Current Affairs Analysis February 4, 2025 UPSC

 

1. JMM Passes Resolution Against CAA, NRC, and UCC

Context:

During its 46th foundation day celebrations, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) passed a 50-point resolution opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The resolution also demanded the implementation of tribal tenancy acts and economic reforms for the state.

Why Did It Happen?

  1. Political Positioning: JMM, a tribal-centric party, opposes CAA and NRC as they may impact tribal populations who often lack proper documentation.
  2. Tribal Identity & Autonomy: The Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act protect tribal land rights; JMM demands their stricter implementation.
  3. Economic Issues: JMM argues that the central government exploits Jharkhand’s natural resources without adequately benefiting the state.

UPSC Relevance:

✅ GS2 – Polity & Governance (Citizenship, Secularism, Federalism)
✅ GS1 – Society (Tribal Rights, Land Reforms)

Analysis:

  • Highlights state vs. central tensions in governance.
  • Tribal rights are a key issue in federal policymaking and economic justice.
  • CAA & NRC continue to be politically controversial, affecting national unity.

2. Manipur CM’s Alleged Role in Ethnic Conflict – Audio Tape Analysis

Context:

A forensic analysis by Truth Labs suggests a 93% probability that Manipur CM N. Biren Singh was involved in leaked audio tapes linked to ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The Supreme Court is awaiting government verification before taking further action.

Why Did It Happen?

  1. Ethnic Conflict: Manipur has seen violence between Meitei (majority) and Kuki (tribal minority) groups over land rights, reservations, and political power.
  2. Allegations Against CM: The tapes allegedly show state-sponsored support for Meitei groups, worsening tensions.
  3. Judicial Intervention: Amid accusations of bias in the state police, the Supreme Court is monitoring the case to ensure justice.

UPSC Relevance:

✅ GS2 – Governance (Judiciary, Conflict Resolution, Federalism)
✅ GS1 – Society (Ethnic Conflicts, Tribes of Northeast India)

Analysis:

  • Reflects law and order challenges in conflict-prone states.
  • Raises concerns about state bias in communal conflicts.
  • Highlights the role of the judiciary in ensuring accountability.

3. Rupee Depreciates Beyond ₹87 Against USD

Context:

The Indian rupee depreciated by 0.6% (49 paise) against the US dollar, crossing ₹87 per dollar, after the US imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.

Why Did It Happen?

  1. Global Trade Tensions: The US announced higher tariffs on key trading partners, creating global economic uncertainty.
  2. Strong Dollar: The Dollar Index (DXY) surged to 109.7, making emerging market currencies weaker.
  3. RBI’s Stance: The Indian government states that it does not manipulate the rupee but focuses on reducing volatility.

UPSC Relevance:

✅ GS3 – Economy (Exchange Rate Policy, Foreign Exchange Reserves)
✅ GS3 – International Trade (US Tariffs & Impact on India)

Analysis:

  • A weaker rupee increases import costs (fuel, electronics) but boosts exports.
  • Monetary policy management is crucial in volatile global markets.
  • UPSC aspirants should link this to RBI’s forex policies and inflation impact.

4. SC Orders No Reduction in Forest Land for Linear Projects

Context:

The Supreme Court directed the Centre and states to not reduce forest land for infrastructure projects (highways, railways) unless they compensate with afforestation.

Why Did It Happen?

  1. Environmental Concerns: The Forest (Conservation) Act, of 1980 aims to protect green cover, but amendments have diluted its impact.
  2. Infrastructure Development vs. Conservation: Large-scale projects often lead to deforestation and ecological imbalance.
  3. Judicial Oversight: The SC is ensuring sustainable development by enforcing compensatory afforestation.

UPSC Relevance:

✅ GS3 – Environment (Forest Conservation Act, Sustainable Development)
✅ GS2 – Governance (Judicial Role in Environmental Policies)

Analysis:

  • Highlights the need for a balance between infrastructure and ecology.
  • Reflects India’s commitment to climate goals (Paris Agreement).
  • UPSC aspirants should understand the judiciary’s role in environmental protection.

5. Himalayan Glaciers in Arunachal Pradesh Shrinking Rapidly

Context:

A study found that the eastern Himalayas lost 110 glaciers over 32 years (1988-2020) due to global warming.

Why Did It Happen?

  1. Climate Change: Rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melting, threatening water security.
  2. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): Increased melting creates unstable glacial lakes, posing a flood risk.
  3. Impact on Rivers: Melting glaciers affect water availability in major Indian rivers like the Brahmaputra.

UPSC Relevance:

✅ GS1 – Geography (Climate Change, Himalayan Ecology)
✅ GS3 – Environment (Global Warming, Water Crisis in India)

Analysis:

  • Raises concerns over India’s water security.
  • Highlights the impact of climate change on fragile ecosystems.
  • Requires policy focus on glacial monitoring and disaster preparedness.

6. Maha Kumbh – 2 Crore Devotees Participate Despite Safety Concerns

Context:

Despite a stampede killing 30 people on January 29, over 2 crore pilgrims took a ritual dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj on Basant Panchami.

Why Did It Happen?

  1. Spiritual Significance: The Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest religious gathering held every 12 years.
  2. Massive Crowds & Poor Crowd Control: The earlier stampede exposed mismanagement, but this time authorities took stricter safety measures.
  3. Government Preparedness: The UP government introduced a “zero-error” approach to avoid another disaster.

UPSC Relevance:

✅ GS1 – Culture (Indian Festivals & Religious Gatherings)
✅ GS3 – Disaster Management (Stampede Prevention, Crowd Control)

Analysis:

  • Highlights religious tourism and its economic impact.
  • Reflects challenges in managing large public gatherings.
  • Raises concerns over infrastructure readiness in handling mass events.

Practice Questions for UPSC Mains & Prelims

Mains Questions:

  1. Critically analyze the impact of NRC and CAA on tribal communities in India. (GS2 – Polity & Governance)
  2. How does rupee depreciation affect India’s economy? Discuss the role of RBI in managing currency fluctuations. (GS3 – Economy)
  3. Evaluate the impact of glacial retreat in the Himalayas on India’s water security. (GS1 – Geography)
  4. How can crowd management strategies improve safety at large religious gatherings like Kumbh Mela? (GS3 – Disaster Management)

Prelims MCQ:

Q: Which Indian river is most affected by Himalayan glacial retreat?
a) Ganga
b) Yamuna
c) Brahmaputra
d) Godavari
Ans: (c) Brahmaputra

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