wheat plants that promote heat tolerance, scientists are able to develop varieties better adapted to hotter days as well as warmer nights. Do You Know: • CIMMYT's advanced breeding lines are present as parent or grandparent in wheat varieties planted on more than 60 million hectares (mh) globally. The early Green Revolution blockbuster varieties that Indian scientists developed were all through selections from CIMMYT materials. That included Kalyan Sona (released in 1967), Sonalika (1968) and PBW 343 (1995), which, at their peak, were grown on 5-6 mh, 14 mh and 7-8 mh respectively. • In October 2011, CIMMYT established the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) as a joint venture with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). BISA has three research stations at Ludhiana (Punjab), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) and Samastipur (Bihar). • CIMMYT has also opened a 'doubled haploid' facility for maize at Kunigal (Karnataka), jointly with the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. This first-of-its-kind facility in Asia produces genetically pure inbred lines of maize that can be used as parents for further crossing and breeding of hybrids by both public sector institutions and private seed companies. • CIMMYT's India office has 19 international and 144 national staff. Besides, some 25 scientists from India work at CIMMYT offices all over the world. 'A tenth of our 1,800-plus global staff are Indians,' Govaerts noted. • India's contribution to CIMMYT's budget was just $0.8 million in 2024. While CIMMYT began as a pilot programme of the Mexican government and the Rockefeller Foundation in the 1940s and 50s, over time it became more reliant on funding from USAID and newer non-profits like the Gates Foundation. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍USAID has been dismantled. CSR funds should be used in research and innovation THE IDEAS PAGE Global South, building BRICS 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: Pankaj Saran Writes: Don't blame BRICS for the curse of multipolarity. BRICS is not the reason for the relative decline of the US as a global power. The folly lies at the doorstep of a multi-decadal US policy, with active abetment by its Western allies, to outsource manufacturing to China and make it the manufacturing capital of the world. Key Points to Ponder: • Know the influence of BRICS in enhancing the agency of the Global South. • What is the symbolism and practical impact of BRICS countries trading in local currencies and building alternative financial systems? • 'BRICS Pay and the New Development Bank represent an alternative architecture to the Western financial order'-Discuss • Know the India's position on cross border terrorism in the BRICS Rio Declaration. • Compare India's multilateral outreach in BRICS with its efforts in G20, SCO, and other Global South groupings. • Where does BRICS stand? Key Takeaways: Pankaj Saran Writes: • To make matters worse, the US-led West handed over the fate of a devastated global economy to China in the wake of the collapse of capitalism and the financial crisis of 2008. China was happy to play saviour. Neither BRICS nor India can be blamed for the rapid rise of a power that today believes it is poised to challenge US global hegemony. • In fact, India is at the receiving end of policies pursued by its Western partners. The lessons have not been learnt even now. Europe and the US are divided about whether and how much to shake off their interdependence with China. In fact, we are told there may not be any good solutions. • China continues to ride the wave of the American and European economies. Its integration with them is far greater than with any BRICS member. • Unlike his predecessors, the current US President has launched a frontal attack on BRICS, with the threat of punitive tariffs. Some truths need to be told here. • The Global South is a reality, whichever way we define it. The question is how India sees itself in the larger comity of nations. For years, China relished being referred to as the 'G77 plus China' in diplomatic jargon. India is embedded in the South in real terms as well as in philosophical terms. It would be delusional to think otherwise. • At the same time, India can barely be faulted for believing in itself and having a sense of its destiny in the long run. Its accretion of power is an inexorable process, unless we reconcile ourselves to a forever status of a post-colonial emerging nation and perpetual aspirant. Do You Know: Pankaj Saran Writes: • A scenario where India walks out of BRICS is possible, because nothing is impossible. It has been made clear that in today's world, democracy has lost its premium. It is no longer the glue that attracts the like-minded. Military-ruled Pakistan is considered as great a nation as India, and as indispensable a partner for the US. Russia, on the other hand, must be shunned for being authoritarian. If the world has to be rebuilt using the alliance template of the last century, India should also be walking out of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) and the RIC (Russia-India-China) and IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) groupings, which variously represent systemic challengers and the Global South. • India needs to be in as many thematic and geographical coalitions and groupings as necessary till it is made a genuine participant in the governance of international institutions. This is the essence of India's case. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍What PM Modi's recent visit says about the tenets of India's Global South outreach BRICS is China's playground 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: Surupa Gupta Writes: As an emerging power, India's interests are arguably served best by aligning with multiple major powers, which according to conventional wisdom allows Delhi to limit its dependence on any one power and instead work with each on specific issues of common interest. Key Points to Ponder: • How the BRICS grouping has evolved from its original purpose to its present state, particularly in the context of India–China dynamics? • Know the implications of China's economic dominance within BRICS for India's strategic autonomy. • What are the limitations faced by India in leveraging BRICS to pursue its foreign policy objectives? • The article calls for India to 'revaluate BRICS's utility'—do you agree? Substantiate with arguments. • How has China used BRICS to advance its global economic strategy, such as de-dollarisation and influence in global governance? Key Takeaways: Surupa Gupta Writes: • India's membership of multilateral institutions such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has been justified along the lines that these provide platforms to push for a more multipolar world order that limits the dominance of Western powers and West-led institutions. • Indeed, BRICS emerged as a group focused on challenging the norms that shaped multilateral economic institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. • BRICS offered another avenue for India's aspirations for global leadership as it, along with Brazil, China and Russia, negotiated a larger proportion of quotas and votes at these institutions. In recent years, as BRICS has expanded its membership, it has arguably provided India another platform to develop ties with countries in the Global South. One could argue that as the US under the Donald Trump administration pursues an unpredictable and more volatile foreign policy, it might be even more imperative for India to build ties with such institutions. Do You Know: Surupa Gupta Writes: • China's GDP, at $17.79 trillion, is nearly five times the size of India's at $3.56 trillion. This economic might, along with China's extensive trade and investment ties with other BRICS countries, allow it to exert greater political influence. At the BRICS summits, Beijing has used its leverage to promote goals such as de-dollarisation and expansion of the organisation's membership. • It has also used the venue to advocate for a larger role in global governance for itself. While India seeks to pursue some of these goals, it has not been able to further its interests through BRICS. The redistribution of IMF quotas in 2015 may have been the only exception. Even then, as BRICS countries banded together to reform global governance, China emerged as the clear winner as it was able to secure a deputy managing director position at the IMF. • While India seeks to expand its ties with countries in the Global South and portray itself as their leader, given the deep economic ties China enjoys with other BRICS countries, it is difficult for New Delhi to claim the leadership mantle while operating within the organisation. It might be easier for India to create a leadership narrative through its bilateral ties and in blocs where China is not present. • In the early years of the forum, BRICS membership likely gave India a larger profile in global governance by providing a mechanism for policy coordination by emerging economies. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍As Trump warns BRICS, China, Russia say group doesn't target anyone Let the rivers talk to each other 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. What's the ongoing story: Srinivas Chokkakula and Debarshee Dasgupta writes: Cleaning the Yamuna is among the top priorities of the newly elected BJP government in Delhi. The keen interest from the central government, also led by the BJP, favours the project. The project also has the advantage of the Yamuna being part of the Namami Gange Programme (NGP). Key Points to Ponder: • How Delhi's Yamuna cleanup can inform the design and implementation of the broader Namami Gange Programme? • What is the role of flagship programmes, like Namami Gange, in ecological restoration and river rejuvenation in India? • What is the significance of keystone species such as the Ganges dolphin in assessing the success of river-cleaning initiatives? • Know the governance structure of Namami Gange (Centre State synergy, institutional setup) and identify key challenges and opportunities. • How inter-state and inter-river coordination enhances the effectiveness of river conservation efforts in India? Key Takeaways: Srinivas Chokkakula and Debarshee Dasgupta writes: • Delhi's state-driven effort to clean the Yamuna carries the prospect of valuable reciprocal learning, which can help shape a comprehensive policy ecosystem for rejuvenating India's rivers. • The NGP, launched in 2014 as the Government of India's flagship programme, can boast of a discernible impact in improving the water quality and ecological status of the Ganga. • Besides the recent cleaner Maha Kumbh, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) offers the rising populations of keystone species such as the Ganges dolphin as evidence of the improved ecological status of the river. In over a decade of its implementation, the NGP's responsive policy and institutional experiments stand out as a departure from the earlier Ganga Action Plan. • Implemented in mission mode, the NGP has interesting legal and institutional innovations to its credit. The foremost among these is that it has shifted from the regulatory framing of what was the Ministry of Environment and Forests to an executive approach, in the Ministry of Jal Shakti (earlier the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation). • The programme also marks a