GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Fresh violence broke out in Manipur following the arrest of a senior member of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, prompting the reimposition of curfews and internet shutdowns across multiple districts. This development has escalated ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities that have persisted since May 2023.

Ethnic Conflict in Manipur

• History of Manipur
  • Cheitharol Kumbaba: Royal chronicles documenting Manipuri kings from 33 AD (Ningthouja dynasty).
  • Indigenous faith: Sanamahism practiced until early 18th century.
  • 1704: King Charairongba converts to Vaishnavite Hinduism, influencing cultural shift.
  • Son of Charairongba, Meidingu Pamheiba (Garib Nawaz) known for military campaigns, including conquest of Burmese capital.
  • 1891: Manipur became a Princely State under British rule after the Anglo-Manipur war.
  • 1947: Maharaja Bodhachandra signed the Treaty of Accession merging Manipur into India.
  • 1956: Became a Union Territory.
  • 1972: Granted full statehood.
• Ethnic Composition and Geography
  • Meiteis: ~52% population, primarily in Imphal Valley (only 10% of state land).
  • Kukis: ~25%, Nagas: ~15%, both mainly in Hill districts (90% of state land).
  • Article 371C grants special administrative protections to hill areas, reserved for tribals.
• Historical Ethnic Conflicts
  • British era: Kukis settled as buffer tribes against Naga raids in hills.
  • Kukis and Nagas were traditionally head-hunting warrior tribes.
  • Ethnic tensions existed historically between hill tribes and Meiteis.
  • 1950s onward: Rise of Naga insurgency escalated tensions.
  • Kukis militarized in 1990s with demand for ‘Kukiland’ (separate state).
  • Meiteis developed nationalism, fearing demographic and territorial loss.
  • 1993: Naga-Kuki clashes resulted in mass displacement.
• Causes of Violence & Unrest
  • Demographic dominance: Meiteis hold political power (40/60 MLAs) despite occupying 10% land.
  • Land issues: Meiteis restricted from buying land in hill districts; Kukis can buy land in Imphal Valley.
  • Perceived marginalization of Meiteis in ancestral lands due to ST protections in hills.
  • 2020 delimitation exercise contested by Meiteis over census data accuracy.
  • Drug trafficking and cross-border crime due to proximity to Golden Triangle.
  • Influx of Myanmarese refugees has fueled ethnic tensions.
  • Demands for greater autonomy or separate states by Kukis and Nagas.
  • Presence of insurgent groups and prolonged imposition of AFSPA, causing human rights concerns.
• Constitutional & Legal Context
  • Article 371C: Special administrative powers for hill areas.
  • AFSPA: Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in force due to insurgency.
  • Scheduled Tribe status granted to hill tribes but not to Meiteis, causing demands and unrest.
  • Inner Line Permit (ILP) demand by Meiteis for protection from outsiders.
• Implications of Manipur Violence:
  • Human Suffering: The violence leads to widespread loss of life and mass displacement, severely impacting the affected communities.
  • Gendered Violence: Women often bear a disproportionate burden, facing targeted violence that affects social cohesion and community trust.
  • Economic Disruption: Conflict destabilizes local economies, halts development projects, and creates cycles of poverty and unrest.
  • Social Fragmentation: Ethnic conflicts deepen mistrust and division between communities, undermining social harmony.
  • Militancy and Instability: Prolonged unrest provides fertile ground for extremist groups to grow, threatening long-term peace.
  • Cross-Border and Regional Security Concerns: Internal violence can strain relations with neighboring countries and complicate border management.
  • Policy and Strategic Challenges: Unrest hampers broader regional integration efforts and economic initiatives.
• Steps to Normalize the Situation:
  • Victim Rehabilitation: Effective recovery and rehabilitation require inclusive approaches involving affected communities and stakeholders.
  • Disarmament: Reducing the availability of weapons among civilians is critical to preventing further violence.
  • Combating Misinformation: Transparent and responsible communication helps prevent escalation caused by rumors and biased reporting.
  • Inclusive Dialogue and Negotiation
    Meaningful engagement with all ethnic groups fosters understanding and addresses grievances.
  • Ensuring Justice and Transparency: Fair and accountable governance builds trust in institutions and reduces alienation.
  • Reevaluating Community Classifications: Periodic reassessment of group identities and entitlements can address longstanding inequalities.
  • Border Security Enhancement: Strengthening surveillance and control prevents external destabilizing influences.
  • Security Force Reforms: Streamlining law enforcement responsibilities improves coordination and accountability.
  • Human Rights Focus: Balancing security with rights protections is essential for sustainable peace and trust-building.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the next Census of India will be conducted in two phases, with March 1, 2027 as the reference date. This Census holds exceptional significance due to its potential linkage with caste enumeration, delimitation, and women’s reservation.

