18th March 2025-Current Affairs

1. Supreme Court’s Stand on Linguistic Secularism and Language Rights in India – Polity & Governance

Why in News?

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has accused the Central government of imposing Hindi through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, claiming it threatens to undermine Tamil Nadu’s existing two-language policy.

• The Supreme Court has upheld linguistic secularism in multiple judgments, ensuring language policies remain inclusive and voluntary.
• The NEP 2020’s trilingual formula has reignited debates on language rights and federalism in India.
• The court has ruled that language cannot be forcibly imposed, reaffirming the importance of regional autonomy in education policies.

Supreme Court’s Role in Language Policy

The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in shaping language laws, ensuring linguistic harmony in India.

Constitutional Provisions Related to Language

1. Article 343 – Declares Hindi as the official language but does not make it the national language.
2. Article 29(1) – Protects the rights of linguistic minorities to preserve and promote their language and culture.
3. Article 351 – Directs the government to promote Hindi, but does not mandate its imposition.

Linguistic Secularism and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

• NEP 2020 promotes a three-language policy, which critics argue indirectly favors Hindi over regional languages.
• Tamil Nadu follows a two-language formula (Tamil and English) and has opposed the introduction of Hindi as a mandatory subject.
• Supreme Court rulings have emphasized linguistic choice, reinforcing that language adoption should be voluntary, not enforced by policy directives.

Way Forward

1. Ensuring State Autonomy – Language policy should remain a state subject, respecting regional identities.
2. Promoting Multilingualism – Encouraging voluntary language learning while safeguarding linguistic diversity.
3. Judicial Oversight – Any attempts at language imposition should be challenged in court, ensuring constitutional safeguards.

Relevance for Exam

• Polity & Governance: Role of Supreme Court in defining language rights.
• Education & Society: NEP 2020’s impact on linguistic diversity.
• Current Affairs: Ongoing debates on language imposition in India.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Questions:

1. Which constitutional article protects linguistic minorities in India?
   a) Article 343
   b) Article 351
   c) Article 29(1) ✅
   d) Article 44
2. Which Supreme Court case upheld the right to choose the medium of instruction in schools?
   a) State of Karnataka vs Associated Management of Primary/Secondary Schools ✅
   b) Sunil K.R. Sahastrabudhey vs IIT Kanpur
   c) U.P. Hindi Sahittya Sammelan vs State of U.P.
   d) Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala

Mains (Descriptive) Based Questions:

1. Discuss the Supreme Court’s role in shaping India’s language policy. How has it upheld linguistic secularism in education?
2. Critically analyze the impact of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 on linguistic diversity in India.

Final Takeaway

• The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld linguistic secularism, ensuring language remains a matter of choice, not coercion.
• The NEP 2020’s three-language formula remains controversial, especially in non-Hindi-speaking states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Future legal and policy decisions on language must balance national integration with linguistic diversity, respecting India’s federal structure.

2. Definition of ‘Tribe’ in India – Indian Society & Social Justice

Why in News?

At the Indian Anthropology Congress, officials from the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) called for a redefinition of the concept of tribes in India.

• They propose a “spectrum of tribalness” instead of a rigid binary classification of tribe or non-tribe.
• Currently, Scheduled Tribes (STs) are notified under Article 366(25) of the Constitution.
• As per the 2011 Census, there are 705 notified STs across 30 States/Union Territories, constituting 8.6% of India’s population.

Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India

• Defined under Article 366(25) as tribes or tribal communities recognized for constitutional purposes.
• Recognition Process:
  • The President notifies Scheduled Tribes after consulting the Governor.
  • Any modifications require Parliamentary approval.

Existing Criteria for ST Classification

The Lokur Committee (1965) established five criteria for classifying Scheduled Tribes:

Criticism of Existing Criteria:

• These definitions are outdated and fail to capture the diversity among tribal communities.
• The rigid classification has led to disputes over inclusion and exclusion from the ST list.

Proposal for a ‘Spectrum of Tribalness’

Recent discussions advocate for a more flexible classification using 100-150 socio-cultural indicators, such as:

• Marriage and kinship systems
• Language and dialects
• Rituals and festivals
• Traditional governance structures

This approach aims to capture the complexities of tribal identities and prevent conflicts over inclusion/exclusion in ST lists.

