IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Analysis
Archives
(PRELIMS Focus)
Science & Technology – Biotechnology/Neuroscience (Brain networks, neurodegenerative diseases)
News Context
A recent study (published in Nature) has identified a new brain network—Somatic Cognitive Action Network (SCAN)—linked to Parkinson’s disease, with implications for targeted therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Key Findings & Facts
What is SCAN?
- A higher-order brain network involved in movement coordination and cognitive control.
- Located within the motor cortex, but integrates signals beyond simple motor functions.
- Identified using Precision Functional Mapping (PFM)—a high-resolution brain-mapping technique.
SCAN in Parkinson’s Disease
- Shows abnormal over-connectivity with:
- Basal Ganglia (movement regulation)
- Thalamus (signal relay)
- Not observed in other disorders like ALS → potential disease-specific biomarker.
Therapeutic Implications
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) targeting SCAN:
- Reduced tremors, rigidity, and instability (trial with 18 patients).
- Offers non-invasive alternative to:
- Levodopa (drug therapy with side effects)
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) (invasive, costly)
Important Keywords
- Parkinson’s disease
- SCAN (Somatic Cognitive Action Network)
- Precision Functional Mapping (PFM)
- Basal ganglia, Thalamus
- TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
- DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation)
UPSC-Oriented Analysis
- Links static concepts (brain anatomy, motor control) with dynamic research advances.
- Possible MCQs on:
- Difference between motor-effector vs higher-order networks
- Role of basal ganglia in movement disorders
- Comparison: TMS vs DBS vs drug therapy
Polity & Governance – Union Territories, Administrative divisions, J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019
News Context
A Private Member’s Bill in the J&K Assembly seeks divisional status for Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley, along with creation of 16 new districts, highlighting issues of decentralisation and regional imbalance.
Pir Panjal & Chenab Valley
- Pir Panjal Region
- Located in Jammu and Kashmir (Jammu division)
- Comprises districts:
- Rajouri, Poonch
- Named after Pir Panjal Range (part of Lesser Himalayas)
- Key features:
- Border region along Line of Control (LoC)
- Predominantly hilly & forested terrain
- Connectivity challenges (passes like Mughal Road)
- Chenab Valley Region
- Also in Jammu and Kashmir
- Comprises districts:
- Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban
- Named after Chenab River
- Key features:
- Mountainous & remote terrain
- Rich in hydropower potential
- Prone to landslides & natural hazards
Relevant Prelims Keywords
- J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019: The legal framework governing the UT’s administrative changes.
- Private Member’s Bill: A Bill introduced by any MP/MLA who is not a Minister.
- Consolidated Fund of the UT: The primary account for govt. revenue and expenditure.
- Regional Autonomy: The decentralization of power to sub-regions to address developmental imbalances.
Polity – Constitutional Amendments, Reservation in legislatures, Delimitation Commission
The Union government is reconsidering the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which provides 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. It was earlier linked to delimitation post-Census, delaying implementation.
Key Proposals Under Discussion
Early Implementation
- Advance implementation to 2029 elections (earlier expected post-2034)
Increase in Lok Sabha Seats
- From 543 → 816 seats
- Additional seats reserved for women to avoid displacing existing MPs
Delimitation Changes
- Use 2011 Census instead of future Census
- Freeze state-wise seat share to address North–South concerns
Constitutional & Legal Aspects
- Requires Constitutional Amendment:
- Special majority in Parliament
- Ratification by half of states
- Delimitation handled by Delimitation Commission of India
- Women’s reservation (33%)
- Delimitation exercise
- Census-based representation
- Federal balance (North–South divide)
- Proxy representation (political families)
- Static–dynamic linkage:
- Articles related to reservation & representation + current political developments
- Possible MCQs:
- Features of Women’s Reservation Act, 2023
- Role and composition of Delimitation Commission
- Impact of Census on seat allocation
- Also relevant for federalism, electoral reforms, gender empowerment
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/bjp-govt-rethink-womens-quota-what-comes-next-10610347/
UPSC Prelims Syllabus Coverage:
Economy & Environment – Energy security, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Clean mobility initiatives
News Context
The ongoing West Asia conflict (impacting oil supply) has highlighted India’s vulnerability to crude price shocks and exposed a significant EV adoption gap compared to countries like China.
