23rd September 2025 – Current Affairs

1. Supreme Court Ruling on Anand Marriage Act Rekindles Old Debate – Polity

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has directed 17 States and 8 Union Territories to formulate rules within 4 months for registering Sikh marriages under the Anand Marriage Act, 1909.
Until the rules are framed, Anand Karaj marriages must be registered under existing marriage laws like the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Key Highlights

• Mandate for States/UTs: SC has instructed all concerned States and UTs to implement registration rules under the Anand Marriage Act to ensure legal uniformity and protection of rights.
• Anand Marriage Act, 1909: Originally enacted to give legal recognition to Sikh marriages conducted through Anand Karaj, but lacked registration provisions until amended in 2012.
• Delayed Implementation: Even after the 2012 amendment, most states (including Himachal Pradesh) failed to notify the rules, leading to denial of formal legal documentation to Sikh couples.
• Impact: Lack of registration affects access to:
  • Residence certificates
  • Inheritance & succession rights
  • Maintenance & alimony proceedings

What is Anand Karaj?

• A Sikh marriage ceremony, meaning “blissful union”, conducted before the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Involves four Laavaan (hymns by Guru Ram Das) sung as the couple circumambulates the scripture, signifying spiritual and marital unity.
• Deeply religious and symbolic, distinct from Hindu marriage rituals.

Legal & Constitutional Concerns

• Despite being a religious minority, Sikh couples often register marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, due to absence of an operative framework under the Anand Marriage Act.
• This undermines religious autonomy, and creates a contradiction with Article 25 (freedom of religion).
• No provisions for divorce, alimony, or matrimonial relief under the Anand Marriage Act.
• Critics call for a comprehensive marriage code for Sikhs, similar to Muslim, Christian, and Parsi marriage laws.

Supreme Court’s Observations

• Marriage registration is a legal necessity, not just a religious formality.
• Ensures civic equality, legal protection to women and children, and access to welfare and legal systems.
• Reinforces the idea that religious identity should not compromise legal recognition or access to constitutional rights.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following statements about the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 is correct?
   A. It originally included provisions for divorce and maintenance.
   B. It is applicable to all religious communities in India.
   C. It was amended in 2012 to allow registration of Sikh marriages.
   D. It replaced the Hindu Marriage Act for Sikh couples.
   Answer: C. It was amended in 2012 to allow registration of Sikh marriages.
   
2. The Anand Karaj ceremony is associated with which of the following features?
   A. Circumambulation around fire with Vedic mantras
   B. Solemnization before a religious leader in a church
   C. Reading of Nikah Nama in presence of Qazi
   D. Circumambulation around Guru Granth Sahib with Laavaan hymns
   Answer: D. Circumambulation around Guru Granth Sahib with Laavaan hymns

Mains

1. Discuss the legal and constitutional challenges associated with the implementation of the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 in India. What are the implications of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in this context?
2. How does the lack of implementation of minority-specific marriage laws affect the civil rights of citizens? Examine in light of the Anand Karaj and Sikh marriage registration issue.
   

2. Uranium Unrest: On Uranium Mining in Meghalaya – Environment

Why in News?

The Union Environment Ministry has issued a controversial order exempting uranium and other strategic mineral mining projects from public consultations under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
This move has sparked widespread unrest in Meghalaya, particularly among the tribal Khasi community, who have a long history of resisting uranium mining in the region.

Key Highlights

• Exemption from Public Consultation: The Office Memorandum (OM) bypasses local stakeholder engagement, a major component of environmental clearances under the EIA Notification, 2006.
• Longstanding Opposition:
  • The Khasi community has opposed uranium mining in Domiasiat and Wahkaji (West Khasi Hills) since the 1980s.
  • Resistance is based on health risks, environmental degradation, and erosion of tribal rights.
• Constitutional Protections Ignored:
  • Meghalaya falls under the Sixth Schedule, granting autonomy to tribal councils like the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
  • The decision undermines tribal self-governance, and the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), endorsed by international conventions.

Legal and Governance Issues

• Violation of Sixth Schedule Provisions:
  • The Sixth Schedule empowers Autonomous District Councils to regulate land and resource use.
  • Ignoring their consent violates the spirit of federalism and tribal autonomy.
• Judicial Precedents:
  • The Samatha judgment (1997) and other rulings have upheld tribal rights over natural resources.
• International Law:
  • India is a signatory to UNDRIP (UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples), which mandates FPIC.