shift from pollution abatement to improving the ecological condition of the river. The NGP has pursued a river basin approach informed by a plan produced by a consortium of the Indian Institutes of Technology. In celebrated river restoration programmes, like those in Europe, such shifts took decades. The International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR), established in 1950 to restore the River Rhine, made these shifts only after the Sandoz disaster in 1986. Do You Know: Srinivas Chokkakula and Debarshee Dasgupta writes: • The NMCG was accorded the status of an authority soon after it was launched through the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order of 2016. The National Ganga River Basin Authority, constituted earlier, was dissolved through this order and was replaced with a National Ganga Council (NGC). There are other institutional innovations that show an unusual agility in policymaking. • The NGC is headed by the Prime Minister with the chief ministers of the riparian states and 10 Union ministers as members. The NGC guides an empowered task force headed by the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, and an executive council headed by NMCG's director general with extensive financial and regulatory powers. • The most striking feature of the 2016 order is the recognition of the subnational governments as important partners. It mandates a layered structure of state Ganga committees and district Ganga committees — accommodating the important roles of governments at different levels. Despite this deliberate effort, the subnational participation in Namami Gange has not been very encouraging. The absence of ownership of the programme — the basin states' legal, institutional and budgetary responses — raises questions about its enduring impact. • Delhi's Yamuna project is a particularly complex one and can therefore make a useful contribution. The Yamuna, like all other major Indian rivers, is an interstate river. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Namami Gange: In The Name of Ganga ECONOMY India gears up for trade policy review as EU chief calls for an alternate to WTO Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development Mains Examination: General Studies II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. What's the ongoing story: At a time when multilateralism is taking a back seat — with an ineffective UN Security Council and a dysfunctional dispute settlement body at the World Trade Organization (WTO) — India appears committed to key WTO processes and has begun preparations for its eighth trade policy review after five years. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the significance of the WTO Trade Policy Review (TPR) mechanism for India in light of recent global trade developments? • What are the reasons behind the European Union's call for an alternative to the World Trade Organization as reported recently? • Know India's approach and challenges as it prepares for its upcoming WTO Trade Policy Review. • Why there is the need for WTO reforms? • What are India's key concerns and proposals in WTO reforms? • How does India's classification as a developing country within the WTO framework affect its trade policy and negotiations? Key Takeaways: • The preparations in the Ministry of Commerce come at a time when the US has all but abandoned the forum for resolving trade disputes and is instead striking bilateral trade deals, which experts fear are often not WTO-compliant. This poses significant risk for the rules-based system and for developing countries such as India, experts have warned. • While the US continues to block the appointment of judges to the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), the European Union has called for wide-ranging reforms. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last week proposed to EU leaders the launch of a Europe-led initiative to establish structured trade cooperation with Asian countries — potentially pitching for an alternative to the WTO. Do You Know: • The Financial Times reported earlier this week that von der Leyen suggested Brussels team up with the 11 other global economies of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to form an institution to replace the WTO, which is struggling to contain global trade tensions. • This is of particular importance for India, since New Delhi has been filing several disputes against the US even while negotiating a bilateral trade agreement. • India revised its proposal to impose retaliatory duties under WTO norms against the US over American tariffs on steel and aluminium, in view of the Trump administration's further hike in duties. • The US first imposed 25 per cent tariffs on imports of aluminium, steel, and derivative articles on March 12. On June 3, these tariffs were further raised to 50 per cent. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍India-US trade pact: 'Deal with India close,' says Trump; slaps 25–40% reciprocal tariffs on 14 nations largely ASEAN 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
Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Citizenship, due process, timing: SC marks out three key issues for the commission
