02 Aug 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
POLITY
1. States can sub-classify SCs for quotas: top court
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Propelling the U.K. and India story
F. Prelims Facts
1. RTE Act covers admissions to KG classes too, rules Madras HC
2. States can directly buy rice from FCI, says Food Minister
G. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
H. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

A. GS 1 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

B. GS 2 Related

Category: POLITY

1. States can sub-classify SCs for quotas: top court

Syllabus: Indian Constitution, reservation

Mains: Sub-classification of SCs

Context: A seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of
India D.Y. Chandrachud, recently upheld the states' right to sub-classify Scheduled Castes
(SCs) within the Presidential List. The judgment, delivered by a 6:1 majority, emphasizes the
constitutional need for such sub-categorization to achieve substantive equality. This landmark
decision is grounded in the principles of social justice and aims to address intra-class
disparities among SCs.
Background of the Judgment

• Indra Sawhney Case Reference: The Supreme Court referred to the Indra Sawhney
case, which allowed the classification of backward classes into “backward” and “more
backward” categories. Chief Justice Chandrachud noted that this principle applies to
SCs as well.
• Sub-Classification for Substantive Equality: The judgment underscores that sub-
categorization within SCs is a constitutional requirement when the social positions of
various constituents are not comparable.

Key Aspects of the Judgment

• State's Right to Sub-Classify: States can sub-classify SCs to provide more

preferential treatment in public employment and education.
• Exclusion of Creamy Layer: Four judges on the Bench suggested extending the
creamy layer principle to SCs and STs, arguing that affluent individuals should be
excluded from reservation benefits to ensure these benefits reach the truly
underprivileged.

Issues

Potential for Political Manipulation

• Apprehensions of Tinkering: Concerns about potential political tinkering to expand

vote banks were acknowledged but deemed insufficient to negate the constitutional
need for sub-classification.
• Judicial Vigilance: Continuous judicial oversight is necessary to prevent misuse of
sub-classification for political gains.

Identification of Creamy Layer

• Criteria Development: The judgment calls for developing specific criteria to identify the
creamy layer among SCs and STs, different from those applied to OBCs.
• Policy Formulation: The state must formulate policies to exclude the affluent within
SCs and STs from reservation benefits.

Reasons and Causes

Intra-Class Disparities

• Unequal Social Positions: The judgment is based on the recognition that not all
members of SCs share the same level of social and economic disadvantage.
 • Historical Neglect: Certain sub-groups within SCs have historically faced greater
neglect and discrimination, necessitating targeted affirmative action.

Constitutional Mandate

• Articles 15(4) and 16(5): These articles of the Constitution empower the state to make
special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes,
including sub-classification for achieving substantive equality.

Significance

Ensuring Substantive Equality

• Targeted Benefits: Sub-classification ensures that the benefits of reservation reach the
most disadvantaged groups within SCs.
• Real Equality: The exclusion of the creamy layer helps in achieving real equality by
preventing affluent members from monopolizing reservation benefits.

Policy and Social Implications

• Affirmative Action Reforms: This judgment could lead to significant reforms in

affirmative action policies, ensuring a more equitable distribution of benefits.
• Social Justice: It reinforces the commitment to social justice and the upliftment of the
most marginalized sections of society.

Government Initiatives

State-Level Policies

• Reservation Acts: States like Tamil Nadu and Punjab have enacted laws to sub-
classify SCs for reservations in education and employment.
• Policy Formulation: States are now encouraged to develop policies to identify and
exclude the creamy layer among SCs and STs.

National Framework

• Central Guidelines: The central government may provide guidelines to states for
implementing sub-classification and identifying the creamy layer.
• Monitoring Mechanisms: Establishing robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure
compliance with sub-classification policies and prevent misuse.

Solutions
Developing Criteria for Creamy Layer

• Inclusive Criteria: Formulate criteria that consider social, economic, and educational
parameters to identify the creamy layer among SCs and STs.
• Periodic Review: Regularly review and update the criteria to reflect changing socio-
economic conditions.

Strengthening Policy Implementation

• Capacity Building: Enhance the capacity of state institutions to effectively implement

sub-classification policies.
• Awareness Campaigns: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders
about the benefits and rationale behind sub-classification.

Judicial Oversight

• Constitutional Safeguards: Ensure that sub-classification policies are in line with

constitutional safeguards and principles of social justice.
• Redressal Mechanisms: Establish mechanisms for addressing grievances related to
sub-classification and reservation benefits.