Environmental & Health Risks of Uranium Mining

• Radioactive Contamination of soil and water bodies.
• Increased risk of cancers and genetic mutations in nearby populations.
• Degradation of forests and disruption of biodiversity.
• Experiences from Jharkhand’s Jaduguda mines highlight long-term health and livelihood impacts on Adivasi communities.

Energy Security vs. Environmental Justice

• Strategic Minerals like uranium are vital for nuclear energy and defence sectors.
• However, a short-term push for extraction can derail India’s goals for sustainable development, tribal welfare, and ecological balance.
• There’s a risk of undermining renewable energy investment by over-prioritizing uranium.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
   A. It provides autonomy to tribal areas in mainland India.
   B. It empowers Autonomous District Councils in certain northeastern states.
   C. It allows for the President to appoint Governors in tribal areas.
   D. It deals with the administration of Scheduled Castes.
   Answer: B. It empowers Autonomous District Councils in certain northeastern states.
   
2. The principle of ‘Free, Prior and Informed Consent’ (FPIC) is most closely associated with:
   A. The Paris Climate Agreement
   B. The Kyoto Protocol
   C. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
   D. The Ramsar Convention
   Answer: C. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Mains

1. The exemption of strategic mineral mining from public consultation raises questions about environmental justice and tribal rights. Examine in the context of uranium mining in Meghalaya.
2. Discuss the challenges of balancing energy security with constitutional protections for indigenous communities in India. Illustrate with reference to recent developments in Meghalaya.
   

3. Supreme Court Review on Governors’ Role in Assent to State Bills – Polity

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India is examining a Presidential Reference under Article 143 to determine whether fixed timelines should be set for Governors and the President to give assent to Bills passed by State legislatures.
This comes amid increasing Centre-State tensions over delays by Governors in granting assent to state legislation.

Key Highlights

• The review centres around Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution, which deal with Governor and Presidential assent to State Bills.
• No timeline currently exists for Governors or the President to act on a Bill, which has led to indefinite delays and legislative deadlock in multiple states.
• The SC is considering whether it can judicially enforce timelines to ensure accountability while maintaining constitutional propriety.

Constitutional Provisions in Focus

Article 200 – Governor’s Assent to Bills

When a State legislature passes a Bill, the Governor may:

1. Grant Assent
2. Withhold Assent
3. Return the Bill (if it is not a Money Bill) for reconsideration
4. Reserve the Bill for the President’s consideration

If the State legislature passes the Bill again after reconsideration, the Governor must grant assent – but no time limit is specified for any of these actions.

Article 201 – President’s Assent

When a Bill is reserved for the President:

• The President can either grant or withhold assent.
• Again, there is no specified time frame, enabling delays.

Issues Under Judicial Review

• Whether delays by Governors in granting assent violate the spirit of parliamentary democracy.
• Whether judicially enforceable timelines can or should be prescribed for Governors and the President to act on State Bills.
• Whether such a mandate would compromise the discretionary powers of constitutional authorities.

Arguments in the Debate

Proponents of Timelines:

• Delays by Governors undermine the democratic mandate of elected state governments.
• Creates constitutional uncertainty, policy paralysis, and governance hurdles.
• Strengthens cooperative federalism by limiting discretionary overreach.

Critics of Timelines:

• Fixed deadlines may restrict the discretionary role of the Governor or President.
• Some cases may require detailed legal scrutiny before assent.
• Could amount to judicial overreach into the domain of the executive.

Past Judicial Observations

• SC has consistently held that the Governor must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers except in exceptional situations.
• Yet, the absence of a timeline has allowed politically motivated delays, especially when State and Centre are ruled by rival parties.

Implications for Indian Federalism

• Strengthening State Legislatures: Ensures the will of elected representatives is respected.
• Preventing Political Deadlock: Timelines can minimize friction between Governors and State governments.
• Clarifying Constitutional Ambiguities: Provides much-needed interpretation of Articles 200 and 201.
• Setting National Precedent: May lead to similar reforms for other constitutional authorities prone to delay (e.g., Election Commission, President on mercy petitions, etc.).