Understanding the Structure, History, and Implications of Census 2027

1. Historical Evolution of Census in India

• Ancient Records: References to population counts exist in Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Ain-i-Akbari (during Akbar’s reign).
• Modern Census: Initiated in 1881 under British rule, with C. Plowden as the first Census Commissioner.
• Synchronous Census: India has continued with the decennial synchronous census model post-Independence, collecting uniform data nationwide.
• Caste Enumeration History: The last full caste enumeration was conducted in 1931 (for Hindus).

2. Legal and Administrative Framework

• Constitutional Status: Census is listed under Union List Entry 69 in the Seventh Schedule.
• Legislation: Governed by the Census Act, 1948.
• Functionaries: Conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India; field operations managed by state-appointed officers, with manpower primarily drawn from the teaching community.

3. Census Process: Methodology and Phases

• Phase I – House Listing Operations:
  • Collects data on households: drinking water, sanitation, fuel use, availability of kitchen, TV, phone, vehicle ownership, etc.
  • Last conducted in 2010 with 35 questions.
• Phase II – Population Enumeration:
  • Includes: Name, age, gender, religion, caste (SC/ST), literacy, mother tongue, occupation, etc.
  • Usually held in February, with March 1 as the reference date.
• Output:
  • Provisional figures released within weeks; final detailed reports take up to two years.

4. Significance of Census 2027

• Caste Enumeration for All Hindus:
  • First time since 1931 that detailed caste data for all Hindus may be captured.
  • Fulfils long-standing demands of civil society and political parties.
• Basis for Delimitation (Post-2026 Freeze Lifted):
  • Article 82 mandates reallocation of Lok Sabha seats post-2026 using census data.
  • Risk of political marginalisation for southern and smaller northern states.
• Women’s Reservation Implementation:
  • Women’s Reservation Act (106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023) mandates 1/3rd reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
  • 2027 Census data to be used for operationalising this from 2029 general elections.

5. Challenges and Criticism

• Postponement: Originally due in 2021 but delayed due to COVID-19 and now due to administrative complexity of caste enumeration.
• Delimitation Fears: Southern and NE states fear loss of political representation due to population-based seat reallocation.
• Data Accuracy & Confidentiality: Need for robust digital infrastructure and data protection mechanisms for caste-related data.
• Resource & Capacity Issues: Concerns over staff training, especially in areas with low digital literacy and logistical difficulties.

6. Way Forward

• Phased Implementation & Consensus Building:
  • Avoid rushing delimitation exercise before the 2029 elections.
  • Build inter-state consensus on seat allocation to avoid political fallout.
• Transparent and Scientific Caste Enumeration:
  • Must be carried out with clear guidelines, training, and IT-based tools to avoid inaccuracies.
• Institutional Reforms:
  • Strengthen Registrar General's Office with digital capabilities.
  • Enact a new Data Protection Law to handle sensitive caste-related data.
• Public Awareness:
  • Campaigns to ensure public cooperation and address misinformation related to caste data.

In June 2025, Russia announced that its forces had reached the border of Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time since the conflict began. This marks a significant territorial escalation beyond the five Ukrainian regions Russia formally claims. The move threatens Ukraine’s industrial and mining hub, posing risks to Kyiv’s military resilience and economy amid stalled peace negotiations.

