17th May 2025-Current Affairs

1. Right to Digital Access as a Fundamental Right (Article 21) – Polity

Why in News?

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has recognized Digital Access as a Fundamental Right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). This ruling came while addressing discriminatory practices in digital KYC (Know Your Customer) processes, particularly their exclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs).

Key Concepts & Analysis

1. What Does the Ruling Affirm?

• Digital access = Fundamental Right
  The Supreme Court held that digital access is essential to exercising personal liberty, financial autonomy, and human dignity.
• Integrated within Article 21 – “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.”

2. Context: KYC Norms and Digital Exclusion

3. Legal and Policy Backing for Accessibility

• Article 14: Right to Equality
• Article 19(1)(a): Right to freedom of expression (now interpreted to include digital access)
• Article 21: Right to life and dignity
• RPwD Act, 2016:
  • Emphasizes removal of social and infrastructural barriers
  • Promotes universal design and reasonable accommodation
• ICT Accessibility Guidelines:
  • Issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
  • Often poorly implemented by banks and financial institutions

4. Significance of the Ruling

5. Implications for Governance and Financial Sector

• Regulatory Reform: RBI and financial institutions must revise KYC protocols to include:
  • Non-visual alternatives
  • Assistive technologies
  • Inclusive software design
• Inclusive Digital India: Supports national missions like Digital India, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, and Digital Financial Inclusion
• Judicial Precedents: Builds on earlier judgments such as:
  • Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (Right to Privacy)
  • Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (Access to Internet as part of freedom of speech)

Summary

The Supreme Court’s declaration of the Right to Digital Access as part of Article 21 marks a pivotal shift in India’s constitutional and technological landscape. It acknowledges that digital platforms are now essential for accessing basic rights and services, and thus must be inclusive, accessible, and equitable. This ruling not only strengthens the legal foundation for digital rights but also pushes for universal accessibility, especially for persons with disabilities, and mandates reforms in KYC and other e-governance frameworks.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which Fundamental Right has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the Right to Digital Access?
   a) Article 19
   b) Article 32
   c) Article 21
   d) Article 51A
   Answer: c) Article 21
   
2. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, is based on which core principle?
   a) Financial rehabilitation
   b) Social barrier approach
   c) Charity-based welfare
   d) Individual merit model
   Answer: b) Social barrier approach
   
3. Which of the following is true about Video-based Customer Identification Process (V-CIP)?
   a) It is mandatory for all offline KYC
   b) It is used in PMLA compliance
   c) It is accessible for all types of users including visually impaired
   d) It is conducted by SEBI
   Answer: b) It is used in PMLA compliance

Mains

1.“The right to digital access is now intrinsic to the right to life and personal liberty.”
Critically examine this statement in light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling and its implications for digital governance.

2.Discuss the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing digital public services.
What measures are required to ensure equitable digital inclusion?

3.How has judicial intervention shaped the discourse around digital rights in India?
Illustrate with recent Supreme Court decisions.

2. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) – Polity

Why in News?

Dr. Ajay Kumar, former Defense Secretary, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), India’s premier constitutional body for recruitment to civil services and allied posts.

Key Concepts & Analysis

1. What is the UPSC?

• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body tasked with the recruitment of personnel into All India Services, Central Services, and other posts under the Union Government.
• Established on: October 1, 1926
• Constitutional status granted on: January 26, 1950
• Relevant Constitutional Provisions: Articles 315 to 323 of the Indian Constitution.

2. Composition of the UPSC

3. Resignation and Removal

4. Post-Tenure Restrictions

5. Duties and Functions

The UPSC performs the following key roles under Article 320:

Conducts Examinations:

• Civil Services Examination (CSE)
• Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
• Combined Medical Services (CMS)
• Indian Forest Service (IFS), CAPF, NDA/CDS, etc.

Advisory Role:

• Advises the President and Governors on:
  • Appointments to civil services
  • Framing and amendment of recruitment rules
  • Disciplinary matters
  • Promotions and transfers
  • Regularization of service

Framing of Recruitment Rules for various services/posts under the Union Government.