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Under Article 200 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor may take which of the following actions upon receiving a Bill passed by the State Legislature?
   1. Grant assent
   2. Withhold assent
   3. Return the Bill for reconsideration
   4. Reserve the Bill for the consideration of the President
      Select the correct answer:
      A. 1, 2 and 4 only
      B. 1, 3 and 4 only
      C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
      D. 1 and 3 only
      Answer: C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
      
2. Which Article of the Constitution allows the President to give or withhold assent to State Bills reserved by the Governor?
   A. Article 213
   B. Article 200
   C. Article 201
   D. Article 356
   Answer: C. Article 201

Mains

1. Should fixed timelines be imposed on constitutional authorities like Governors and the President for granting assent to State Bills? Discuss in the context of Articles 200 and 201.
2. Examine the role of the Governor in India’s federal structure with reference to recent controversies over delayed assent to State legislation. How can these issues be resolved within the constitutional framework?
   

4. Centre to Simplify Quality Control Order (QCO) Framework – Economy

Why in News?

A panel from NITI Aayog has recommended simplifying India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to reduce the compliance burden on MSMEs, improve trade facilitation, and address international criticism.
The initiative is seen as a key reform in India’s product standardization and certification ecosystem.

Key Highlights

• QCOs are legally binding directives issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, making adherence to specific Indian Standards mandatory for selected products.
• A manufacturer or importer must obtain a BIS license or Certificate of Conformity to produce, sell, or import goods covered under a QCO.
• Aim: Boost product quality, enhance consumer safety, and align Indian products with global standards.

Additional Details

Standard Marking

• ISI Mark (or Hallmark for gold/jewellery) is compulsory for products under QCOs.
• Signifies that a product meets Indian standards for safety and performance.

Legal Framework

• Regulated by the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
• Violation of QCO norms may result in penalties or imprisonment.

For Imports

• Foreign manufacturers must comply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
• They must acquire a BIS certification before exporting covered products to India.

Current Coverage & Example

• Out of ~23,000 BIS standards, only 187 QCOs currently cover 770 products.
• In the last 3 years, 84 new QCOs have been issued.

Example: Impact of QCOs

• QCOs for compressors and ACs (2023) led to:
  • Compressor production: Jumped from 2 million (2021–22) to 8 million (2023–24).
  • Air Conditioner units: Surged to 12 million+, promoting self-reliance and reducing low-quality imports.

Challenges Associated with QCOs

Government Measures for Simplification

International Trade & WTO Compliance

• QCOs must comply with the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement.
• Acceptable if:
  • Aimed at health, safety, environmental protection, or national security.
• India’s goal: Use QCOs to raise domestic quality and enhance export competitiveness.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following statements about Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is correct?
   A. QCOs are voluntary guidelines issued under the BIS Act.
   B. QCOs require foreign manufacturers to obtain certification from the UN.
   C. QCOs mandate conformity to Indian Standards for specific products.
   D. QCOs apply only to agricultural commodities.
   Answer: C. QCOs mandate conformity to Indian Standards for specific products.
   
2. The WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement allows member countries to implement product standards if they are:
   A. Designed to promote domestic protectionism
   B. Arbitrary and discriminatory
   C. Aligned with health, safety, or environmental concerns
   D. Aimed at generating revenue through tariffs
   Answer: C. Aligned with health, safety, or environmental concerns

Mains

1. Discuss the role and challenges of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) in India’s product standardization framework. How can QCO reforms benefit MSMEs and international trade compliance?
2. Examine the impact of mandatory product standards on India’s industrial competitiveness. What are the trade-offs between quality control and ease of doing business?
   

5. Low Inflation and Fiscal Challenges – Economy

Why in News?

Recent data reveals a significant decline in inflation rates for August:

• Consumer Price Index (CPI): 2.07%
• Wholesale Price Index (WPI): 0.52%

While this brings relief to households through stable prices, it also introduces fiscal challenges for the government in terms of tax collection, budget planning, and revenue generation.

Key Highlights

• Low inflation benefits consumers through stable or falling prices.
• However, government revenues may stagnate, as tax collections, especially indirect taxes, are closely tied to nominal GDP and inflation trends.
• This creates a budgetary mismatch: expenditure commitments remain high while revenue inflow lags behind.

Understanding Inflation

What is Inflation?

• A general rise in prices of goods and services over time.
• Caused by:
  • Demand-pull factors (excess demand),
  • Cost-push factors (input costs like oil, food),
  • Excess money supply.

Low Inflation: Good or Bad?

• Positives:
  • Increases purchasing power.
  • Stabilizes prices for consumers.
• Negatives:
  • Can indicate weak demand or economic slowdown.
  • Reduces corporate profits, affecting income tax and GST collections.
  • Real debt burden increases in low-inflation environments.