Nut Graf: The Supreme Court's judgment on sub-classifying SCs for quotas marks a
significant step towards achieving substantive equality and social justice. By acknowledging
intra-class disparities and advocating for the exclusion of the creamy layer, the judgment aims
to ensure that affirmative action benefits reach the most disadvantaged sections of SCs.

C. GS 3 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

D. GS 4 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

E. Editorials

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Propelling the U.K. and India story

Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on
India’s interests.

Mains: UK - India relations

Context:

• The recent elections in India and the United Kingdom mark a new chapter in the U.K.-
India partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third consecutive term and Sir Keir
Starmer's landslide victory for the Labour Party present an opportunity to enhance
bilateral relations. This new phase aims to strengthen cooperation in areas such as
trade, security, technology, climate change, and education.

Current Engagements:

• Free Trade Agreement (FTA): The Labour Party's pledge to pursue a "new strategic
partnership" with India includes a swift conclusion of the U.K.-India FTA.
• 2030 Roadmap: The existing roadmap has led to significant investments and
employment, with bilateral trade reaching £39 billion in 2023.
• Call for a New Roadmap: Both governments are urged to agree on a new Roadmap to
2047 to unlock the full benefits of this partnership.

India's Global Position:

• G-20 Presidency: India's successful G-20 Presidency in 2023.

• Technological Achievements: Remarkable moon landing and primacy in digital public
infrastructure.
• Economic Growth: Soon to be the world's third-largest economy.

Strategic Partnership:

• R&D Collaboration: India's high return on investment in R&D, exemplified by the Indian
Space Research Organisation's achievements.
• Health-care Partnership: Development of life-saving malaria vaccines and potential for
enhanced clinical trials and healthcare research.
• Sustainability Technology: British investments in innovative sustainability technology
and climate financing.
• Education Collaboration: Partnerships between U.K. universities and Indian industry,
and innovative Transnational Education routes.

Defence and Security:

 • Historical Ties: The U.K.'s previous dominance in providing India's defence equipment.
• Current Focus: India's indigenisation efforts and the U.K.'s support through its mature
defence industry.
• Recent Developments: Momentum from India's Defence Minister's visit to the U.K. in
January 2024.

Mobility:

• Student and Professional Mobility: Importance of facilitating mobility for students and
skilled professionals.
• Visa Issuance: Issuance of 350,000 visas to Indian nationals for work, education, or as
dependents in the past year.
• Living Bridge: Strengthening mutual trust and confidence through mobility.

Issues

Business Environment:

• Reforms Needed: Further business environment reforms in India to attract British

companies.
• Facilitative Regime: Need for a facilitative tariff and standards regime.
• Taxation and Regulatory Treatment: Ensuring parity and a level-playing field across
all investors.

Intellectual Property:

• IP Protection: Adequate protection and commercial compensation for new Intellectual

Property created with Indian partners.

Ease of Doing Business:

• Optimisation: Shorter timelines for approvals and a more transparent approach across
government departments, States, and regulators.

Significance

Economic Growth:

• Mutual Benefits: Enhanced economic partnership leading to job creation and

prosperity in both countries.
• Technological Advancements: Collaboration in R&D and technology fostering
innovation and growth.
Global Leadership:

• Strategic Alliances: Strengthening strategic alliances in defence, security, and

sustainability.
• Educational Excellence: Promoting world-class education through collaborative
efforts.

Solutions

Policy Reforms:

• Facilitate Trade: Implement policies that facilitate trade and investment.

• Strengthen IP Laws: Enhance intellectual property laws to protect and incentivise
innovation.
• Transparent Governance: Improve governance and regulatory transparency to ease
doing business.

Bilateral Agreements:

• FTA Implementation: Swift implementation of the Free Trade Agreement.

• Roadmap to 2047: Develop and agree on a comprehensive Roadmap to 2047.

Nut Graf: The U.K.-India partnership stands at a pivotal moment, with the potential to
significantly impact global economic and strategic landscapes. By addressing current
challenges and building on existing strengths, both countries can unlock unprecedented
mutual benefits. As articulated by Prime Minister Modi, deepening friendship with India
promises shared prosperity, setting the tone for a collaborative and prosperous future.

F. Prelims Facts

1. RTE Act covers admissions to KG classes too, rules Madras HC

Context: The Madras High Court has recently ruled that the Right of Children to Free and
Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which traditionally applies to children aged between
six and 14, also encompasses admissions to kindergarten classes. This ruling clarifies that the
Act's objective to provide education from pre-school to eighth standard supersedes technical
age constraints.

