Current Affairs Analysis February 5, 2025 UPSC

 

1. Telangana Caste Survey Report Approved

Category: Governance, Social Issues (GS2, GS1)
Why Did This Happen?
The Telangana government conducted a caste survey to collect data on the socio-economic conditions of various communities. India has not conducted a caste-based census since 1931, except for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The report aims to aid in policy formulation and affirmative action.

Analysis:

  • Significance:
    • The survey provides official data on backward communities, which can help in targeted welfare policies.
    • It can impact political decisions related to reservation and the upliftment of marginalized communities.
  • Challenges:
    • Similar surveys in other states have faced legal and political hurdles.
    • There may be discrepancies in data collection methods, affecting the accuracy of results.

UPSC Relevance:

  • Social justice and affirmative action in India.
  • Reservation policies and their impact on governance.
  • Issues in data collection and census operations.

2. U.S. Deportation of Illegal Indian Immigrants

Category: International Relations, Migration (GS2)
Why Did This Happen?
The Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration, impacting thousands of undocumented Indians. This move coincides with upcoming meetings between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump.

Analysis:

  • Impact on India:
    • The Indian government is obligated to take back confirmed citizens.
    • Could affect diplomatic relations if mass deportations continue.
  • Global Context:
    • U.S. immigration policies have toughened under Trump, impacting workers and students.
    • Similar policies are seen in Europe and Australia, where illegal migration is being curtailed.

UPSC Relevance:

  • India-U.S. bilateral relations.
  • Global immigration trends and their socio-economic impact.
  • Legal framework for citizenship and deportation in international law.

3. China’s Tariff Retaliation Against U.S.

Category: International Trade, Economy (GS3)
Why Did This Happen?
China has imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after the U.S. announced new tariffs on Chinese imports. This marks a continuation of trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Analysis:

  • Economic Implications:
    • The trade war can disrupt global supply chains, impacting India’s trade.
    • U.S. sanctions on China benefit alternative exporters like Vietnam and India.
  • Geopolitical Impact:
    • The tariffs reflect a broader struggle for economic dominance between the U.S. and China.
    • Other countries, including India, must navigate diplomatic and economic ties carefully.

UPSC Relevance:

  • Global trade policies and their effect on India.
  • Role of WTO in resolving trade disputes.
  • U.S.-China rivalry and its geopolitical consequences.

4. Gujarat Forms Panel for Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Category: Indian Polity, Social Issues (GS2, GS1)
Why Did This Happen?
The Gujarat government has formed a committee to assess the feasibility of UCC, following similar moves in Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh. The UCC aims to replace personal laws based on religion with a uniform set of laws for all citizens.

Analysis:

  • Arguments for UCC:
    • Promotes gender equality by standardizing marriage, divorce, and inheritance laws.
    • Reduces legal complexities and conflicts among personal laws.
  • Arguments Against:
    • May interfere with religious freedom and cultural diversity.
    • Opposition from minority communities and political groups.

UPSC Relevance:

  • Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 44).
  • Personal laws vs. fundamental rights debate.
  • Implementation challenges of UCC in a diverse society.

5. SC to Resolve Tamil Nadu Governor vs. State Government Dispute

Category: Indian Constitution, Federalism (GS2)
Why Did This Happen?
The Tamil Nadu government has accused the Governor of delaying approvals on key bills. The Supreme Court has intervened, stating it will resolve the issue in the spirit of the Constitution.

Analysis:

  • Governor’s Role:
    • Expected to act on the advice of the elected government but can exercise discretion in certain cases.
    • Delays in signing bills have led to legal and political conflicts in multiple states.
  • Federalism Concerns:
    • The Governor-State government tussle raises concerns about Centre-State relations.
    • Similar disputes have occurred in West Bengal, Kerala, and Punjab.

UPSC Relevance:

  • Role and powers of the Governor (Article 153-162).
  • Federalism and constitutional checks and balances.
  • Judicial intervention in executive disputes.

Other Notable News:

  • India’s Stock Market Surge: The Sensex rose as Canada and Mexico received tariff relief from the U.S. (GS3—Economy).
  • Cybercrime Surge in Kerala: Losses quadruple to ₹763 crore, highlighting the need for better cybersecurity (GS3 – Internal Security).
  • Bengal Global Business Summit: Top industrialists participate, boosting investment prospects in the state (GS3 – Economy).

Practice Questions:

  1. Discuss the impact of caste-based surveys on social justice and policymaking in India. (GS1)
  2. Analyze the role of the Governor in state governance and the constitutional challenges arising from recent disputes. (GS2)
  3. Evaluate the significance of the U.S.-China trade war for India’s economy and global trade dynamics. (GS3)
  4. Critically assess the need for a Uniform Civil Code in India. What challenges does its implementation face? (GS2)

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