06 June | Daily Current Affairs : Delimitation ,SouthernStates ,Parliament ,IndianPolitics ,Representation And More

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GS PAPER 1

Indian Polity and Contitution

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that the delimitation exercise—likely to begin after the 2027 Census—will address the concerns of the southern States. This comes amid criticisms from leaders like Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, who allege that the delayed Census is politically motivated to reduce the representation of States with better population control.

Key Constitutional and Governance Issues

  • Delimitation and Its Basis:
    • Delimitation refers to redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies based on population data. As per Article 82 and 170 of the Constitution, delimitation for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies is based on the latest Census. However, the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) froze delimitation till after the 2001 Census, and this freeze was later extended by the 84th Amendment Act (2001) till the first Census after 2026.
  • Concerns of Southern States:
    • Southern States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh have achieved significant demographic success in controlling population growth. If future delimitation is based purely on population, these States risk losing Parliamentary seats, while States with higher fertility rates (mainly in the North) may gain more seats. This is viewed as penalising good performance in family planning and governance.
  • Centre’s Response:
    • The MHA has attempted to allay fears, stating that the concerns of the southern States will be considered and a consultative process will be followed. However, no clarity has been given yet on whether a formula balancing both equity (based on population) and efficiency (based on governance performance) will be adopted.
  • Timing of Census & Political Reactions:
    • The Census, originally planned for 2021, has been delayed to 2027 citing COVID-19. Critics argue that the delay serves political motives, aligning the Census just before delimitation, potentially reshaping electoral dynamics before the 2029 General Elections.

Ethical and Federalism Dimensions

  • Equity vs Justice: Should States that succeeded in population control be punished with reduced representation?
  • Federal Concerns: A purely demographic delimitation may deepen regional imbalances and weaken the spirit of cooperative federalism.
  • Transparency & Trust: The delay in Census without a clear roadmap may erode institutional credibility and trigger political distrust.

Way Forward

  • Multi-dimensional Criteria: Instead of population alone, other indicators like HDI, infrastructure, and fiscal discipline could be considered in representation allocation.
  • Consensus-Building: Centre should ensure extensive consultation with all States, especially those expressing strong apprehensions.
  • Parliamentary Debate: An open discussion in Parliament on the objectives and methodology of delimitation can improve legitimacy.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques : The upcoming delimitation exercise has triggered concerns about regional imbalances and federal equity. Critically examine the constitutional, political, and ethical dimensions of using population-based delimitation post-2026.(250 words)

GS PAPER 2 

Prelims Fact

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, the Tamil Nadu government declared a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district. Spanning over 524.7 hectares, the sanctuary falls within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, a crucial ecological zone and migratory bird hotspot.

Significance of the Move

  • Biodiversity Conservation:
    • The sanctuary protects a rich assemblage of ecosystems—mangroves, sand dunes, mudflats, marshes—that support 128 species of wetland birds, including greater and lesser flamingos. It also hosts marine life and nesting sea turtles, making it an ecologically vibrant habitat.
  • Central Asian Flyway (CAF):
    • Dhanushkodi is a vital stopover site for migratory birds travelling along the CAF. Conservation of such stopovers ensures the survival of several endangered and vulnerable avian species that depend on seasonal wetland habitats.
  • Part of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve:
    • This region is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, highlighting its global ecological importance. Adding more protected zones strengthens India’s compliance with global biodiversity and Ramsar Convention commitments.
  • Eco-Tourism and Livelihoods:
    • The government aims to promote sustainable eco-tourism, which can generate employment opportunities for local communities while sensitizing the public about conservation.
  • Climate Resilience:
    • The sanctuary’s mangroves—especially species like Avicennia and Rhizophora—serve as natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm surges, contributing to climate adaptation strategies.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Balancing tourism and ecology: Ensuring that eco-tourism does not disturb the fragile habitats will require strict regulation.
  • Local participation: Success depends on effective community involvement and benefit-sharing models.
  • Monitoring and enforcement: The sanctuary’s large area across multiple land jurisdictions may pose administrative and enforcement challenges.

Way Forward

  • Strengthen inter-departmental coordination (Environment, Forests, Tourism, Revenue)
  • Develop eco-sensitive tourism plans with carrying capacity assessments
  • Enhance bird monitoring through citizen science and technology (e.g., eBird, drones)
  • Educate locals and tourists through awareness drives, signages, and nature guides.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Ques: Which of the following statements about the Dhanushkodi Greater Flamingo Sanctuary is/are correct?

  1. It spans over 500 hectares.
  2. It includes both revenue and forest land areas.
  3. It is located in the Nilgiri Hills region.

