1. BJP Returns to Power in Delhi After 26 Years
Source: The Hindu, 9th February 2025
What Happened?
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the Delhi Assembly elections, securing 48 seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) managed only 22 seats.
- Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, key AAP leaders, lost their seats.
- The Congress Party failed to win a single seat for the third consecutive time.
- The BJP promised to continue welfare schemes, such as free electricity and water, and leveraged the "double-engine" narrative (Central and State governments from the same party).
Why Did This Happen?
- Corruption Allegations: AAP faced serious allegations of corruption, particularly related to the excise policy case.
- Anti-Incumbency: After three consecutive terms, AAP was unable to sustain voter confidence.
- Strong BJP Campaign: The BJP focused on development, infrastructure, and security, while emphasizing Narendra Modi's leadership.
- Congress's Decline: The Congress, once dominant in Delhi, has failed to rebuild its voter base, further benefiting the BJP.
Relevance for UPSC (GS-II: Polity & Governance)
- Role of Anti-Incumbency: How voter behavior shifts after multiple terms.
- Election Strategies: The impact of campaign promises and leadership narratives.
- Decline of Congress: A case study in party strategy and regional decline.
Mains Practice Question
"Discuss the role of anti-incumbency in state elections in India, with special reference to the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections."
2. Manipur CM Biren Singh Resigns Amid Political Turmoil
Source: The Hindu, 10th February 2025
What Happened?
- N. Biren Singh resigned as the Chief Minister of Manipur after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
- Ethnic Clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023 have resulted in 250+ deaths and 60,000+ displacements.
- The Governor accepted the resignation but asked Singh to continue until an alternative leadership is found.
- Security forces are on high alert, fearing violence from various insurgent groups.
Why Did This Happen?
- Ongoing Ethnic Clashes: The conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups worsened under Singh's tenure.
- Failure to Restore Order: Despite heavy deployment of security forces, the violence persisted.
- Allegations of Involvement: A Supreme Court order on February 4 sought to verify an alleged audio recording of Singh taking credit for attacks on Kuki-Zo.
- Internal BJP Conflicts: The BJP's failure to unite its factions led to a leadership crisis.
Relevance for UPSC (GS-II: Federalism, Internal Security)
- Governor’s Role in Political Crises
- Ethnic Conflicts in the Northeast
- President’s Rule: Constitutional Provisions
Mains Practice Question
"Analyze the causes and consequences of ethnic conflicts in Northeast India, with special reference to the recent developments in Manipur."
3. India’s Stock Market Falls Amid U.S. Trade War Fears
Source: The Hindu, 12th February 2025
What Happened?
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, sparking fears of a trade war.
- The BSE Sensex fell by over 1,000 points, while mid-cap and small-cap stocks saw a 3% decline.
- Adani Group stocks, however, gained, following a separate order suspending an investigation into its foreign deals.
Why Did This Happen?
- Protectionist Policies: Trump’s tariffs aim to support U.S. manufacturers but threaten global trade.
- Investor Panic: Uncertainty about India-U.S. trade relations led to massive sell-offs.
- Adani’s Legal Relief: The suspension of a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) case boosted confidence in Adani stocks.
Relevance for UPSC (GS-III: Economy, International Trade)
- Impact of Tariffs on Emerging Markets
- India’s Trade Policies Amid Global Shifts
- Role of SEBI & RBI in Market Stability
Mains Practice Question
"How do trade wars impact emerging economies? Discuss in the context of India’s recent stock market performance."
4. Chhattisgarh Anti-Maoist Operation: 31 Insurgents Killed
Source: The Hindu, 10th February 2025
What Happened?
- Security forces killed 31 Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, marking the biggest anti-Maoist operation in 2025.
- Two security personnel were also killed.
- The operation recovered AK-47s, INSAS rifles, grenade launchers, and explosives.
Why Did This Happen?
- Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): The government has intensified anti-Maoist campaigns in recent years.
- March 2026 Deadline: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a goal to eliminate Naxalism by 2026.
- Surge in Maoist Activity: Recent attacks on security personnel and civilians in Bastar led to a major crackdown.
Relevance for UPSC (GS-III: Internal Security)
- Naxalism: Causes & Countermeasures
- Development vs. Security Approach in Tribal Areas
- Government Policies: Greyhounds, SAMADHAN Strategy
Mains Practice Question
"Evaluate the effectiveness of India’s counterinsurgency strategies in tackling Left-Wing Extremism."
5. Bangladesh Political Crisis: Arrests & Violence Post Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster
Source: The Hindu, 12th February 2025
What Happened?
- A military-backed interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus took power after Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024.
- Protests erupted after Hasina’s planned speech from exile, leading to mob attacks on her residence and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
- Over 1,000 Awami League members were arrested in a security crackdown.
Why Did This Happen?
- Student-Led Uprising: Sheikh Hasina was accused of autocratic rule and economic mismanagement.
- Retaliatory Violence: The new government has failed to control mob violence.
- Human Rights Concerns: Reports suggest increased attacks on minorities and journalists.
Relevance for UPSC (GS-II: International Relations)
- Political Instability in South Asia
- Impact of Authoritarian Regimes
- India’s Role in Regional Stability
Mains Practice Question
"Analyze the political crisis in Bangladesh and its implications for India."
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