6. Significance of UPSC

• Ensures merit-based recruitment to the civil services
• Upholds fairness, transparency, and neutrality in the recruitment process
• Promotes efficiency and integrity in the public administration system
• Acts as a watchdog against nepotism, favoritism, and political interference in appointments

Summary

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), enshrined under Articles 315–323, is a vital pillar of India’s democratic governance structure. By conducting nationwide competitive exams and advising on key personnel matters, it plays a crucial role in upholding the meritocratic framework of the Indian civil services. With appointments like Dr. Ajay Kumar as its Chairman, the UPSC continues to evolve to meet modern administrative challenges while maintaining its constitutional autonomy and ethical standards.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of the UPSC?
   a) Article 310
   b) Article 312
   c) Article 315
   d) Article 320
   Answer: c) Article 315
   
2. Who appoints the members of the UPSC?
   a) Chief Justice of India
   b) Prime Minister of India
   c) President of India
   d) Vice President of India
   Answer: c) President of India
   
3. Which of the following statements is incorrect about the UPSC?
   a) The Chairman is eligible for further government employment
   b) It advises the President on appointments to civil services
   c) It is a constitutional body
   d) It conducts the Civil Services Examination
   Answer: a) The Chairman is eligible for further government employment

Mains

1.”The Union Public Service Commission is the cornerstone of merit-based public administration in India.”
Discuss the constitutional role, powers, and importance of the UPSC in ensuring good governance.

2.Explain the process of appointment, tenure, and removal of the UPSC Chairman and members.
Why is it important to safeguard the independence of constitutional bodies like the UPSC?

3.Evaluate the challenges faced by the UPSC in the context of changing administrative needs, digital governance, and increasing vacancies in civil services. Suggest reforms.

3. Presidential Reference in India – Article 143 -Polity

Why in News?

President Droupadi Murmu has recently invoked the Presidential Reference mechanism under Article 143 of the Constitution to seek the Supreme Court’s opinion on whether it can impose deadlines on the President and Governors for state Bills under Article 200 and Article 201. This development renews attention on the constitutional tool often used to resolve politically sensitive legal issues.

Key Concepts & Analysis

1. What is a Presidential Reference?

• Legal Basis: Article 143 of the Indian Constitution
• Purpose: Enables the President of India to refer a question of law or fact to the Supreme Court for its advisory opinion.

Types of References under Article 143:

The Supreme Court’s opinion is advisory in nature and not binding, but is treated with high constitutional authority.

2. Recent Reference by President Murmu

• Issue: Whether the Supreme Court, under Article 142, can direct the President and Governors to act within fixed timelines for granting assent to Bills.
• Background: Concerns over indefinite delays by constitutional authorities in acting on State legislation, which may undermine democratic processes.
• Significance: Touches upon the balance of powers between the executive and judiciary and the scope of judicial activism.

Notable Historical Instances of Presidential Reference in India

Summary

The Presidential Reference mechanism under Article 143 is a constitutional tool that allows the Executive to seek legal clarity from the Supreme Court on contentious or complex matters. While the Court’s opinion is advisory, it holds great persuasive authority and is often used in high-stakes policy and political decisions. Past references—including the Cauvery dispute, Gujarat elections, and 2G spectrum case—highlight its role in balancing power and upholding constitutional propriety.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which Article of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to refer legal questions to the Supreme Court?
   a) Article 132
   b) Article 143
   c) Article 131
   d) Article 148
   Answer: b) Article 143
   
2. Which of the following is true about the Presidential Reference under Article 143?
   a) The Supreme Court’s opinion is binding on the President
   b) It can only be made during a constitutional crisis
   c) It is advisory in nature and not binding
   d) It requires prior approval from the Parliament
   Answer: c) It is advisory in nature and not binding
   
3. Which of the following cases involved a Presidential Reference related to natural resource allocation?
   a) Kesavananda Bharati Case
   b) 2G Spectrum Case
   c) S.R. Bommai Case
   d) Minerva Mills Case
   Answer: b) 2G Spectrum Case

Mains

1.”The Presidential Reference mechanism is a unique feature of cooperative constitutionalism.”
Discuss its significance, with examples of key instances where it has clarified constitutional ambiguities.

2.Critically evaluate the role of the Supreme Court in responding to Presidential References.
Can Article 143 be misused for political advantage?

3.The recent Presidential Reference on delays in bill assent highlights tensions between constitutional functionaries.
Discuss the constitutional position and the role of judicial interpretation in resolving such conflicts.

4. NOTA (None of the Above) in Indian Elections – Polity

Why in News?

The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court advocating for the mandatory inclusion of NOTA in all elections, including those with only one candidate, to preserve voter choice and secrecy.

Key Concepts & Analysis

1. What is NOTA?

• Full Form: None of the Above
• It allows a voter to reject all candidates contesting in an election without revealing their identity.
• Functions as a symbolic protest vote reflecting discontent with the available candidates.