Key Points of the Ruling

 • Case Background: The ruling came in response to writ petitions filed by parents whose
children were denied admission to Lower Kindergarten (LKG) under the RTE Act by two
private schools in Coimbatore.
• Judicial Interpretation: Justice Anita Sumanth highlighted that the overarching goal of
the RTE Act is to ensure education from pre-school to eighth standard. This goal should
take precedence over age-specific definitions within the Act.
• State's Practice: The judge noted that the Tamil Nadu state government has been
treating children below six years of age as beneficiaries under the RTE Act, providing
financial support of ₹6,000 per annum for LKG and UKG classes.

Legal Basis

• Section 2(c) of the RTE Act: Defines a 'child' as a male or female child aged six to 14.
• Section 12(1) of the RTE Act: Refers to pre-school education, implying that the Act's
benefits extend from kindergarten to eighth standard.

Significance

Educational Inclusivity

• Broadened Scope of RTE Act: This ruling effectively broadens the scope of the RTE
Act, ensuring that younger children, starting from kindergarten, are included in the ambit
of free and compulsory education.
• Uniform Educational Standards: It reinforces the objective of the RTE Act to provide
consistent educational opportunities across different states, despite varying age criteria
for school commencement.

Policy Implications

• State-Level Implementation: Different states may need to revise their policies to align
with this interpretation, ensuring that children below six years of age are covered under
the RTE Act.
• Funding and Resources: There may be a need for increased funding and resources to
support the inclusion of kindergarten admissions under the RTE Act.

Social Impact

• Enhanced Access to Education: The ruling ensures that children from economically
weaker sections have access to early childhood education, setting a strong foundation
for their future academic pursuits.
• Reduction in Dropout Rates: Early inclusion in the education system can help reduce
dropout rates by engaging children at a younger age and fostering a culture of learning.
2. States can directly buy rice from FCI, says Food Minister

Context: The Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister, Pralhad Joshi, announced that state
governments can now purchase rice directly from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under
the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) without participating in the e-auction. This decision
aims to manage surplus stocks and streamline the procurement process following the kharif
season.

Key Announcements:

• Direct Procurement: States can buy rice directly from FCI without e-auction.
• Price Adjustment: The price for states to procure rice is set at ₹2,800 per quintal,
reduced from ₹2,900 per quintal, excluding transportation costs.
• Objective: To reduce surplus stock ahead of new procurement post-kharif season.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY):

• Extended Benefits: The scheme will continue to provide free foodgrains to 81.35 crore
beneficiaries for five years starting January 1, 2024.
• Financial Outlay: The estimated financial burden on the Centre is ₹11.8 lakh crore.
• Fortified Rice Distribution: The Centre has completed the replacement of custom-
milled rice with fortified rice across all government schemes.

Price Monitoring System (PMS):

• Version 4.0 Launch: The app now monitors the prices of 38 commodities, up from the
previous 22.
• Newly Added Commodities: Bajra, jowar, ragi, suji, maida, besan, ghee, butter,
brinjal, egg, black pepper, coriander, cumin seed, red chillies, turmeric powder, and
banana.
• Vegetable Prices: The government addressed seasonal price hikes, such as stabilising
tomato prices and offering subsidised tomatoes at ₹60 per kg.

Significance

Economic Impact:

• Cost Efficiency: Reducing the procurement price helps state governments manage
their food security budgets more effectively.
 • Surplus Management: Direct sales to states help FCI manage surplus stocks
efficiently, preventing wastage and ensuring better resource allocation.

Social Impact:

• Food Security: Extending the PMGKAY ensures continued food security for a
significant portion of the population, particularly the economically weaker sections.
• Nutritional Improvement: Distribution of fortified rice helps address malnutrition and
improves the overall health profile of beneficiaries.