Way Forward

1. Updating ST Classification – The criteria should be revised to reflect modern socio-cultural realities.
2. State-Specific Tribal Recognition – Tribes should be recognized based on regional and historical contexts.
3. Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities – Policies should focus on uplifting communities rather than just legal classification.

Relevance for Exam

• Polity & Governance: Constitutional provisions for Scheduled Tribes.
• Social Issues: Inclusion-exclusion debates in tribal classification.
• Current Affairs: Discussions on redefining ‘tribe’ in India.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. The Governor of a state recognizes and declares a community as a Scheduled Tribe.
2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in one state may not necessarily be considered an ST 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

✅ Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
🔹 Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect – The President, not the Governor, declares STs based on Parliament’s approval.
• Statement 2 is correct – A community classified as ST in one state may not be recognized as ST in another.

Mains (Descriptive) Based Question:

Critically examine the challenges associated with the current definition of Scheduled Tribes in India. How can a “spectrum of tribalness” improve the classification system?

Final Takeaway

• The current classification system is outdated, and experts propose a more nuanced “spectrum of tribalness”.
• Any modifications to the ST list require Parliamentary approval, ensuring political and legal scrutiny.
• A flexible, criteria-based approach could help resolve long-standing tribal identity conflicts in India.

3. Tackling the Problem of Nutrition – Public Health & Ethics

Why in News?

The Indian government has increased funding for two key nutrition-related schemes, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, in the upcoming financial year to strengthen early childhood care and combat malnutrition.

• Funding for Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0 has increased to ₹21,960 crore (from ₹20,070.90 crore).
• Mission Vatsalya received ₹1,500 crore (up from ₹1,391 crore), focusing on child protection.
• Mission Shakti has been allocated ₹3,150 crore for women’s empowerment programs.
• The Mid-Day Meal Scheme continues, ensuring nutritious meals for schoolchildren, though exact funding details were not disclosed.
• The food subsidy bill is set to increase by 5% to ₹2.15 trillion to ensure food security for the underprivileged.

Government Schemes for Nutrition

Challenges in India’s Nutrition Landscape

1. Dietary Habits & Deficiencies

• Traditional Indian diets often lack essential nutrients like iron, protein, and vitamins.
• Only 11% of breastfed children receive adequate nutrition, as per NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey).

2. Social & Cultural Barriers

• Caste and gender-based discrimination impacts food access for marginalized communities.
• Women & girls often eat last and least in families, leading to higher rates of anemia.

3. Impact of Urbanization

• The rise in processed food consumption has led to an increase in diet-related diseases.
• Obesity rates are increasing among both men & women, particularly in urban areas.

4. Policy Gaps

• Current policies focus primarily on women & children, neglecting vulnerable groups like the elderly and working men.

Way Forward

• Diversified Nutrition Programs: Expand policies to address adolescents, elderly, and men.
• Strengthening Public Awareness: Community-driven programs to encourage balanced diets.
• Integration with Healthcare: Improve coordination between nutrition schemes & primary healthcare services.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Establish real-time tracking systems to measure the impact of food distribution programs.

Relevance for Exam

• Polity & Governance: Government welfare schemes (POSHAN 2.0, Mission Shakti).
• Social Issues: Malnutrition, food security, gender disparities.
• Economy: Impact of food subsidies on inflation & fiscal policies.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Question:

Which of the following schemes are related to improving nutrition in India?

1. Poshan 2.0
2. Mission Vatsalya
3. MGNREGA
4. Mid-Day Meal Scheme

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only ✅
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

✅ Correct Answer: (b) 1, 2, and 4 only
🔹 Explanation: MGNREGA is a rural employment scheme, not a nutrition-focused scheme.

Mains (Descriptive) Based Question:

Despite increased funding, malnutrition remains a major challenge in India. Discuss the structural barriers and suggest a comprehensive policy approach to address the issue.

Final Takeaway

• Increased funding for nutrition programs reflects government commitment, but social & economic barriers persist.
• A holistic approach is needed, addressing cultural norms, food diversity, and policy gaps to combat malnutrition effectively.
• Future nutrition policies must expand focus beyond women & children to all vulnerable groups, ensuring comprehensive food security.

4. From Insurance-Driven Private Health Care to Equity – Health & Governance

Why in News?

India, as the world’s largest democracy, has committed to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goal under the World Health Organization (WHO). This framework prioritizes Primary Health Care (PHC) and aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on medical services.

However, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has shifted the focus from preventive health care to hospitalization-based treatments, increasing reliance on private health care and undermining public health infrastructure.