CPI vs. WPI

Fiscal Impact of Low Inflation

1. Tax Revenue Falls:
   • GST and excise collections fall as prices stabilize or drop.
   • Corporate tax revenues fall due to lower profit margins.
2. Real Interest Burden Rises:
   • Government borrows at fixed nominal rates.
   • Lower inflation means higher real interest costs on public debt.
3. Challenges in Fiscal Deficit Management:
   • Lower revenues + high expenditure = widened fiscal deficit.
   • Makes it harder to meet FRBM targets (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act).

Role of Inflation in Fiscal Planning

• Moderate inflation (around 4%) is considered ideal:
  • Boosts nominal GDP, aiding tax revenues.
  • Keeps real interest rates manageable.
  • Encourages spending and investment.
• Very low or deflationary trends (below 2%) can:
  • Discourage consumer spending (wait for lower prices).
  • Lead to economic stagnation, affecting employment and output.

Who Benefits Most from Moderate Inflation?

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following would most likely occur during a period of very low inflation?
   A. Increase in nominal GDP growth
   B. Higher indirect tax collections
   C. Decline in real interest burden on government debt
   D. Difficulty in meeting fiscal deficit targets
   Answer: D. Difficulty in meeting fiscal deficit targets
   
2. Which of the following best explains the difference between CPI and WPI?
   A. CPI excludes services while WPI includes them
   B. CPI has a higher weightage for food items compared to WPI
   C. WPI is used by RBI for inflation targeting
   D. WPI measures consumer-level prices, while CPI tracks wholesale prices
   Answer: B. CPI has a higher weightage for food items compared to WPI

Mains

1. Discuss how low inflation, while beneficial for consumers, poses challenges for fiscal policy management. Illustrate your answer with recent trends.
2. Explain the importance of maintaining moderate inflation in the Indian economy. How does it impact government budgeting, debt management, and revenue generation?
   

6. Feasibility of Blending Isobutanol and Diesel – Science and Technology

Why in News?

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways recently announced that the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is studying the feasibility of blending Isobutanol with Diesel, after ethanol–diesel blending attempts failed due to technical incompatibilities.

If successful, India could become the first country to implement large-scale isobutanol–diesel blending, potentially reshaping the country’s biofuel strategy.

Key Highlights

• Isobutanol (C₄H₁₀O) is a four-carbon alcohol being explored as a biofuel alternative to ethanol in diesel engines.
• It offers better compatibility with diesel, has a higher energy density, and causes less water absorption, making it more suitable for storage and combustion.

About Isobutanol

Fuel Properties and Advantages

Advantages of Isobutanol–Diesel Blending

1. Better Engine Compatibility: Blends well with diesel without needing complex chemical stabilizers.
2. Infrastructure Ready: Existing ethanol plants can be retrofitted with minimal changes to produce isobutanol.
3. Supports Agriculture: Utilizes sugarcane by-products, helping farmers and reducing sugar stockpiles.
4. Reduces Oil Imports: Enhances energy security and saves foreign exchange.
5. First-of-its-kind: India could lead globally in this innovation.

Challenges and Limitations

Implementation Strategy

• Pilot Testing: Underway at ARAI to study performance, emissions, and engine impact.
• Blending Cap Limit: Experts suggest starting with <10% isobutanol blend with diesel.
• Potential Complement: Could be used along with biodiesel to mitigate some combustion issues.

Relevance for India’s Biofuel Policy

• Aligns with the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018, which aims to diversify feedstock and promote indigenous alternatives.
• Complements India’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
• Boosts rural incomes and supports sustainable agriculture.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following properties make isobutanol more suitable than ethanol for blending with diesel?
   1. Higher energy density
   2. Higher hygroscopicity
   3. Higher flash point
   4. Lower cetane number
      Select the correct answer:
      A. 1, 2, and 4
      B. 1 and 3 only
      C. 2 and 4 only
      D. 1, 3, and 4
      Answer: D. 1, 3, and 4
      
2. Which organization is conducting the feasibility study for blending isobutanol with diesel in India?
   A. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
   B. NITI Aayog
   C. Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)
   D. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
   Answer: C. Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)

Mains

1. India is exploring alternatives to ethanol for diesel blending to enhance energy efficiency and support the rural economy. Examine the potential and challenges of isobutanol as a diesel blend in this context.
2. Discuss the role of second-generation biofuels in India’s energy transition. How does the isobutanol–diesel initiative align with India’s sustainable development goals?