Archives


(PRELIMS Focus)


High Seas Treaty – 2025 UN Ocean Conference

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Context: India is actively moving toward ratification of the High Seas Treaty (formally the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction – BBNJ – Agreement), contrary to any suggestion of reluctance.

Decoding Context: 

Key Highlights:

India’s Commitments:

India also endorsed the ‘Nice Ocean Action Plan’, emphasizing finance, partnerships, and actionable steps toward achieving SDG-14 (Life Below Water).

Global Status:

Conclusion:

India is firmly aligned with the objectives of the High Seas Treaty and is progressing toward formal ratification. Its current stance reflects a deliberate, policy-driven approach consistent with its broader marine conservation strategy.

 

Learning Corner:

High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement)

Full Name: Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)

Adopted: June 2023 at the United Nations

Purpose:
To conserve and sustainably use marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), i.e., the high seas which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean and nearly half of the Earth’s surface.

Key Features:

  1. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establish a global framework to create protected zones in international waters to safeguard marine ecosystems.
  2. Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs): Ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of MGRs, such as deep-sea organisms used in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology.
  3. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Mandates EIAs for activities conducted on the high seas to prevent significant harm to marine environments.
  4. Capacity Building and Technology Transfer: Assists developing countries with scientific resources, training, and data-sharing to ensure equitable participation in high seas conservation.
  5. Decision-Making Structure: Establishes institutions to monitor implementation, resolve disputes, and update scientific guidelines periodically.

Significance:

Global Treaties that India has ratified and not ratified:

Category Ratified by India Not Ratified by India
Nuclear Treaties CWC, BWC NPT, CTBT, ATT
Environmental Treaties UNFCCC, CBD, Paris Agreement, Basel, Stockholm BBNJ (in process), some UN water conventions
Human Rights Treaties ICCPR, ICESCR, CRC, CEDAW Migrant Workers’ Convention, Enforced Disappearances
Labour Treaties Some ILO conventions ILO 87, 98, partially delayed ratification of 138
Maritime Treaties UNCLOS, CITES, WTO-related None major

Source : THE HINDU


C. Sankaran Nair

Category: HISTORY

  1. Sankaran Nair’s legacy defies simple categorization due to his multifaceted roles as a jurist, nationalist, reformer, and critic. He was both an insider in the British legal system and a principled dissenter, resigning from the Viceroy’s Council after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Key Aspects of His Legacy

Conclusion

Sankaran Nair’s life embodied contradiction and courage—an elite fighting for the marginalized, a loyal servant of law who challenged empire, and a moderate voice amid radical upheaval. His legacy is essential to understanding the complexities of India’s freedom struggle.

Learning Corner:

  1. Sankaran Nair (1857–1934)

Lawyer | Jurist | Nationalist | Social Reformer

  1. Sankaran Nair was a prominent Indian jurist and nationalist leader known for his bold dissent against British colonial rule and his deep commitment to constitutionalism and social justice.

Source: THE HINDU


Sudan Refugee Crisis

Category: INTERNATIONAL

Context : Egypt’s Crackdown Forces Sudanese Refugees Toward Libya and Europe

Decoding Context:

Following the 2023 civil war in Sudan, millions fled the country—many initially seeking safety in Egypt due to its proximity and historic ties. However, Egypt’s increasingly restrictive refugee policies have made it harder for Sudanese to remain. Stricter visa rules, costly residency requirements, and a shift from UNHCR to government-controlled refugee registration have led to widespread detentions and deportations, even for registered asylum seekers.

Facing harassment, fear of arrest, and poor living conditions, many Sudanese are now fleeing from Egypt through Libya in hopes of reaching Europe. Libya, though deeply unstable, has become a major transit route despite being extremely dangerous. Refugees face abuse, extortion, sexual violence, and repeated detentions by militias and smugglers. Women and children are especially vulnerable, and many endure brutal treatment before attempting perilous sea crossings to Europe.

The humanitarian response is overwhelmed, with aid agencies warning of dire shortages and funding gaps as refugee numbers climb. Meanwhile, rights groups argue Egypt’s actions violate international obligations, and concerns have been raised over European complicity in funding Egypt’s border control efforts.

Learning Corner:

Sudan War

The Sudan War that began in April 2023 is a devastating internal armed conflict between two powerful military factions in Sudan:

Key Actors:

Cause of the Conflict:

Consequences:

Humanitarian Catastrophe:

Health and Infrastructure Collapse:

Regional Destabilization:

Global Response:

Current Status (as of 2025):

Source :  THE HINDU


50 years to Declaration of Emergency

Category: POLITY

Context : On June 12, 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice for misusing government resources during her 1971 election campaign.

Decoding Context

The court declared her election to the Lok Sabha invalid and barred her from holding elected office for six years. This judgment posed a serious threat to her political future and triggered a major constitutional crisis.

Gandhi’s Response and the Emergency

Instead of resigning, Indira Gandhi appealed to the Supreme Court, which granted a conditional stay allowing her to remain Prime Minister but barred her from voting as an MP. As public protests grew and opposition intensified, she advised the President to declare a national Emergency on June 25, 1975, under Article 352 of the Constitution.

The Emergency led to the suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, and the arrest of thousands of opposition leaders and activists. The government acquired sweeping powers and curtailed judicial independence.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Emergency lasted 21 months and ended in March 1977. It is remembered as a dark chapter marked by authoritarian rule, forced sterilizations, suppression of dissent, and democratic backsliding. Constitutional amendments during this time further shielded the Prime Minister from legal scrutiny.

