UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 17th March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Economy

Laws Governing Import of Gold into India

Why in News?

India is currently experiencing a surge in gold smuggling, attributed to rising global gold prices. A notable incident involved the arrest of an actor for smuggling over 14 kg of gold from Dubai to Bengaluru.

• Gold smuggling is regulated under various laws, including the Customs Act, 1962.
• India is the second-largest gold consumer globally, following China.
• The Indian government aims to reduce gold imports through policy changes.

Additional Details

• Customs Act, 1962: This law includes provisions for confiscation and fines for illegal gold imports. Specifically, Sections 111 & 112 allow for penalties, while Section 135 can lead to up to 7 years of imprisonment if the value of smuggled goods exceeds ₹1 lakh.
• Baggage Rules, 2016: Indian citizens returning from abroad may bring in gold duty-free: 20g for men (maximum value ₹50,000) and 40g for women (maximum value ₹1 lakh). Additional customs duties apply beyond these limits.
• Recent Developments: The Budget 2024 has reduced the import duty on gold from 15% to 6% to combat smuggling and stabilize trade. As a result, gold imports decreased by 4.23% in April-July 2024-25.
• Supreme Court Ruling (2003): The court has defined non-compliant imports as prohibited goods, which are subject to confiscation and legal penalties.
• Major Gold Import Sources: The primary sources of gold imports for India include Switzerland (40%), UAE (16%), and South Africa (10%).

India has set a target of achieving US$ 100 billion in gems and jewellery exports by 2027, with gold playing a significant role in its economic strategy. The government is also promoting schemes like the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme and Gold Monetization Scheme to integrate idle gold into the economy and reduce dependence on imports.

GS3/Economy

Incentive Policy for Electronic Components Manufacturing

Why in News?

The IT Ministry has unveiled a significant incentive policy amounting to ₹23,000 crore aimed at enhancing electronic components manufacturing over the next six years. This initiative is designed to boost domestic value addition following the successful localization of smartphone assembly in India.

• The electronic components manufacturing sector in India is rapidly expanding with strong government backing.
• The incentive scheme aims to substantially increase domestic value addition from the current 15-20% to 30-40%.
• Targeted components include crucial items such as display modules, camera sub-assemblies, and printed circuit board assemblies.

Additional Details

• Market Size: Valued at $101 billion as of March 2023, the sector is projected to grow to $300 billion by 2025-26.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes: These have successfully attracted major global players like Apple and Samsung, with exports of electronic goods increasing by 23.6% in FY 2023-24.
• Employment Generation: The scheme is expected to create approximately 91,600 direct jobs within six years.
• Types of Incentives:
  • Operational Incentives based on net incremental sales.
  • Capital Expenditure (Capex) Incentives based on eligible capital investments.
  • A Hybrid Model combining both operational and capex incentives.
• Challenges in Domestic Manufacturing: The sector faces issues such as a lack of scale in production and high import dependence, with electronics imports constituting 75% of total production.

The government's incentive policy is a crucial step towards reducing import dependence and scaling up domestic manufacturing capabilities, aiming to position India as a significant player in the global electronic components market.

GS2/Polity

Definition of ‘Tribe’ in India

Why in News?

At the recent Indian Anthropology Congress, officials from the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) called for a shift in defining tribes. They advocate for a concept of a “spectrum of tribalness” rather than a rigid binary classification of tribe or not.

• Scheduled Tribes (STs) are defined under Article 366(25) of the Indian Constitution.
• Currently, there are 705 notified STs across 30 States/Union Territories, comprising 8.6% of India's population as per the 2011 Census.

Additional Details

• Scheduled Tribes (STs): Defined under Article 366(25) as tribes or tribal communities recognized for constitutional purposes. The President notifies STs after consultation with the Governor, with modifications possible only through legislation by Parliament.
• Existing Criteria for ST Classification:Established by the Lokur Committee in 1965, the criteria include:
  • Primitive Traits
  • Distinctive Culture
  • Geographical Isolation
  • Shyness of Contact with the Community at Large
  • Backwardness
• Criticisms: The existing criteria have been criticized as obsolete and overly simplistic, failing to reflect the diversity and historical context of various communities.
• Proposal for a ‘Spectrum of Tribalness’: Recent discussions suggest using a broad set of 100-150 indicators, such as marriage and kinship systems, language, rituals, and governance structures, to assess the degree of tribalness.