Key Data & Facts
- India vs Global EV Adoption
- India EV share (passenger cars): ~6% (2026)
- China EV share: ~52.9%
- Indicates a huge transition gap (~47 percentage points)
- Oil Dependency & Risk
- India heavily dependent on crude oil imports
- Global crises → fuel price volatility → inflation impact
- EVs reduce exposure to such external shocks
- Current EV Scenario in India
- EV share in total vehicles ~4% (2025)
- Growth rising but still limited due to:
- High upfront cost
- Limited charging infrastructure
- Battery import dependence (lithium, cobalt)
Policy & Schemes
- FAME-II (earlier) → replaced by PM e-DRIVE Scheme (2024)
- PLI Scheme (ACC Batteries & Auto sector)
- PM-eBus Sewa for electric public transport
Important Keywords
- Energy security
- EV transition
- Critical minerals (lithium, cobalt)
- Oil import dependence
- Decarbonisation (SDG-7, SDG-13)
UPSC-Oriented Analysis
- Static–dynamic link:
- Energy resources + transport sector reforms
- Possible MCQs:
- EV share comparison (India vs China)
- Objectives of FAME / PM e-DRIVE
- Role of EVs in reducing import dependence
- Key insight:
- EV transition reduces oil dependence but creates new dependence on battery minerals
Environment & Ecology – Wildlife conservation, Protected Areas, Human–wildlife conflict, Animal tracking technologies
News Context
A sloth bear was captured by the Karnataka Forest Department after it strayed into villages near Shivamogga airport. The incident highlights rising human–wildlife interactions and use of monitoring tools like GPS collars.
Key Facts & Developments
About Sloth Bear
- Scientific name: Melursus ursinus
- IUCN Status: Vulnerable
- Native to Indian subcontinent forests
- Diet: Insectivorous (termites, ants), fruits
- Known for human conflict incidents due to habitat overlap
Use of GPS Radio Collar
- Indicates wildlife tracking & research
- Helps in:
- Monitoring movement patterns
- Preventing human–animal conflict
- Conservation planning
Important Keywords
- Human–wildlife conflict
- GPS radio collaring
- Wildlife rehabilitation centres
- Forest Department (State)
- Tranquilisation protocols
UPSC-Oriented Analysis
- Static–dynamic link: Species conservation (IUCN status) + modern tracking methods
- Possible MCQs:
- Features of sloth bear habitat & behaviour
- Purpose of radio collaring in wildlife management
- Role of state forest departments vs NTCA/WII
(MAINS Focus)
UPSC Mains Subject: GS Paper II – Polity & Governance (Parliament; Federalism)
Sub-topic: Delimitation; Constitutional Provisions; Centre-State Relations
Introduction
Article 81 of the Indian Constitution mandates that Lok Sabha seats be distributed among States based on population. The 84th Constitutional Amendment Act froze this distribution until after 2026 to encourage population control.
With delimitation approaching, the challenge is balancing democratic equality (one person, one vote) with federal fairness (protecting States that controlled population growth). The way forward is a model that rewards demographic performance while preserving federal balance.
Main Body
Constitutional Framework: Article 81 & the Freeze
| Provision | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| Article 81 | Seats allocated to States based on population; ratio between seats and population to be uniform across States |
| 42nd Amendment (1976) | Froze seats until 2001 Census—tied to family planning efforts |
| 84th Amendment (2002) | Extended freeze to first Census after 2026; rationale: “motivational measure” for population stabilization |
| Timeline | Census 2026 results by October 2028 → Delimitation Commission → 2029 Lok Sabha elections |
Demographic Reality: Convergence & Persistent Gaps
| Period | TFR Achievement |
|---|---|
| NFHS-3 (2005–06) | 9 States achieved replacement-level TFR (2.1 or less): Himachal, Punjab, Delhi, Goa, Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu |
| NFHS-5 (2019–21) | Most major States achieved TFR 2.1 except 5: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Manipur |
Key Finding: States above national TFR mean are still 45% higher in fertility rates than early achievers. The freeze achieved partial success—but not uniform convergence.