Learning Corner:

Brief Note on Emergency Provisions in the Indian Constitution

The Emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution allow the central government to assume greater powers to deal with extraordinary situations that threaten the security, unity, or integrity of the nation. These are covered under Part XVIII (Articles 352 to 360).

 

Types of Emergencies:

      • Grounds: War, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
      • Effect:
        • Federal structure becomes unitary.
        • Fundamental Rights under Article 19 suspended.
        • Parliament can legislate on State subjects.
        • Life of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies can be extended.
      • Example: Imposed thrice — 1962 (China War), 1971 (Pakistan War), 1975 (Internal disturbance during Indira Gandhi’s rule).
      • Grounds: Failure of constitutional machinery in a state.
      • Effect:
        • State government is dismissed.
        • President governs the state through Governor.
        • Parliament makes laws for the state.
      • Duration: Initially 6 months; extendable up to 3 years with Parliamentary approval.
      • Example: Imposed over 100 times in various states.
    • Grounds: Threat to the financial stability or credit of India or any part of its territory.
    • Effect:
      • Salaries and allowances of government employees can be reduced.
      • Money bills of states require Presidential approval.
    • Note: Never invoked in Indian history.

 

Key Safeguards (Post 44th Amendment, 1978):

Important Case laws:

Case Year Key Issue Outcome
A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras 1950 Preventive detention legality Validated; Fundamental Rights seen in isolation
ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla 1976 Right to life during Emergency Denied; overruled later
Minerva Mills v. Union of India 1980 Limits on amending power during Emergency Asserted Basic Structure doctrine
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala 1973 Scope of constitutional amendments Basic Structure doctrine established
Waman Rao v. Union of India 1981 Post-Emergency judicial review Affirmed Basic Structure and limits on Parliament’s power

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS


Inflation Falls Below 3%

Category: ECONOMICS

Context : India’s CPI Inflation Falls Below 3% in May 2025 — First Time in 6 Years

Decoding Context:

India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for May 2025 is estimated to have dropped below 3%, the lowest since April 2019. Projections suggest it may be around 2.7%, following April’s already low 3.16%.

Key Drivers of the Decline

Policy and Economic Implications

Learning Corner:

Types of Inflation – Based on Causes

  1. Demand-Pull Inflation
  1. Cost-Push Inflation
  1. Built-in Inflation (Wage-Price Spiral)

 

Types of Inflation – Based on Rate of Increase

Type Inflation Rate (approx.) Nature/Impact
Creeping/Mild < 3% Slow and manageable; often considered healthy.
Walking 3–10% Noticeable rise in prices; may need policy action.
Running 10–20% Hurts purchasing power significantly.
Galloping > 20% Very high and dangerous; affects economic stability.
Hyperinflation > 100% Prices rise uncontrollably (e.g., Zimbabwe, 2008).

 

Types of Inflation – Based on Scope

  1. Headline Inflation
  1. Core Inflation

 

Other Forms of Inflation

  1. Stagflation
  1. Deflation
  1. Disinflation

Source : THE INDIAN EXPRESS


(MAINS Focus)


Child Labour & The Velpur Model (GS Paper II – Governance)

Introduction (Context)

June 12 is observed globally as the World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to bring attention to the persistent issue of child labour and brings together governments, employers and workers’ organisations as well as civil society to work towards ending child labour.

However, child labour is prevalent all over the world and we are far from achieving Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 that calls on the global community to take effective measures to end child labour in all its forms by 2025.

The Velpur Mandal of Telangana presents a rare, replicable model of eliminating child labour through a community-driven movement.

What is Child Labour?

Child labour refers to the exploitation of children through any form of work that deprives them of their childhood, interferes with their education, and is harmful to their physical and mental development. It is distinct from permissible light work done in safe environments and outside school hours.

Status and Trends

Causes of Child Labour

Impact of Child Labour

Constitutional and Legal Provisions

Government Initiatives

Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (Amended in 2016):

National Policy on Child Labour, 1987:

National Child Labour Project (NCLP):

PENCIL Portal (Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour):

Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, and PM Poshan:

Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009:

Challenges in Eradicating Child Labour in India

Case Study: The Velpur Model (Telangana)

Steps taken:

Recognitions:

Way Forward

Mains Practice Question

Q “Despite various legislations and policies, child labour continues to be a harsh reality in India.” Examine the causes and suggest sustainable community-led solutions. (250 words, 15 marks)


Community Forest Rights (CFRs) as a Tool to End Naxalism (GS Paper II – Governance, GS Paper III – Internal Security)

Introduction (Context)

About Naxalism

Causes

Impact of Naxalism

Case study: Gadchiroli Model

Key Features of the Gadchiroli Model

What are Community Forest Rights?

Community Forest Rights (CFRs) are legal rights granted to forest-dwelling communities under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 in India. These rights recognize the traditional and customary ownership, use, and management of forest resources by communities.

Key Features of CFRs

Achievements in Gadchiroli district

Reasons for Success

Challenges

Value Addition

Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006

Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act – PESA, 1996

Way Forward

Mains Practice Question

Q “Recognition of Community Forest Rights can be a sustainable pathway to tackle Naxalism.” Analyse in the context of Gadchiroli’s experience and suggest how this model can be replicated in other Naxal-affected areas. (250 words, 15 marks)


Daily Practice MCQs

Daily Practice MCQs

Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated in our “Daily Current Affairs Quiz” section on our website

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