Dnipropetrovsk Region

• Location & Geography
  • Situated in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, eastern Ukraine.
  • Lies along both banks of the Dnieper River, near its confluence with the Samara River.
  • Right Bank: Part of Dnieper Upland; Left Bank: Part of Dnieper Lowland.
• Demographics & Size
  • Area:7 sq. km.
  • Population (2021): 980,948 (4th largest city in Ukraine after Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa).
• Industrial Significance
  • Major industrial hub of Ukraine.
  • Key sectors: Aerospace (launch vehicles), metalwork, machinery, chemical production, and agricultural equipment.
• Military Context:
  • Russia’s offensive progress into Dnipropetrovsk is notable as it reflects momentum after months of battlefield setbacks for Kyiv. It also signals Moscow’s rejection of ceasefire calls from Ukraine, the EU, and the US, further complicating peace efforts.

Dnieper River:

• Basic Details
  • Known as Dnieper (Dnipro) in Ukrainian, Dnepr in Russian, Dnyapro in Belarusian.
  • 4th longest river in Europe after the Volga, Danube, and Ural.
• Origin and Course
  • Origin: Valday Hills, west of Moscow (Russia).
  • Length: 1,368 miles (~2,200 km).
  • Countries: Flows through Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, drains into the Black Sea.
• Major Cities Along Its Course
  • Russia: Smolensk, Dorogobuzh.
• Belarus:
  • Ukraine: Kyiv, Cherkasy, Dnipro, Zaporizhia.
• Historical Importance
  • Served as a geopolitical divide in Ukraine: Right Bank vs. Left Bank.
  • Holds historical, cultural, and strategic significance.
• Tributaries
  • Has around 32,000 tributaries.
  • Major ones: Desna, Sozh, Prypiat, Berezina, Trubizh, Bilozerka, Drut

The 17th edition of the bilateral military exercise 'Nomadic Elephant 2025' between India and Mongolia has commenced at the Special Forces Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar. This edition emphasizes UN peacekeeping simulation, counter-terror operations, and interoperability in semi-urban and mountainous terrains.

'Nomadic Elephant

• Exercise Type & Nature:
  • Bilateral military exercise.
  • Focus on non-conventional warfare, counter-terrorism, and UN peacekeeping operations.
  • Enhances interoperability and tactical coordination between Indian and Mongolian forces.
• Geostrategic Significance:
  • Mongolia shares borders with Russia and China.
  • The exercise strengthens India’s Act East and Central Asia outreach, acting as a strategic counter to China's regional influence.
• Defence Diplomacy:
  • Showcases India’s military diplomacy and ability to operate with partner nations in challenging terrains.
  • Reinforces India–Mongolia defence cooperation, institutionalized through training, shared tactics, and cultural exchange.
• UN Peacekeeping Focus:
  • Simulated UN peacekeeping operations replicate multinational real-world missions, aligning with India’s global peacekeeping role.
  • Supports India’s case for greater role in UNSC reforms and global peace operations.
• Terrain Specialisation:
  • Exercises in mountainous and semi-urban terrains improve force preparedness for border and high-altitude operations—vital for India’s northern defence planning.
• Previous Editions:
  • First held in 2004; now institutionalised.
  • Reflects long-term continuity and commitment to Indo-Mongolian strategic partnership.

As per the data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Maharashtra and Karnataka together accounted for 51% of the total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into India during the financial year 2024–25. Maharashtra led with USD 19.6 billion (31%), followed by Karnataka with USD 6.62 billion.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Definition & Nature

• FDI refers to investment by a person resident outside India:
• In an unlisted Indian company, or
• 10% or more equity in a listed Indian company (fully diluted basis).
• It is a long-term, non-debt creating capital flow.

Routes of FDI

• Automatic Route
  • No prior government approval required.
  • Post-investment notification to RBI is mandatory.
• Government Approval Route
  • Prior approval needed from the relevant Ministry/Department.
  • Typically applies to sensitive sectors (e.g., defence, telecom).

Regulatory Framework

• Governed by FDI Policy, 2020.
• Regulated under FEMA (Non-Debt Instrument) Rules, 2019.
• DPIIT: Drafts and oversees policy on FDI.
• RBI: Administers operational aspects and compliance of FDI.