Select the correct code:

  1. a) 1 and 2 only
  2. b) 2 and 3 only
  3. c) 1 and 3 only
  4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: a)

GS PAPER 3

International Relations

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized the need to deepen India-Central Asia relations, focusing on trade, connectivity, and regional cooperation during the India-Central Asia Business Council meet and ahead of the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue. He particularly stressed the strategic relevance of the Chabahar Port, INSTC, and trade settlement in national currencies.

Strategic Importance of Central Asia for India

  • Geopolitical Relevance:
    • Central Asia is a resource-rich region at the heart of Eurasia. It serves as a strategic buffer between major powers—Russia, China, Iran, and Afghanistan—and plays a vital role in regional stability and connectivity.
  • Energy and Resources:
    • The region is endowed with vast hydrocarbon reserves (especially Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan), which can be vital for India’s energy security diversification.
  • Connectivity Challenges:
    • India lacks direct land access to Central Asia due to Pakistan’s denial of transit. Hence, routes like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar Port in Iran are critical for reaching Central Asia via multimodal transport.
  • Chabahar Port as a Strategic Gateway:
    • Chabahar offers India access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Strengthening its infrastructure and operations under the India-Central Asia Joint Working Group is crucial for boosting trade and regional integration.
  • Use of National Currencies and UPI:
    • Jaishankar’s support for mutual trade settlement in national currencies and the use of UPI-like systems reflects India’s push for de-dollarization, enhancing economic resilience and reducing forex dependency amid global uncertainties.
  • Security and Regional Stability:
    • The dialogue gains added significance post Operation Sindoor and India’s outreach to the Taliban, indicating India’s active engagement in regional security dynamics and counter-terror strategies.

Way Forward for India-Central Asia Ties

  • Operationalize INSTC and Chabahar Port effectively with Central Asian cooperation.
  • Expand financial linkages: Promote banking partnerships, Rupee Vostro accounts, and digital payment systems.
  • Organize regular leadership summits to sustain political momentum.
  • Promote energy partnerships and joint ventures in renewables and hydrocarbons.
  • Leverage multilateral platforms like SCO and the India-Central Asia Dialogue for coordinated action on terrorism, climate change, and development.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques: India’s growing engagement with Central Asia is driven by a convergence of strategic, economic, and geopolitical interests. Discuss the role of connectivity initiatives like the Chabahar Port and INSTC in strengthening India-Central Asia ties, and the challenges involved. (250 Words)

GS PAPER 4

Social Justice : Issues relating to health and Science and Technology

India is witnessing a mild uptick in COVID-19 cases, driven by Omicron sub-variants like NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. While most cases remain mild with flu-like symptoms, the debate around vaccine readiness, booster dose necessity, and preparedness of the public health system has resurfaced. Experts and institutions like ICMR have emphasized no need for mass vaccination but recommend caution, especially for the vulnerable population.

Key Issues and Analysis

  • No Immediate Need for Mass Vaccination
    • The ICMR and leading experts have ruled out a need for nationwide booster doses, citing mild symptoms and high natural immunity levels due to past exposure and primary vaccination coverage.
    • India administered over 220 crore doses during the pandemic’s peak, creating hybrid immunity (natural + vaccine-induced) in most of the population.
  • Limited Vaccine Availability
    • Most vaccines from earlier drives (Covishield, Covaxin) have expired.
    • New vaccines tailored to Omicron variants (nasal, mRNA) are available but underutilized, and government stock is currently non-existent.
  • New COVID Variants – Less Severe but Fast-Spreading
    • Current surge attributed to Omicron sub-lineages, particularly LF.7 and NB.1.8.1.
    • Experts note that these variants show high transmissibility but low virulence, mostly causing upper respiratory symptoms.
  • Focus on High-Risk Groups
    • The WHO and Indian experts recommend selective vaccination for:
      • Elderly (70–80+ years)
      • Immunocompromised individuals
      • People with comorbidities (heart, lung, transplant cases)
    • Misinformation and Public Awareness
      • While the virus continues to mutate, misinformation and panic pose more serious public health challenges.
      • Experts urge the government to maintain transparent communication, publish updated guidelines, and combat vaccine-related myths.
    • Preparedness and Future Planning
      • State governments are cautious, awaiting epidemiological studies before deciding on vaccine policy.
      • Delhi HC has asked the Centre to submit SOPs and status reports on surveillance, sample collection, and containment strategies.
      • Doctors recommend that the focus now should be on personal protection, not panic — including masking in crowded spaces, hygiene, and early symptom management.