This approach aims to better recognize the complexities and variations among tribal communities in India, moving away from a binary classification that has led to inclusion-exclusion conflicts.

Previous Year Question (PYQ): Consider the following statements:

1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.
2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

GS2/Polity

Supreme Court’s Stand on Linguistic Secularism and Language Rights in India

Why in News?

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has accused the Central government of imposing Hindi through the National Education Policy (NEP), claiming it threatens to undermine the progress of education in Tamil Nadu.

• The Supreme Court has emphasized the principle of linguistic secularism in its judgments.
• Recent controversies surrounding the NEP have reignited debates on language rights in India.
• Past court rulings indicate that language laws in India are designed to be inclusive rather than imposing.

Additional Details

• Supreme Court's Role: The Supreme Court has significantly influenced language policies in India, advocating for linguistic secularism that respects the aspirations of diverse language speakers.
• Key Judgments:
  • U.P. Hindi Sahittya Sammelan vs State of U.P. (2014): The court ruled that language laws should evolve organically and be flexible, promoting harmony in India's multilingual landscape.
  • State of Karnataka vs Associated Management of Primary/Secondary Schools (2014): This ruling affirmed the right to choose the medium of instruction under Article 19, preventing the imposition of a specific language for education.
  • Sunil K.R. Sahastrabudhey vs Director, IIT Kanpur (1982): The court clarified that while Hindi promotion is encouraged, individuals cannot demand education exclusively in Hindi.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Article 343: Hindi is the official language of the Union, but it is not uniformly spoken across all states, thus not regarded as the national language.
  • Article 29(1): Protects the rights of groups with distinct languages, ensuring their ability to preserve and promote their linguistic identity.
  • Article 351: Directs the government to promote Hindi but does not permit its imposition on individuals or institutions.
• The NEP 2020 has sparked criticism for allegedly prioritizing Hindi over regional languages, with past Supreme Court rulings underscoring the need for voluntary language adoption rather than enforced policies.

The Supreme Court’s commitment to linguistic secularism is likely to shape future educational policies, emphasizing state autonomy, the protection of regional languages, and potential legal challenges against any attempts at language imposition.

GS2/Governance

Tackling the Problem of Nutrition

Why in News?

The Indian government has announced an increase in funding for two significant nutrition-related schemes, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, in the upcoming financial year.

• Funding for Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 has increased to ₹21,960 crore from ₹20,070.90 crore.
• Mission Vatsalya has received ₹1,500 crore, up from ₹1,391 crore, focusing on child protection.
• Mission Shakti has an allocation of ₹3,150 crore to empower women.
• The Mid-Day Meal Scheme continues to provide nutritious meals, although specific funding details were not provided.
• The food subsidy bill is set to increase by about 5% to ₹2.15 trillion to ensure food security.

Additional Details

• Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0: These initiatives aim to combat malnutrition and enhance early childhood care with a significant budget allocation.
• Mission Vatsalya: Focuses on safeguarding vulnerable children through institutional and family-based care.
• Mission Shakti: Supports women's empowerment through programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and PMMVY.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme: This scheme plays a crucial role in improving health and educational outcomes for school children.
• Food Subsidy Program: Aims to secure food access for the underprivileged, responding to rising food costs.
• Nutrition Challenge: India's nutrition issues are linked to cultural and social factors, affecting dietary habits, food access, and gender disparities.
• Dietary Habits: Traditional diets often lack essential nutrients, with only 11% of breastfed children receiving adequate nutrition as per NFHS-5.
• Caste and Social Norms: Historical discrimination limits access to nutritious foods for marginalized communities.
• Urbanization Impact: Increased consumption of processed foods has led to diet-related diseases, with rising obesity rates among both men and women.
• Policy Gaps: Current nutrition policies primarily target women and children, overlooking the needs of other vulnerable groups such as the elderly and working men.

In summary, while the Indian government has made strides in tackling malnutrition through increased funding and targeted schemes, challenges remain due to cultural, social, and policy-related factors that must be addressed to create a holistic approach to nutrition for all demographics.

GS2/Governance

From Insurance-Driven Private Health Care to Equity

Why in News?

India, recognized as the world's largest democracy, has a longstanding commitment to the principle of 'Health for All' under the World Health Organisation’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This framework prioritizes primary health care (PHC) and aims to minimize out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for medical services. However, initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) have inadvertently diverted focus from PHC, undermining public health infrastructure and increasing reliance on private health care.