Top FDI-Receiving States in FY 2024–25:

• Maharashtra – USD 6 billion (31% of total FDI).
• Karnataka – USD 62 billion.
• Delhi – USD 6 billion.
• Gujarat – USD 71 billion.
• Tamil Nadu – USD 68 billion.
• Haryana – USD 14 billion.
• Telangana – USD 3 billion.

The Ministry of Mines organized a plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting environmental consciousness and emotional resonance by encouraging citizens to plant trees in the name of their mothers.

‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’

• Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 is a citizen-driven environmental campaign that combines afforestation efforts with emotional outreach, launched nationwide by the Government of India.
• The Ministry of Mines has actively participated in the second phase of the initiative, showing its commitment to sustainable development and climate responsibility.
• The campaign promotes the concept of individual responsibility in environmental conservation, linking the act of tree plantation to familial and cultural values.
• It reinforces themes of:
• Sustainable development goals (SDGs) – especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
  • People’s participation in climate initiatives (similar to initiatives like Mission LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment).
  • Strengthening government-public collaboration on environmental issues.
  • This also complements other ongoing schemes such as:
• National Afforestation Programme (NAP)
  • CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority)
  • Green India Mission

Amid growing societal sensitivities and digital expression, Indian courts are increasingly being called upon to balance the right to free speech with public order and national sentiment. Recent judicial rulings—ranging from criticism of leaders to artistic and academic expressions—highlight the need for a principled approach that harmonises constitutional freedoms under Article 19(1)(a) with responsible civic discourse.

Judicial Sensitivity Reflects Democratic Maturity

• Balancing Liberty with Responsibility: Courts today operate in a complex socio-political landscape. Their attempt to ensure respectful public discourse reflects a larger goal of maintaining societal harmony without compromising constitutional values.
• Recognition of Emotional Impact in Public Speech: In cases such as the Operation Sindoor post-incident, judicial remarks reflect growing awareness of the emotive power of speech in the digital age and the responsibility that accompanies freedom.
• Civic Sensibilities and Nationhood: In cases like Kamal Haasan’s linguistic remark, judicial advice promotes mutual respect in India's diverse linguistic and cultural fabric, encouraging reconciliation over confrontation.

Courts as Moderators of Constitutional Discipline

• Promotion of Dialogue Over Litigation: Encouraging apologies in sensitive matters is an attempt to reduce adversarial proceedings and foster a climate of tolerance, which is essential for a healthy democracy.
• Addressing Content Standards in New Media: In digital content cases (e.g., Ranveer Allahbadia), courts are beginning to engage with evolving norms and seek clarity on the limits of decency in online platforms.
• Engagement with Ethical Speech: Academic and public commentators like Ali Khan Mahmudabad being heard in court shows how the judiciary is willing to engage with intellectual debate while examining societal sensitivities.

Towards a Principle-Based Free Speech Framework

• Safeguarding Constitutional Protections: Despite complex cases, Indian courts continue to uphold Article 19(1)(a), and are increasingly being urged by legal scholars to apply the “clear and present danger” or “incitement” tests more robustly.
• Legal Reforms and Doctrinal Clarity: There is scope for further strengthening jurisprudence through clearer guidelines on what constitutes harm under Article 19(2), ensuring objective standards.
• Affirming Liberty with Judicial Prudence: The judiciary’s cautious approach, though sometimes criticised, also presents an opportunity for evolution. Constructive judicial review can reaffirm dissent as an essential democratic right while maintaining public order.

Practice Question:

 “Indian judiciary must act as both a sentinel of free speech and a moderator of civic harmony.” In light of recent judicial trends, discuss how the courts are shaping a balanced approach to freedom of speech in India. (250 words)

Following Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government dispatched seven high-level delegations comprising Members of Parliament and diplomats to 32 countries. Their goal was to convey India’s stance on terrorism, highlight its measured military response, and project national unity on global platforms amid complex international narratives and UNSC dynamics.