Even as the Supreme Court allowed the Election Commission (EC) to continue its Special Intensive Revision of the electoral list in Bihar, a two-judge bench Thursday flagged three key issues that the commission will have to factor in as it formulates its response. These include: the EC's power to check the citizenship of voters; the importance of due process and procedure to be followed during the revision and the timing of the revision itself. A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi said that 'there is no question that this issue is an important one and goes to the very root of democracy and the right to vote.' The bench, in the three-hour-long hearing, acknowledged that the EC, as a constitutional body, has powers well beyond the Representation of People's Act, 1951 (RPA) and that the Court will not stop the EC. However, the SC also made it clear that the process would be subject to judicial intervention. On the citizenship issue, the bench observed that it is the remit of the Ministry of Home Affairs to determine whether an individual is a citizen. '…citizenship is an issue to be determined not by the Election Commission of India, but by the Ministry of Home Affairs,' the bench said when EC's counsel, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, defended the Commission's decision to exclude Aadhaar as a valid document. EC's lawyers cited Article 326 of the Constitution, which mandates voting based on adult suffrage. 'The precondition for adult suffrage is citizenship,' Dwivedi argued. However, the bench then observed that if the EC wanted to ensure that only citizens are on the electoral rolls, then it 'should have started the process much earlier.' Essentially, the Court raised questions about the timing of the exercise and inquired whether it could be delinked from the Bihar elections. 'Your decision, to disenfranchise the person who is already there on the electoral roll in 2025, would compel this individual to appeal against (the) decision and go through this entire rigmarole and thereby be denied of his right to vote in the ensuing election. There is nothing wrong in you purging electoral rolls through an intensive exercise to see that non-citizens do not remain on the rolls. But if you decide only a couple of months before a proposed election…' Justice Bagchi said. 'If you ask for these documents immediately, even I will not be able to produce it now, look at the practicality, look at the timeline,' Justice Dhulia added. The judges also asked the EC questions on the process it would follow, in case of disenfranchisement of a voter. 'If a 'summary revision' under the Representation of People's Act calls for a verbal hearing before deletion of a voter from the electoral roll, can it be said that the 'intensive' revision cannot have that process?' Justice Dhulia asked. According to the rules in the RPA, in all cases of proposed voter deletions, except for confirmed deaths, a notice is served to the voter, providing them with a reasonable opportunity for a hearing. The SC also, in its order, asked the EC to explain why Aadhaar, Electoral Photo Identity Card (voter card issued by the EC) and ration card cannot be accepted as valid documents in the SIR process. This potentially increases the ambit of the 11-document list that has set off widespread panic and confusion on the ground. Apurva Vishwanath is the National Legal Editor of The Indian Express in New Delhi. She graduated with a B.A., LL. B (Hons) from Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow. She joined the newspaper in 2019 and in her current role, oversees the newspapers coverage of legal issues. She also closely tracks judicial appointments. Prior to her role at the Indian Express, she has worked with ThePrint and Mint. ... Read More
Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: Gini Index, Global South and Palm oil consumption in India
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for July 10, 2025. If you missed the July 9, 2025 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here FRONT PAGE EC doesn't follow own practice, puts onus on voters, ignores existing rolls Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People's Act. What's the ongoing story: The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar that comes up in the Supreme Court Thursday amid widespread apprehension across the state marks a sharp departure from previous such drives in two key aspects. Key Points to Ponder: • What you know about Special Intensive Revision (SIR)? • What is the controversy about Special Intensive Revision (SIR)? • What are the objectives of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls? • How does Special Intensive Revision (SIR) impacts the credibility of elections? • What challenges are associated with maintaining accurate and inclusive electoral rolls in India? • Voter inclusion and exclusion are key elements of electoral integrity. How does the SIR process balance both aspects? • How the SIR of electoral rolls can affect marginalized and migrant populations in Bihar? Key Takeaways: • 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. • And, 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, an analysis of past EC records by The Indian Express reveals. • This despite a High Court order – it was upheld by the Supreme Court – that underlined the importance of self-declaration and made it clear that the 'question of citizenship' didn't arise during the preparation of the draft roll. • The poll watchdog has undertaken 'intensive revision' of the electoral roll for all or some parts of the country on several occasions, especially in the years 1952-56, 1957, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1983-84, 1987-89, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2002, 2003 and 2004. • Intensive revision refers to the de novo preparation of the electoral roll from scratch through personal, house-to-house field verification by electoral registration officers (or EROs). • A scrutiny of the methodology adopted in past such exercises shows that never before has the Commission required existing electors to furnish documentary proof to remain on the electoral roll. Do You Know: • Currently, under the Bihar SIR, those who were on the 2003 electoral rolls need only