Market Stability:

• Price Monitoring: Expanding the PMS to include more commodities helps in better
tracking and managing market fluctuations, ensuring price stability.
• Subsidised Commodities: Providing essential commodities at subsidised rates helps
in controlling inflation and making basic goods accessible to the masses.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements with regards to India – France relationship:

1. A DRDO office was opened in the French Embassy in 2023 for strengthening
technology cooperation.
2. The main imports from France are aviation products, machine equipment, electrical
equipment and chemical products.
3. In July 2022, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was launched from the Eiffel Tower,
offering secure and convenient transactions for Indian visitors and NRIs.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

a. Any one
b. Any two
c. All three
d. None of the above

Answer: b

Explanation: A DRDO office was opened in the French Embassy in 2023 for strengthening
technology cooperation. The main imports from France are aviation products, machine
equipment, electrical equipment and chemical products. In July 2023, Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) was launched from the Eiffel Tower, offering secure and convenient
transactions for Indian visitors and NRIs.
Q2. How many of the following sarees have been given the GI (Geographical Indicator)
tag in India?

1. Uppada Jamdani Sarees

2. Venkatagiri Sarees
3. Mangalagiri Sarees
4. Dharmavaram Handloom Pattu Sarees

Choose the correct code:

a. Any one
b. Any two
c. Any three
d. All four

Answer: d

Explanation: GI (Geographical Indicator) tag in India is given to Uppada Jamdani Sarees,

Venkatagiri Sarees, Mangalagiri Sarees and Dharmavaram Handloom Pattu Sarees.

Q3. Consider the following statements with regards to the VAIBHAV fellowship:

3. The Vaibhav Fellowship, initiated in June 2023, is designed to attract Indian-origin

scientists residing abroad for short-term collaborations with Indian institutions.
4. Each selected Vaibhav fellow receives a stipend of ₹5 lakh per month, along with
accommodation during their stay in India.
5. Fellows commit to spending a month or two annually in India for a maximum of five
years, collaborating with host Indian institutions.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

a. Any 1
b. Any 2
c. All 3
d. None of the above

Answer: a

Explanation: The Vaibhav Fellowship, initiated in June 2023, is designed to attract Indian-
origin scientists residing abroad for short-term collaborations with Indian institutions.
Fellowship would include a fellowship grant (INR 4,00,000 per month), international and
domestic travel, accommodation and contingencies. The VAIBHAV Fellow would identify an
Indian Institution for collaboration and may spend up to two months in a year for a maximum of
3 years.

Q4. Consider the following statements with regards to the gallantry awards in India:

1. Post-Independence, the first three gallantry awards namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir
Chakra, and Vir Chakra were instituted by the government of India on 26th January
1950 and were deemed to have effect from 15th August 1947.
2. Thereafter, three other gallantry awards — the Ashoka Chakra Class-I, the Ashoka
Chakra Class-II, and the Ashoka Chakra Class-III — were instituted in 1952 and were
deemed to have effect from 15th August 1947. These awards were renamed Ashoka
Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra respectively in January 1967.
3. Order of precedence of these awards is the Param Vir Chakra, the Ashoka Chakra, the
Mahavir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, the Vir Chakra, and the Shaurya Chakra.

How many of these statements is/are correct?

a. Any 1
b. Any 2
c. All 3
d. None of the above

Answer: c

Explanation: Post-Independence, the first three gallantry awards namely Param Vir Chakra,
Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra were instituted by the government of India on 26th January
1950 and were deemed to have effect from 15th August 1947.

Thereafter, three other gallantry awards — the Ashoka Chakra Class-I, the Ashoka Chakra
Class-II, and the Ashoka Chakra Class-III — were instituted in 1952 and were deemed to have
effect from 15th August 1947. These awards were renamed Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and
Shaurya Chakra respectively in January 1967.

Order of precedence of these awards is the Param Vir Chakra, the Ashoka Chakra, the
Mahavir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, the Vir Chakra, and the Shaurya Chakra.

Q5. A rise in general level of prices may be caused by

1. An increase in the money supply

2. A decrease in the aggregate level of output
3. An increase in the effective demand
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

a. 1 only
b. 1 and 2 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d

Explanation: The increase in the general level of prices may be caused by many factors like
an increase in the money supply, a decrease in the aggregate level of output, an increase in
the effective demand, an increase in income, the rapid growth of population, etc.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. Examine the impact of recent climatic changes in the Himalayan region, particularly
focusing on the unusual dryness experienced during the winter months. Analyze the
potential long-term implications of these changes on the region's ecology, water
resources, and local communities. [15 Marks, 250 words] (General Studies - I,
Geography)
2. Analyze the factors that have contributed to the significant increase in higher education
enrolment in India, as highlighted in the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)
2021-22. Evaluate the impact of these increased enrolment numbers on India's socio-
economic landscape. [15 Marks, 2150 words] (General Studies - II, Social issues)