Objectives and Strategic Messaging

• Clarifying India’s Posture: The delegations emphasized India’s “new normal” response to terrorism precise military action without escalation — while underlining Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack.
• Targeted Diplomatic Engagement: Special attention was paid to countries with UNSC membership and those influential in multilateral forums like FATF and OIC, where India sought support on counter-terror narratives.
• Correcting International Perceptions: The aim was to counteract misleading narratives, especially in Western media and international organizations where India’s stance has faced criticism or dilution, such as the TRF omission in the UNSC statement.

Diplomatic Challenges Encountered

• Pakistan’s Counter-Moves: Pakistan mounted a parallel diplomatic campaign and leveraged its role as Chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee and Vice-Chair of the UN Counter-terrorism Committee to obstruct Indian narratives.
• Limited Multilateral Gains: Despite the outreach, UNSC language was softened, showing the difficulty India faces in mobilizing consistent international consensus against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
• Diaspora-Centric Focus Criticized: Some observers noted that interactions with Indian diaspora and domestic media dominated the visits, raising questions about the effectiveness of direct foreign policy engagement.

Strategic Positives and Image Management

• Bipartisan and Plural Messaging: Delegates included members across faiths, states, and political affiliations, showcasing a unified Indian stand against terrorism and strengthening India's democratic credentials abroad.
• Counter to ‘Democratic Decline’ Narrative: The outreach served to subtly counter global concerns over India’s democratic backsliding, by projecting an image of inclusivity, resolve, and institutional integrity.
• Focused U.S. Outreach: Engagements in Washington and New York aimed to reset perceptions in the U.S., especially after President Trump’s controversial claims of mediation in Kashmir and trade-linked nuclear de-escalation.

Practice Question:

Discuss the significance of India’s recent diplomatic outreach through parliamentary delegations post-Operation Sindoor. How effective are such political diplomacy initiatives in shaping global counter-terrorism narratives?

In May 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a policy framework for issuing regulations, following a similar move by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in February. These frameworks aim to introduce transparency, public participation, and accountability in rule-making by financial regulators, aligning India’s regulatory practices with global standards.

Progressive Steps in Regulatory Rule-Making

• Codified Procedures Introduced: RBI and SEBI have adopted formal procedures for issuing regulations, including mandatory public consultation for 21 days, periodic review mechanisms, and requirement for stating regulatory objectives.
• Impact Assessment Institutionalised: RBI must now conduct impact analyses considering the economic environment, while SEBI will clarify regulatory intent, improving policy predictability and public trust.
• Consultative Approach Initiated: The move marks a shift toward participatory governance, with both regulators now proactively engaging with stakeholders before finalising regulations.

Identifying Gaps and Areas of Enhancement

• Absence of Economic Rationale Clause: Unlike IFSCA or global counterparts like the US and EU, RBI and SEBI are not yet explicitly required to identify the economic rationale or market failure behind a proposed regulation.
• Need for Defined Cost-Benefit Mechanism: There is no formal mandate for conducting cost-benefit analyses in the new frameworks, which could weaken the efficiency and accountability of regulatory interventions.
• Lack of Monitoring Frameworks: Monitoring and evaluation processes are yet to be institutionalised at a defined frequency (as IFSCA mandates every 3 years), making impact measurement inconsistent.

Strengthening Regulatory Accountability

• Transparent Public Feedback Reporting Needed: Between 2014–15, RBI sought comments on only 4% of circulars and SEBI on less than 50%. To improve this, regulators must publish annual reports detailing consultations, responses, and final outcomes.
• Defined Review Timelines Essential: RBI and SEBI must specify time-bound review intervals for existing regulations, ensuring alignment with evolving market dynamics and reducing regulatory inertia.
• Call for Uniform Legislative Framework: A comprehensive law, akin to the S. Administrative Procedure Act, could standardise regulation-making across Indian regulators, reinforcing the rule of law and accountability.

Practice Question:

Discuss the significance of procedural reforms undertaken by RBI and SEBI in 2025 for enhancing regulatory transparency in India. How can these reforms be strengthened through institutional and legislative measures?