1. Political Developments: Delhi Assembly Elections and AAP’s Challenges
Relevance: UPSC GS2 (Polity & Governance), GS4 (Ethics & Integrity)
Key Points:
- AAP’s Governance Record Under Scrutiny: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is facing a tough electoral battle amid allegations of corruption and governance challenges.
- Center-State Relations: AAP accuses the BJP-led central government of stifling Delhi’s governance through amendments that give more power to the Lieutenant Governor.
- Ethical Dilemmas in Politics: The party, once seen as a ‘change agent,’ faces integrity questions due to corruption allegations against top leaders, including CM Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
Conceptual Background:
- Delhi’s Special Status: Delhi, as a Union Territory with a legislative assembly, has unique governance challenges. The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021, curtailed the powers of the elected government, increasing the LG’s control.
- Ethical Governance: The case presents a real-world dilemma on maintaining transparency and accountability in public administration.
Practice Question:
Discuss the constitutional and political challenges in governing the National Capital Territory of Delhi. How do recent amendments impact federalism?
2. India’s Foreign Policy: Budget Allocations and Strategic Shifts
Relevance: UPSC GS2 (International Relations)
Key Points:
- Decline in India’s Foreign Aid: India’s aid to foreign countries declined by 10% in 2024-25, while loans to foreign governments increased by 29%.
- Bhutan Remains a Key Partner: Bhutan received the largest share of Indian assistance, reflecting India’s long-term energy interdependence with its neighbor.
- Shift Towards Lines of Credit (LoCs): Instead of outright grants, India now focuses on LoCs, with 45% of them directed to neighboring countries like Bangladesh.
Conceptual Background:
- India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ Policy: This policy prioritizes regional cooperation with South Asian nations, countering China’s growing influence.
- Aid Diplomacy: The shift from grants to loans ensures economic sustainability but also places financial strain on recipient nations.
Practice Question:
Examine India’s shift from foreign aid to lines of credit in its diplomacy. How does this impact India’s strategic interests?
3. Education: Learning Recovery Post-COVID
Relevance: UPSC GS2 (Education), GS3 (Human Development)
Key Points:
- Government Schools Show Stronger Learning Recovery: The post-pandemic recovery in arithmetic and literacy skills has been stronger among government school students than private school counterparts.
- State-Wise Disparities: Kerala and Bihar have struggled to regain pre-pandemic learning levels, whereas states like Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh have shown improvements.
Conceptual Background:
- Impact of COVID-19 on Education: The pandemic caused learning losses worldwide, particularly in foundational skills like arithmetic and reading.
- Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Mandates free and compulsory education but faces challenges in quality improvement.
Practice Question:
Analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary education in India. Suggest policy measures to bridge learning gaps.
4. Waqf Land Controversy and Tribal Land Protection
Relevance: UPSC GS1 (Society), GS2 (Governance)
Key Points:
- Waqf Board and Tribal Land Issues: Parliament’s Joint Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has recommended a law to prevent tribal lands from being declared as Waqf property.
- Constitutional Concerns: The committee argues that such declarations threaten the rights of Scheduled Tribes under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules.
Conceptual Background:
- Fifth and Sixth Schedules: Provide special protections to tribal land and governance in autonomous regions.
- Waqf Properties: Islamic charitable endowments, which are legally protected, but conflicts arise when they overlap with other land claims.
Practice Question:
Discuss the legal complexities surrounding Waqf land and tribal land rights in India. How can a balance be achieved?
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