2. Legal Basis of NOTA

• Introduced following the Supreme Court judgment in People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) v. Union of India, 2013.
• Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of expression) was interpreted to include the right to express disapproval by choosing NOTA.
• First implemented in:
  • 2013 – State Assembly elections
  • 2014 – General Elections

3. How Does NOTA Work?

4. Recent Debate: Making NOTA Mandatory in All Elections

• Vidhi Centre’s Argument:
  • Right to secrecy and choice must be preserved even in uncontested constituencies.
  • Voters should not be compelled to support the only available candidate.
• Election Commission’s Position:
  • Uncontested elections are rare (only 6 in Lok Sabha since 1971).
  • Mandatory NOTA would require amendments to:
    • Representation of the People Act, 1951
    • Conduct of Election Rules, 1961

5. Advantages of NOTA

Expression of Dissent – Offers voters a legitimate, confidential way to express dissatisfaction.
Promotes Accountability – Signals the need for better candidates to political parties.
Voter Turnout Encouragement – Voters more likely to participate even if unhappy with options.

6. Limitations of NOTA

No Electoral Consequence – Even if NOTA gets the highest votes, the second-best candidate still wins.
No Re-election Trigger – No requirement for fresh elections or candidate disqualification.
Lack of Awareness – Many voters don’t understand what NOTA entails.
Misused as Protest Vote – May dilute genuine democratic engagement.

Summary

NOTA (None of the Above) was introduced in India in 2013 to uphold the voter’s right to reject candidates. While it enhances democratic expression, it does not affect electoral outcomes—even if it receives the most votes. The current debate, triggered by a PIL from the Vidhi Centre, raises questions about whether NOTA should be mandatory in uncontested elections, to protect electoral choice and secrecy. However, institutional resistance and legal complexities pose challenges to its expansion.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. In which case did the Supreme Court recognize the Right to Reject via NOTA?
   a) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
   b) PUCL v. Union of India (2013)
   c) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
   d) Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India
   Answer: b) PUCL v. Union of India (2013)
   
2. Which of the following statements about NOTA is correct?
   a) NOTA votes lead to re-election if they are the majority
   b) NOTA votes are not counted
   c) NOTA is a binding option under the Constitution
   d) NOTA reflects voter dissatisfaction but does not alter results
   Answer: d) NOTA reflects voter dissatisfaction but does not alter results
   
3. NOTA was first used in Indian elections in:
   a) 2009 Lok Sabha elections
   b) 2012 Presidential elections
   c) 2013 State Assembly elections
   d) 2014 Rajya Sabha elections
   Answer: c) 2013 State Assembly elections

Mains

1.“NOTA empowers voters to express dissent, but fails to influence electoral outcomes.”
Critically evaluate the role and limitations of NOTA in India’s electoral system.

2.Should NOTA be made binding or lead to re-election if it receives the highest votes?
Discuss the pros and cons of making NOTA a decisive electoral tool.

3.Examine the challenges involved in extending NOTA to uncontested elections.
What legal and institutional reforms are necessary to make NOTA more effective?

5. EOS-09 & Chandrayaan-5 Mission – Science & Technology

Why in News?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for its 101st mission, PSLV-C61, scheduled to launch the EOS-09 satellite on May 18 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. This Earth observation satellite is a major step in India’s remote sensing capability and is connected to the upcoming Chandrayaan-5 lunar mission, developed jointly with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).

1. EOS-09 Satellite – Key Highlights

• Disaster Monitoring
• Flood Mapping
• Border Surveillance
• Agriculture & Crop Assessment
• Urban & Environmental Planning |

Significance:

• C-band SAR allows imaging in cloudy, rainy, and night-time conditions, making it superior to optical satellites.
• Enhances national security, climate resilience, and environmental monitoring.
• Supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat goals in space-based data.

2. Chandrayaan-5 Mission – India-Japan Collaboration

Significance:

• Aims to explore volatiles like water ice, crucial for future human missions and lunar habitability.
• Advances India’s capability in deep-space exploration and international collaboration.
• Builds on the success of Chandrayaan-1 (discovered water molecules) and Chandrayaan-3 (soft-landing at lunar south pole).

Strategic and Scientific Relevance

a. Earth Observation with EOS-09:

• Complements existing Cartosat and RISAT series.
• Critical for real-time disaster response (e.g., cyclones, landslides).
• Supports agricultural planning, insurance, and food security.

b. Lunar Exploration with Chandrayaan-5:

• Supports India’s strategic goal to be part of Artemis Accords-level exploration.
• Contributes to global understanding of moon’s water cycle and its use for future lunar bases.