The Federal Dilemma: Rewarding or Penalizing Performance?
| Scenario | Implication |
|---|---|
| Pure Population-Based Delimitation | High-fertility States gain seats; low-fertility States (south, west, parts of north) lose political voice—despite having stabilized population |
| Federal Risk | Economically prosperous, demographically responsible States become politically marginalized—repeating USSR/Yugoslavia pattern |
| Constitutional Intent | 2002 amendment linked seat allocation to population stabilization efforts; pure population-based allocation would negate that intent |
Proposed Solution: Demographic Performance (DemPer) Principle
Drawing from the Finance Commission’s approach (which uses multiple criteria beyond population), the Delimitation Commission could apply DemPer to additional seats beyond the existing 543:
| Component | Weight | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Early Achievement (TFR ≤ 2.1 before 2005) | 10% | Recognizes States that led population stabilization |
| Rate of Decline in TFR (2005–2021) | 90% | Rewards sustained efforts, not just starting point |
Outcome:
- All States gain seats in absolute terms
- Populous States still gain more seats—upholding Article 81
- Performing States do not lose seat share—preserving federal balance
Ideal Lok Sabha Size: Capacity & Deliberative Quality
| Consideration | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 1971 Benchmark | 10–11.1 lakh population per seat; total population 541 million |
| Current Reality | 1.4 billion population; pure population-based allocation would increase seats dramatically |
| Suggested Cap | 700 seats—ensures time for debate, prevents unwieldy legislature, maintains democratic quality |
Rationale: Democracy is about fair voice, not just raw numbers. Deliberative capacity matters as much as arithmetic representation.
Beyond North-South: A National Issue
| Region | States with TFR Achievement |
|---|---|
| North | Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi |
| West | Goa |
| South | Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra, Telangana |
Key Insight: Delimitation is not a north-south binary. Multiple states across regions adopted population stabilization goals. Framing it as regional conflict undermines national unity.
Way Forward: Principles for Fair Federal Delimitation
- Link to Constitutional Intent: Respect the 2002 amendment’s link between seats and population stabilization
- Apply DemPer to Additional Seats: Preserve existing 543 seats; apply performance criteria only to expansion
- Cap Lok Sabha Size: Limit to 700 seats to maintain deliberative quality
- Incentivize Good Governance: Reward States that implemented family planning successfully
- Build Consensus: Delimitation must not become a north-south wedge; national dialogue essential
Critical Analysis: Strengths & Gaps
| Strengths | Gaps |
|---|---|
| Grounded in constitutional intent (84th Amendment) | Political feasibility of DemPer uncertain |
| Draws from Finance Commission precedent—institutional familiarity | Formula complexity may invite litigation |
| Recognizes federalism as equal to democratic arithmetic | Does not fully address urban-rural disparities within States |
| Proposes concrete, operationalizable formula | Seats cap at 700—basis for number could be elaborated |
Conclusion
Delimitation after Census 2026 is a test of India’s federal balance. While population-based seat allocation ensures equality, it risks penalizing States that controlled population growth—contrary to the intent of the 84th Constitutional Amendment Act.
A balanced approach is to allocate additional seats using the Demographic Performance principle, rewarding States with early and sustained TFR decline. This ensures democratic equality without undermining federal fairness.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
- “Delimitation must balance democratic equality with federal fairness.” Critically examine the constitutional and demographic context in India and suggest a framework ensuring equal representation while preserving federal balance. (250 words, 15 marks)
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/ensuring-federalism-within-delimitation/article70804377.ece
UPSC Mains Subject: GS Paper I – Society (Social Justice) | GS Paper II – Polity (Vulnerable Sections)
Sub-topic: Marginalized Communities; Census; Constitutional Safeguards; Social Exclusion
Introduction
Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs), numbering an estimated 8–14 crore, remain among India’s most marginalized communities. Branded under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 and “denotified” in 1952, they were never fully rehabilitated. Fragmented across SC, ST, OBC lists—or excluded entirely—their lack of clear recognition persists. With Census 2027 approaching, their continued exclusion risks perpetuating a historic injustice.
Main Body
Who Are Denotified & Nomadic Tribes?
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Denotified Tribes (DNTs) | Communities earlier branded as “criminal tribes” under the Colonial Criminal Tribes Act, 1871; “denotified” in 1952 after repeal |
| Nomadic Tribes (NTs) | Communities with traditional livelihoods requiring seasonal or perpetual movement |
| Semi-Nomadic Tribes | Partially settled communities transitioning to sedentary life |
Examples: Banjara, Gadiya Lohar, Gujjar (Van Gujjar), Sapera, Kalbelia, Jogi, Behrupia, Birhor, Fakir, Kolhati, Lambada, Maldhari, Perna, Saansi, Yerukala.