submit an extract from it as proof, while others (enrolled after 2003) must provide one or more documents from a list of 11 (along with a pre-filled enumeration form for existing electors) to establish their date and/or place of birth – which, in turn, is used to determine citizenship. • In sharp contrast, in earlier intensive revisions, enumerators – now EROs for each polling station area – visited households to record details of all residents aged 18 or above as of the qualifying date. • They were neither required nor authorised to verify citizenship or age and entries in the enumeration pad were made based solely on information provided by the head or a senior member of the household, who then signed or gave a thumb impression in the book, with an undertaking that the information was true to the best of their knowledge. • In fact, in 1993, when the poll watchdog tried venturing into the question of citizenship at the stage of preparation of the draft roll, the Gauhati High Court held in the case of H.R.A. Chaudhury vs. Election Commission and Others (supra) (upheld by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India) that 'the draft rolls are to be prepared on the basis of the statements submitted by the heads of the households in a constituency in Form 4 under Rule 8 of Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.' • The court underlined that the 'statement made by a Head of the Household has its own value and cannot be lightly brushed aside. Rules do not contemplate any inquiry into the question of citizenship at the stage of preparation of draft roll, although there is provision for objection after the draft roll is published on the ground that a person who is not a citizen of India has been erroneously included.' • The Commission had undertaken a staggered intensive revision of the electoral rolls across the country in 1983 and 1984. In fact, when in 1983, then Chief Minister of Mizoram Brig. T. Sailo wrote to the poll watchdog suggesting that all illegal entrants/immigrants after 25.3.1971 should be disenfranchised, the EC reiterated that its stand on the sanctity of the existing electoral roll could not be ignored. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Amid Bihar roll revision, next battlefront Bengal keeps a close watch 📍Reach the last voter 📍A strategy of exclusion GOVT & POLITICS Namibia says will roll out UPI after Modi, President hold talks 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: Namibia will roll out Unified Payments Interface (UPI) later this year and will set up an Entrepreneurship Development Center, it was announced Wednesday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held talks that focused on imparting a new momentum to the bilateral ties. Key Points to Ponder: • Map Work-Namibia • What is the relationship between India and Namibia? • India-Namibia history of friendship-what you know about the same? • Why Namibia matters to India? • Discuss the significance of UPI's international expansion. • What are the potential benefits and challenges for African nations like Namibia in adopting India's UPI system? Key Takeaways: • The Modi-Ndaitwah meeting in Windhoek primarily focused on bolstering bilateral cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals. • There was an announcement on the launch of a digital payments system in Namibia later this year as an outcome of the signing of the UPI technology licensing agreement between NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) and Bank of Namibia in April last year. • Following the talks between the two leaders, India and Namibia inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on setting up an Entrepreneurship Development Center in Namibia and another pact on cooperation in areas of health and medicine. • Namibia has also joined the India-backed CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) and the Global Biofuels Alliance. • CDRI is dedicated to enhancing the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks. It includes national governments, international organizations, and the private sector. Do You Know: • This is the first visit of PM Modi to Namibia and the third-ever by an Indian PM to the country. • Modi, who arrived from Brazil on the final leg of his five-nation tour, also paid tribute to Namibia's founding father Sam Nujoma at the Heroes' Acre memorial. Nujoma led Namibia to independence in 1990 and served as its first President for 15 years. The PM remembered Nujoma as a visionary leader who devoted his life to the struggle for Namibia's independence. • PM Modi was also conferred with Namibia's highest civilian award, the 'Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis'. Addressing a gathering, the PM said, 'Namibia's Welwitschia, after which this award is named, is not an ordinary plant. It is like an elder in the household, one who has witnessed the passage of time. It symbolises Namibia's struggle, courage, and culture.' Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍As PM Modi lands in Namibia, this is why the country, and the continent of Africa, matters to India EXPRESS NETWORK INSPACe gives nod to Starlink to launch services in India Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies III: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. What's the ongoing story: Elon Musk-owned Starlink has received the last remaining regulatory clearance from the government, paving the way for the company to start offering satcom services in India. Key Points to Ponder: • What is Starlink? • Know the significance of satellite-based internet services like Starlink in achieving digital inclusion and bridging the rural-urban digital divide in India. • What are the challenges and opportunities associated with the entry of foreign satcom service providers in India's telecommunications landscape? • What are Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites? • What is the role of Starlink and similar services in achieving the goals of Digital India and BharatNet? • What are the potential impact of Starlink and other satellite internet services on India's indigenous space and telecom sectors? • Know about the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) Key Takeaways: • In May, the company had received an operator licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) — three years after first applying for one — and on Wednesday, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) granted authorisation to the satcom company for its satellite constellation. • 'IN-SPACe has granted authorisation to Starlink Satellite Communications for enabling provisioning of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites constellation, namely Starlink Gen1,' the agency, which operates under the Department of Space, said in a statement. It added that the authorisation will enable Starlink to provide satellite communication services in India. • 'IN-SPACe authorisation to (Starlink) has a validity period of five years from the date of authorisation or end of operational life of Gen1 constellation — whichever is earlier. The roll-out of services is subject to the stipulated regulatory provisions and requisite clearance/approval/license from the relevant government department(s),' it added. Do You Know: • The Starlink Gen1 Constellation is a global constellation with 4,408 satellites orbiting earth in altitude varying between 540-570 km, capable of providing around 600 Gbps throughput over India. • Since turning its attention to launching services in India three years ago, Starlink came up against the country's telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, and differed with the former over how frequency for such airwaves should be assigned to satcom operators. While Starlink lobbied for administrative allocation, Jio made a pitch for the auction route. The government had opted for the administrative route, given that spectrum used for satellite communication is shared spectrum and is technically difficult to auction. • Satellite communication services rely on an array of satellites in orbit to offer connectivity to homes and businesses on the ground. They are an alternative to ground-based communication, called terrestrial networks, such as cable, fibre, or digital subscriber line (DSL), and they don't require wires to transmit data. Starlink operates the world's largest satellite constellation, with around 7,000 satellites in orbit. • Companies will have to provide real time monitoring to ensure that no user traffic originating from, or destined for India is being routed through any gateway outside Indian territory. They will also have to submit an undertaking that they will not copy and decrypt Indian telecom data outside India. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Elon Musk's Starlink coming to India soon: How much will the hyper-fast internet cost? THE IDEAS PAGE Minding the minerals gap 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: Yet, India needs to be strategic when engaging in such groupings, to understand how it can balance international partnerships without limiting its national interests and domestic priorities Key Points to Ponder: • What are Critical minerals? • Rare minerals and Critical minerals-compare and contrast • Why Critical minerals are important for India's economic and strategic future? • What is 'critical mineral clubs'? • What is the role of international 'critical mineral clubs' in diversifying India's mineral supply chains and reducing import dependence? • 'India is heavily dependent on China for rare earths and battery minerals'-Discuss • What is the role of critical minerals in India's green energy transition? Key Takeaways: • On July 3, the foreign ministers of the Quad countries — India, Japan, Australia and the US — announced the launch of the Critical Minerals Initiative for collaboratively 'securing and diversifying' supply chains. These minilateral groupings or 'clubs' form a key part of India's minerals diplomacy. • A recent global crisis in rare earth magnets after Beijing's imposition of export controls has shown that India's green industries face significant strategic and economic risks due to heavy dependence on China. • Essential enablers of India's green transition, critical minerals are vital for manufacturing technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels, batteries, and semiconductors. • With unexplored domestic reserves and a late start in the global race, India has recently signed a flurry of bilateral minerals partnerships. Agreements with resource-rich countries such as Argentina and Zambia aim to facilitate exploration and mining by the Indian government and firms overseas. Do You Know: • Minilaterals, or 'clubs', offer a unique solution where India and partner countries coordinate and co-develop projects. These small groupings of like-minded partners allow for joint technical, financial, and diplomatic resources to support innovation across the minerals value chain. • Clubs allow India to ensure economic security, diversify supply chains, forge resilient partnerships, and secure its place in the emerging clean-tech order. Yet, India needs to be strategic when engaging in such groupings, to understand how it can balance international partnerships without limiting its national interests and domestic priorities. • India's ambitions under 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' seek to make the country self-reliant on critical minerals and green technologies, while creating incentives for exports-based minerals industries. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Centre identifies 30 critical minerals: Why, how, and importance of the exercise 📍When it comes to critical minerals, India cannot rely on China — it needs to fast track its own exploration EXPLAINED Is palm oil bad for health? Here's what the science says Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. What's the ongoing story: A food and beverage industry association has said that the use of labels such as 'palm oil free' or 'no palm oil' are misleading, and rooted more in marketing than science. Key Points to Ponder: • Palm oil consumption in India-Know in detail • How does it compare to other dietary fats commonly used in Indian households? • What are the scientific findings on the link between palm oil and non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and obesity? • What policy measures can the Indian government adopt to balance consumer health with economic dependence on palm oil imports? • Know the pros and cons of palm oil as a dietary fat. Key Takeaways: • The Indian Food and Beverage Association (IFBA) said in a statement issued on Tuesday that palm oil has been consumed by Indians since the the 19th century, and that the oil has a well-rounded fatty acid profile. • Palm oil is among the most affordable and versatile edible oils globally, valued for its long shelf-life and neutral taste. Most packaged foods, including potato chips, biscuits, ice cream, and chocolates use palm oil. • Of late, the oil has been getting a bad rap from online influencers, celebrities, and fitness gurus. For instance, actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani recently called palm oil 'the most dangerous thing in life'. 'It's suicidal [to consume palm oil],' he said. • All oils mainly contain three types of fatty acids: the 'bad' saturated fatty acid (SFA) and the 'good' mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). • Consumption of oils with high SFAs is known to increase the levels of bad cholesterol (low density lipoproteins) which in turn increases inflammation in the body, decreases insulin sensitivity, and enhances the tendency of clot formation. Therefore, consuming such oils can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as the onset of type-2 diabetes. • Fats that remain solid or semi-solid at room temperatures — including palm oil, coconut oil, ghee, butter, and lard — are high in saturated fatty acids. Do You Know: • According to the Indian Dietary Guidelines, prepared by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), coconut oil and ghee have the highest SFA content, around 90 grams and 70 grams respectively per 100 grams of oil. Palmolein, the liquid part of palm oil, contains around 40 grams of SFA and 40 grams of MUFA, with the rest being PUFA. Mustard, safflower, and sunflower have the lowest SFA content, less than 10 grams per 100 gram of oil. • Apart from these three fatty acids, trans fatty acids (TFA) are produced during the hydrogenation of liquid vegetable oils. The addition of hydrogen atoms into such oils converts liquid oil to semi-solid, and increases their shelf-life. • According to the ICMR's guidelines, a mix of oils that are low in SFA and high in PUFA should ideally be used. This would mean avoiding palm oil as much as possible. • The ICMR's guidelines suggest that consumption of oil should be limited to between 20 and 50 grams (four to 10 teaspoons) per person per day. Those living sedentary lifestyles should stick to the lower end of this range (20-30 grams). Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Why wheat and edible oil are the real inflation worries now Measuring inequality Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development Main Examination: General Studies III: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. What's the ongoing story: A government release over the weekend claimed that 'India is not only the world's fourth largest economy, it is also one of the most equal societies today'. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the Gini Index? • What made government to say that inequality in India is declining? • What is the role of fiscal policy in addressing income and wealth inequality in India? • How effective have recent welfare measures like PM-KISAN and free food grain schemes been in reducing economic inequality? • What are the limitations of conventional indicators like the Gini Coefficient in assessing inequality in India? • Evaluate the claim that the top 1% of India's population holds a disproportionate share of national wealth. Key Takeaways: • Using data from the World Bank's latest Poverty and Equity Brief, it said India's Gini Index was at 25.5, which made it the world's 'fourth most equal country…after the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Belarus', reflecting how fruits of economic progress were being shared 'more evenly across its population'. • The Gini Index or Gini coefficient, named after the early 20th century Italian statistician Corrado Gini, has historically been the most commonly used measure of inequality. It measures inequality on a scale from 0 to 1 (or 0% to 100%), with higher values indicating higher inequality. • The government release does not mention the 'data limitations' that the World Bank itself has flagged, and does not take into account the Gini Index value calculated by the World Inequality Database, which shows a rise in the Gini Index from 2004 to 2023. • To map income inequality, countries often conduct surveys on income data. India, however, collects data on consumption, not income. Do You Know: • The Gini Index too does not capture all aspects of the inequality picture. This is because