Summary

The launch of EOS-09 via PSLV-C61 strengthens India’s remote sensing and surveillance capacity, offering critical data for environmental, agricultural, and security applications. Meanwhile, the Chandrayaan-5 mission, in collaboration with Japan (JAXA), represents a new frontier in international lunar exploration, focusing on water ice detection near the moon’s south pole. These missions reflect ISRO’s dual focus on earth-based applications and deep-space science, reinforcing India’s leadership in the space domain.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. What is the primary function of the C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) used in EOS-09?
   a) Optical imaging
   b) Thermal sensing
   c) All-weather, day-night imaging
   d) Radio signal interception
   Answer: c) All-weather, day-night imaging
   
2. Which of the following missions is a collaborative project between ISRO and JAXA focusing on lunar water ice?
   a) Chandrayaan-2
   b) Chandrayaan-3
   c) Chandrayaan-5
   d) Aditya-L1
   Answer: c) Chandrayaan-5
   
3. EOS-09 will be launched using which of the following vehicles?
   a) GSLV Mk III
   b) PSLV-C61
   c) H3-24L
   d) Vega-C
   Answer: b) PSLV-C61

Mains

1.“Earth observation satellites like EOS-09 are critical for sustainable development and national security.”
Discuss the technological features and developmental applications of EOS-09 in this context.

2.Evaluate the significance of the Chandrayaan-5 mission as a model for international collaboration in space research. What does it indicate about India’s growing space diplomacy?

3.ISRO’s recent missions reflect a dual strategy of Earth-based utility and deep-space exploration.
Critically assess this strategy with reference to EOS-09 and Chandrayaan-5.

6. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)-International Relations

Why in News?

India’s Union Defence Minister has recently called for Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal to be placed under the supervision of the IAEA, citing concerns over global nuclear security, non-proliferation, and regional stability. This brings renewed attention to the IAEA’s role in monitoring nuclear programs worldwide.

Key Concepts & Analysis

1. What is the IAEA?

• Full Form: International Atomic Energy Agency
• Established: 1957 (Statute approved in 1956)
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
• Membership: 178 member states
• Motto: Atoms for Peace and Development

Nature:

• An autonomous international organization operating under the umbrella of the United Nations.
• Reports to both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council.

2. Objectives of the IAEA

• Promote peaceful use of nuclear technology
• Prevent the diversion of nuclear energy to weapons or military use
• Strengthen nuclear safety and security
• Facilitate scientific and technical cooperation in nuclear research

3. Institutional Structure

4. Key Functions

5. IAEA and Nuclear Non-Proliferation

• Plays a key role in implementing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
• Conducts verification activities in countries that have signed the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) or Additional Protocols.

IAEA in Context: India and Pakistan

India’s Position:

• Not a signatory to the NPT, but maintains voluntary safeguards with the IAEA under the Indo–US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008).
• Recognized globally for its credible nuclear command structure and adherence to non-proliferation norms.

Pakistan’s Concerns:

• History of nuclear proliferation, notably the A.Q. Khan network
• Security concerns over terrorist access to nuclear material
• India’s call for IAEA oversight on Pakistan’s arsenal highlights the need for transparent international safeguards in volatile regions

Summary

The IAEA is the world’s foremost body for overseeing the peaceful use of nuclear energy while ensuring global nuclear security and non-proliferation. It plays a crucial role through inspections, monitoring, and scientific cooperation, especially in politically sensitive regions. India’s recent advocacy for IAEA oversight of Pakistan’s nuclear program reflects both security concerns and the agency’s role as a neutral international watchdog in maintaining peace and deterring nuclear misuse.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following organizations is responsible for promoting peaceful use of nuclear technology and ensuring non-proliferation?
   a) CTBT
   b) IAEA
   c) NSG
   d) OPCW
   Answer: b) IAEA
   
2. The headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is located in:
   a) Geneva
   b) New York
   c) Brussels
   d) Vienna
   Answer: d) Vienna

Mains

1.“The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plays a pivotal role in global nuclear governance.”
Examine the mandate, functions, and challenges faced by the IAEA in promoting peaceful nuclear cooperation.

2.Critically assess India’s position on nuclear non-proliferation and its cooperation with the IAEA, especially in contrast to Pakistan’s nuclear history.

3.Discuss the relevance of international institutions like the IAEA in addressing regional security threats arising from unregulated nuclear programs.