The Triple Injustice: Cognisance, Categorisation, Counting
| Demand | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Cognisance (Acknowledgment) | Indian state has refused systematic acknowledgment across governments and parties |
| Categorisation (Constitutional Schedule) | No separate schedule; communities fragmented across SC/ST/OBC lists; many unclassified |
| Counting (Census enumeration) | No official population estimate; estimates vary between 8–14 crore |
Activist’s poignant remark: “Freedom came to you in 1947; to us it came in 1952.”
The Colonial Legacy: Criminal Tribes Act, 1871
| Provision | Impact |
|---|---|
| Branding | Entire communities labelled “criminal by birth” |
| Surveillance | Mandatory regular police reporting |
| Movement Restrictions | Routine round-ups; humiliating conditions |
| Repeal (1952) | Communities “denotified” but stigma and institutional neglect persisted |
Institutional Continuity: The colonial frame of mind—viewing these communities with suspicion—has never been fully denotified.
Why DNT/NT Remain Invisible Today
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Economic Marginalization | Traditional livelihoods (herding, crafting, healing, performing arts) destroyed by modernity; knowledge delegitimized; skills devalued |
| Social Stigma | Simultaneously invisibilised and stigmatized—suffer discrimination like Dalits, marginalization like Adivasis, and invisibility like LGBTQ communities |
| Linguistic Erasure | Custodians of hundreds of languages downgraded to “Unscheduled Languages” and demeaned as dialects |
| Institutional Fragmentation | Same community listed differently across states (SC/ST/OBC) or not listed at all |
Available Data & Reports: Government Knows but Does Not Act
| Report | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Renke Commission (2008) | First population estimate: 10.74 crore DNT/NT; documented plight |
| Idate Commission (2017) | Identified 1,200 communities from SC/ST/OBC lists; listed 269 unclassified communities; recommended counting in Census |
| Anthropological Survey of India & Tribal Research Institutes (2023) | Filled information gap on unclassified communities |
Key Point: The government has everything it needs—policy decision on caste census, exhaustive list, and formal recommendations. Only political will is missing.
The Supreme Court Setback
| Event | Implication |
|---|---|
| Petition Dismissed | SC dismissed plea by DNT/NT activists for inclusion in caste census |
| Gratuitous Remarks | Court made insensitive observations—compounding the community’s sense of abandonment |
Way Forward: The Three Cs
- Cognisance: Acknowledge DNT/NT as distinct social category deserving constitutional recognition
- Categorisation: Create a new constitutional schedule (separate from SC/ST/OBC) specifically for DNT/NT
- Counting: Include DNT/NT as a separate column in Census 2027
Institutional Actions:
- Implement Idate Commission recommendations in letter and spirit
- Move beyond “benign hostility” toward active affirmative action
- Develop livelihood restoration programs recognizing traditional skills and knowledge systems
- Preserve and promote DNT/NT languages and performing arts
Critical Analysis: Strengths & Gaps
| Strengths | Gaps |
|---|---|
| Exposes deep institutional neglect across governments | Does not fully quantify economic deprivation |
| Documents colonial continuity in state mindset | Limited discussion on inter-state variation in DNT/NT inclusion |
| Highlights rich cultural and knowledge contributions | Could elaborate on specific welfare measures needed |
| Provides clear actionable framework (three Cs) | Political feasibility of new constitutional schedule uncertain |
Conclusion
Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs/NTs)—long victims of colonial stigma and post-colonial neglect—remain among India’s most invisible citizens. With Census 2027 approaching, the state has a chance to act on the roadmap laid by the Renke Commission and Idate Commission—cognisance, categorisation, and counting. The framework exists; what is lacking is political will. Failure now would betray the Constitution’s promise of justice, liberty, and equality—leaving real vimukti still unrealised.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
- “Denotified and Nomadic Tribes remain India’s most invisible marginalized communities, victims of colonial branding and post-colonial neglect.” Critically examine the historical and institutional reasons for their exclusion. What should be the framework for their inclusion in Census 2027 and beyond? (250 words, 15 marks)