it is not 'sensitive' to changes at the extremes of a population, but is overly sensitive to changes in the middle. • The point of studying inequality is to allow governments to tailor appropriate policies to alleviate excessive inequality. However, an inaccurate reading of inequality can lead to policies that actually exacerbate existing inequalities. If high inequality is not contained, it can create social unrest and eventually militate against sustained economic growth. • The Gini Index, a report by the World Bank, has placed India in the fourth position with a score of 25.5, much lower than countries like China (35.7), the USA (41.8), and the United Kingdom (34.4). It is also more equal than every G7 and G20 country, many of which are considered advanced economies. • The term 'most equal country' describes a nation where income and consumption are distributed more evenly among its population. • The Gini Index measures the extent to which the distribution of income or consumption among individuals or households within an economy deviates from a perfectly equal distribution. In simpler terms, it provides a clear picture of how evenly income is distributed within a country. • The index ranges from 0 to 100 — a Gini Index of 0 represents perfect equality, while an index of 100 implies perfect inequality. The higher the Gini Index the more unequal the country. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Top 10 most equal countries in the world and India's rank in it In India's Global South outreach, give-and-take, and a delicate balance 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: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Brazil for the BRICS leaders' summit was one of the longest he has made in the last 11 years. Key Points to Ponder: • What is considered the Global South? • Which countries are in Global South? • The term 'Global South' is more related to geography or to the economies of the countries? • What is the Global South known for? • What are the differences between global north and global south? • How does India's engagement with the Global South support its strategic autonomy and multilateral diplomacy goals? • What are the role of initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and ITEC in advancing India's soft power in the Global South? • To what extent is India's Global South policy an extension of the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)? Key Takeaways: • India has taken a much more pronounced pro-Israel position especially since the war in Gaza started after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. This has been noticed by the developing countries, now collectively referred to as the Global South. • One of the first impacts was felt at the election for the UNESCO Executive Board vice chair in November 2023, in which Pakistan defeated India with the support of Global South countries. • Days later, the Second Voice of the Global South summit hosted by India witnessed a lesser participation of top leaders than at the First Voice of the Global South summit in January that year. • Several developing countries perceived India as positioning itself in the major powers' club, taking a position in favour of Israel, and not criticising its actions in Gaza. • At the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in Russia in June 2024, India joined in grouping in expressing 'grave concern at the deterioration of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in particular the unprecedented escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli military operation that led to mass civilian displacement, death and casualties, and destruction of civilian infrastructure'. Do You Know: • The term 'Global South' has since been used multiple times, such as when Jaishankar said of ongoing global conflicts, 'polarisation may occur elsewhere, the people who suffer most are the Global South'. • 'Global North' refers loosely to countries like the US, Canada, Europe, Russia, Australia and New Zealand, while 'Global South' includes countries in Asia, Africa and South America. • For a long time in the study of international political systems, the method of categorising countries into broad categories for easier analysis has existed. The concepts of 'East' and 'West' is one example of this, with the Western countries generally signifying greater levels of economic development and prosperity among their people, and Eastern countries considered as being in the process of that transition. Another similar categorisation is of First World, Second World and Third World countries, referring to countries associated with the Cold war-era alliances of the US, the USSR, and non-aligned countries, respectively. • At the centre of these concepts is the World Systems approach introduced by sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein in 1974, emphasising an interconnected perspective of looking at world politics. • In the post-Cold War world, the First World/Third World classification was no longer feasible, because when the Communist USSR disintegrated in 1991, most countries had no choice but to ally at some level with the capitalist US – the only remaining global superpower. • What sets the terms Global North and South apart are that first, they are arguably more accurate in grouping like countries together, measuring similarly in terms of wealth, indicators of education and healthcare, etc. Another commonality between the South countries is that most have a history of colonisation, largely at the hands of European powers. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍PM to meet leaders at Summit, says will emphasise priorities of the Global South 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
