1. Republic Day Celebrations in India
Key Highlights:
- India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with President Droupadi Murmu leading the ceremony.
- The parade's theme was “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development).
- Focused on 75 years of the Constitution’s enactment and tribal leader Birsa Munda's legacy.
- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended as the chief guest.
- Showcased military strength and cultural diversity with 31 tableaux, including a first-ever tri-services tableau.
- 10,000 special guests, including common citizens, witnessed the event.
Background and Context:
- The Republic Day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950.
- Birsa Munda, a tribal freedom fighter, is celebrated for his role in resisting British colonial rule in the late 19th century.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS2: Polity and Constitution – Role and impact of the Indian Constitution, significance of Republic Day.
- GS1: Culture – Importance of tribal leaders like Birsa Munda.
- Practice Question:
- Discuss the role of Birsa Munda in India’s freedom struggle and its relevance in the contemporary tribal welfare policies.
2. MGNREGS and Budget Allocation Issues
Key Highlights:
- No additional budget allocation was made for MGNREGS in FY 2024-25 despite a ₹4,315 crore deficit.
- Delayed wage payments affect rural workers, violating the MGNREG Act’s provisions.
- The Rural Development Ministry has highlighted the cascading effects on local projects due to fund shortages.
- Historically, during crises (e.g., COVID-19), allocations for MGNREGS were significantly increased.
Background and Context:
- The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) provides 100 days of guaranteed work to rural households.
- It is demand-driven, with the Centre bearing the major share of material costs.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for vulnerable sections.
- GS3: Economy – Issues related to employment and poverty.
- Practice Question:
- Critically examine the role of MGNREGS in reducing rural distress in India.
3. Extremist Boycott of Republic Day in Northeast
Key Highlights:
- Groups like ULFA (I) called for a boycott, claiming responsibility for a "bomb blast" near Guwahati.
- Despite threats, celebrations continued in eight northeastern states.
- Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans for Dibrugarh as the state’s second capital.
- Manipur CM emphasized hopes for peace in the ethnic-violence-hit state.
Background and Context:
- ULFA (I) is a separatist group in Assam, known for its insurgent activities.
- The region has a history of ethnic strife and separatist movements.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS3: Security – Insurgency in the Northeast.
- GS1: Regionalism and cultural diversity in India.
- Practice Question:
- Evaluate the challenges posed by insurgency in the Northeast and the government’s strategies to address them.
4. Donald Trump’s Statement on Gaza
Key Highlights:
- Trump proposed relocating Palestinian refugees from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt.
- This controversial idea conflicts with Palestinian identity and sovereignty.
- The U.S. resumed the transfer of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel.
Background and Context:
- The Gaza conflict remains a longstanding issue involving Israel and Hamas.
- Refugee resettlement and humanitarian concerns are major aspects of the crisis.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS2: International Relations – India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- Practice Question:
- Discuss the implications of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East for global geopolitics.
5. Bhopal Gas Tragedy Waste Disposal Protests
Key Highlights:
- Protests erupted in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, against the disposal of hazardous waste from the 1984 Union Carbide gas tragedy.
- The waste was brought for scientific disposal, but residents fear health and environmental risks.
Background and Context:
- The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) is one of the worst industrial disasters in history.
- Toxic waste management remains an unresolved legacy.
Relevance for UPSC:
- GS3: Environment – Hazardous waste management, industrial safety.
- GS4: Ethics – Environmental ethics and corporate accountability.
- Practice Question:
- Examine the challenges in handling the environmental consequences of industrial disasters.
Suggestions for UPSC Preparation:
- Linking Current Affairs to Syllabus: Practice connecting news to specific GS topics and frame questions.
- Revision of Historical Context: Study the historical events and legislations mentioned (e.g., Constitution enactment, MGNREG Act).
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Use events like Republic Day to study cultural, historical, and political dimensions.
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