• Insurance-based models like AB-PMJAY may weaken the foundational role of PHC.
• Delayed medical interventions increase reliance on expensive tertiary care.
• Rising out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) and long-term costs burden low-income households.
• Private health care expansion raises concerns about accessibility and affordability.
• Vulnerable populations face barriers to accessing health insurance benefits.

Additional Details

• Weakening of Primary Health Care (PHC): A robust PHC system is essential for efficient health care, enabling early diagnosis and preventive care to lower long-term medical costs. AB-PMJAY primarily emphasizes hospitalization reimbursement, diverting attention from community-based preventive care, which is crucial for an effective health system.
• Increased Long-Term Costs and Rising OOPE: AB-PMJAY’s focus is primarily on hospital treatments rather than essential outpatient services, leading to increased OOPE and financial strain on low-income households.
• Strengthening of Market-Driven Private Health Care: The insurance-based model has led to a rapid expansion of private health care, often prioritizing profit over patient care and leaving rural areas underserved.
• Exclusion of Informal Workers: A significant portion of India's workforce lacks access to insurance due to inadequate documentation, leading to low enrollment rates in schemes like AB-PMJAY.
• Budgetary Trends: The 2025 health budget reflects a move towards privatization, with substantial allocations to health departments focusing on expanding digital infrastructure rather than reinforcing grassroots PHC systems.

In conclusion, while initiatives such as AB-PMJAY have improved financial protection for hospital-based treatments, they do not ensure equitable access to primary and preventive care. A balanced approach that strengthens public health investment, regulates private insurance, and promotes cost-effective community care is vital for India to uphold its commitment to 'Health for All.'

GS2/Governance

The Challenges of Public Health Education in India

Why in News?

Recent developments have highlighted the implications of the U.S. decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and cut funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This move has raised questions about its impact on India's public health system, which has remained largely insulated from international funds.

• India's public health system is primarily self-reliant, with only 1% of its total health expenditure coming from international aid.
• The government has established significant health programs that do not depend on external funding.
• Challenges exist for Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates in securing employment, including limited job opportunities and preference for other professionals.

Additional Details

• Low Dependence on Foreign Aid: India’s health expenditure is predominantly funded by domestic sources, exemplified by initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is completely government-funded.
• Strong Domestic Health Programs: Government-funded initiatives such as the National Health Mission (NHM) and Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) have significantly bolstered public health without reliance on foreign aid.
• Challenges for MPH Graduates: Graduates face limited government job openings, preference for medical professionals in the private sector, and a lack of practical training in MPH programs.
• Government Initiatives: The Indian government is expanding public health education through the establishment of institutes and integration of public health professionals into health programs.
• Future Directions: Proposals for a structured Public Health Management Cadre and standardized MPH curricula are essential for enhancing the employability of public health graduates.

In conclusion, while India’s health system has shown resilience against international funding cuts, significant challenges remain for the public health workforce and education, necessitating strategic improvements to ensure effective public health management in the future.

GS3/Science and Technology

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

Why in News?

Despite being a rare disease globally, Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) remains a serious health concern in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh due to low measles vaccination coverage.

About Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

• Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare but serious brain disorder linked to measles infection. It usually occurs several years after a person has had measles, even if they appeared to have fully recovered.
• SSPE is seen worldwide, but it is more common in places with low measles vaccination rates, like Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh.
• The condition primarily affects children and adolescents, with males being more frequently impacted than females.

Causes of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

• Normally, the measles virus does not harm the brain. However, in some cases, an abnormal immune response to the virus, or possibly certain variant forms of the virus, can lead to severe illness.
• This abnormal response triggers inflammation in the brain, causing swelling and irritation that can persist for years, leading to SSPE.

Symptoms of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

• Initial symptoms may include poor academic performance, forgetfulness, temper outbursts, distractibility, sleeplessness, and hallucinations.
• Sudden muscular jerks of the arms, head, or body may occur.
• As the disease progresses, seizures and uncontrollable muscle movements become more common, along with further deterioration of intellect and speech.
• Later stages involve increasing muscle rigidity and difficulties with swallowing, which can lead to choking on saliva and subsequent pneumonia. Blindness may also occur.
• In the final stages, patients may experience abnormal body temperature, blood pressure, and pulse.

Treatment for Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

• There is currently no cure for SSPE, and it is associated with high mortality rates.
• Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and may include antiviral medications and drugs that boost the immune system to potentially slow disease progression.