Way Forward

  • Strengthen sentinel surveillance and genomic sequencing to track emerging variants.
  • Maintain public communication strategies to counter misinformation.
  • Prepare a vaccine stockpile for emergency use, especially for vulnerable populations.
  • Enhance digital tools like Co-WIN for flexible rollout if needed.
  • Integrate COVID response into broader public health systems to address future respiratory disease outbreaks.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques: With COVID-19 resurging in mild forms, India faces a renewed test of its public health readiness. Critically examine the current strategy of targeted vaccination and preparedness in light of new variants. What steps can be taken to balance caution and normalcy?(250 words)

GS PAPER 5

Indian Society

The Government of India has announced that the next decadal Census will conclude by March 1, 2027, six years after its scheduled time (2021). The delay, initially due to COVID-19, is now being seen as politically sensitive, especially because of its link to delimitation of constituencies and the proposed caste enumeration. While the adoption of digital tools for data collection is being welcomed, the timing and intent behind the delay have raised concerns among scholars, civil society, and some regional governments.

Key Issues and Analysis

  • Delay and its Consequences
    • The Census, scheduled for 2021, is now postponed to 2027 — the longest gap in India’s history.
    • The absence of updated population data affects:
      • Targeting of welfare schemes
      • Resource allocation to States
      • Urban planning, health, and education infrastructure
    • The delay undermines evidence-based policymaking and affects vulnerable populations most severely.
  • Digital Census: A Double-Edged Sword
    • For the first time, the Census will be digitally administered, promising:
      • Faster data processing
      • Greater accessibility and analytical value
    • However, it also raises critical concerns around:
      • Data privacy and cyber security
      • Digital exclusion in rural/remote areas with limited access
    • Caste Enumeration – Boon or Risk?
      • For the first time since 1931, caste-based data may be collected.
      • Positives:
        • Better understanding of socio-economic disparities
        • Improved targeting of affirmative action
      • Risks:
        • May entrench caste identities
        • Could polarize political narratives and deepen social divisions
      • Census–Delimitation Link and Federal Tensions
        • As per Article 82 of the Constitution, delimitation will be based on the first Census after 2026.
        • Current seat distribution is based on 1971 data, freezing representation despite demographic changes.
        • Southern States, which have controlled population growth, fear loss of representation in Parliament if the number of seats is strictly tied to population.
      • Trust Deficit and Political Perception
        • The Centre’s silence on how it will balance population-based criteria with equity concerns adds to speculation.
        • Critics argue that the delay may benefit the ruling party, especially in Hindi-speaking States which may gain seats in a future delimitation.

Way Forward

  • Ensure transparency and accountability in the planning and execution of the Census.
  • Clarify the Centre’s stand on delimitation criteria through broad-based consultations.
  • Introduce data privacy laws and technological safeguards for the digital Census.
  • Frame policies that reflect a balance between population equity and governance efficiency.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques: The repeated delay in conducting India’s decadal Census has implications beyond data collection — from social welfare to electoral representation. Critically examine the governance and federal concerns arising from the postponement and the proposed digital nature of the 2027 Census.(250 words)

GS PAPER 6

Editorial Analysis

Context :

The recent U.K.–EU reset under British PM Keir Starmer marks a significant diplomatic turn in post-Brexit geopolitics. While the move appears Eurocentric, it holds broad implications for India’s foreign policy, trade, diaspora mobility, and strategic alliances. With both the U.K. and EU being among India’s major trade and diplomatic partners, their renewed alignment could reshape India’s external engagement strategy.

Key Dimensions and Analysis

Trade and Export Dynamics

  • K.-EU harmonization on food safety, fisheries, customs, etc., can streamline Indian exports.
  • Indian exporters currently navigate two regulatory frameworks; a unified regime can:
    • Lower compliance costs
    • Accelerate product approvals (especially pharmaceuticals, seafood)
  • Challenge: Stricter common standards may hurt SMEs lacking resources and technology.
  • Opportunity: India can leverage schemes like RoDTEP, PLI, and export infrastructure upgrades to remain competitive.

Strategic and Diplomatic Prospects

  • K. and EU alignment could lead to:
    • Better coordination with India on climate change, cybersecurity, maritime security
    • Enhanced presence in Indo-Pacific cooperation, especially with France and Germany
  • Potential for multilateral coordination in forums like:
    • G20, UN, WTO, Quad-Plus, and regional security alliances
    • K.-EU thaw provides India with greater diplomatic weight to push for Global South reforms in climate finance, global governance, and digital equity.

Diaspora and Mobility Integration

  • India is a top source of students and skilled migrants to both regions.
  • Post-Brexit, mobility into EU from U.K. was restricted; re-integration offers:
    • Talent corridor between India, U.K., and EU
    • Enhanced potential for migration partnerships (Germany, Portugal, France)
  • Student visa issuance, bilateral education pacts, and cultural ties could gain further momentum.

Way Forward for India

  • Upgrade export ecosystem for compliance with future U.K.-EU norms
  • Leverage strategic partnerships to ensure tech transfers and joint defence development
  • Build on diaspora diplomacy to integrate migration policies within bilateral frameworks
  • Assert leadership in forums like G20 using this opportunity to drive reforms in global governance
  • Ensure India’s interests are proactively represented in future U.K.-EU economic and strategic dialogues.
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