• Insurance-based models like AB-PMJAY may weaken the foundational role of PHC.
• Delayed medical interventions lead to an increased burden on tertiary care.
• Rising out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) strain low-income households.
• Private health care expansion raises concerns about accessibility and affordability.
• Vulnerable populations struggle to access health insurance benefits due to administrative barriers.

Challenges in India’s Health Care Model

1. Weakening of Primary Health Care (PHC)

• A robust PHC system ensures early diagnosis and prevention, reducing long-term medical costs.
• AB-PMJAY primarily funds hospital treatments, diverting attention from community-based preventive care.
• Limited investment in preventive health measures (immunization, maternal health, lifestyle diseases) leads to higher disease burden.

2. Increased Long-Term Costs and Rising OOPE

• AB-PMJAY covers hospitalization expenses but ignores essential outpatient services like diagnostics and medicines.
• Low-income families still pay out-of-pocket for medicines, diagnostic tests, and doctor consultations.
• India’s OOPE is among the highest globally (53% of total health spending).

3. Strengthening of Market-Driven Private Health Care

• Private hospitals dominate AB-PMJAY claims, profiting from insurance-based treatment models.
• Urban-rural health disparity: Private sector growth is concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural populations underserved.
• Profit-driven approach results in unnecessary medical procedures to maximize insurance claims.

4. Exclusion of Informal Workers

• 60% of India’s workforce is in the informal sector, lacking documentation for insurance registration.
• Low awareness and complex procedures discourage enrollment in government insurance schemes.

5. Budgetary Trends Favoring Privatization

• 2025 health budget shows a shift towards privatization, with more funds allocated for:
  • Health insurance expansion rather than PHC reinforcement.
  • Digital infrastructure & telemedicine, rather than rural health care access.
• Lack of direct public investment in government hospitals & PHCs.

Way Forward: Achieving Health Equity

• Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure
  • Increased investment in PHCs & wellness centers.
  • Community health programs to focus on nutrition, maternal health, and preventive care.
• Regulating Private Insurance & Health Care
  • Price regulation to prevent overcharging by private hospitals.
  • Transparent insurance policies to curb fraudulent claims & unnecessary procedures.
• Expanding Coverage for Informal Workers
  • Simplified registration & use of Aadhaar-linked health IDs.
  • Awareness campaigns to improve scheme adoption.
• Reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)
  • Government-subsidized essential medicines & diagnostics.
  • Strengthening Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide low-cost drugs.

Relevance for Exam

• Polity & Governance: Health policies, role of government.
• Social Issues: Inequality in health care access.
• Economy: Impact of insurance-driven privatization on public health funding.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Question:

Which of the following schemes are related to health care in India?

1. AB-PMJAY
2. POSHAN 2.0
3. Jan Aushadhi Yojana
4. PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana)

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only ✅
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

✅ Correct Answer: (b) 1, 2, and 3 only
🔹 Explanation: PMAY is a housing scheme, not a health scheme.

Mains (Descriptive) Based Question:

Discuss the impact of insurance-driven private health care on India’s public health system. Suggest policy measures to ensure equity in health services.

Final Takeaway

• AB-PMJAY provides financial security for hospitalization, but it fails to ensure comprehensive health care.
• Privatization of health care has widened inequality, with rural areas lacking medical infrastructure.
• A balanced approach that prioritizes public health investment, preventive care, and fair regulation of private health care is essential.
• Universal Health Coverage (UHC) must focus on affordability, accessibility, and equity to truly ensure “Health for All.”

5. The Challenges of Public Health Education in India – Public Administration & Ethics

Why in News?

Recent discussions have raised concerns over public health education and workforce challenges in India, particularly in light of the U.S. withdrawing funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) and USAID (United States Agency for International Development).

• India’s public health system is largely self-reliant, with only 1% of its total health expenditure coming from international aid.
• Government health programs, such as Ayushman Bharat and National Health Mission (NHM), do not rely on foreign funding.
• Public Health graduates (MPH) face limited employment opportunities, as the sector favors medical professionals.

Challenges in Public Health Education & Employment

1. Low Dependence on Foreign Aid

• India’s healthcare system is primarily funded domestically, unlike many developing nations that rely on foreign aid.
• Government-funded schemes, such as:
  • Ayushman Bharat – India’s largest health insurance scheme.
  • Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) – Nationwide vaccination efforts.
  • National Health Mission (NHM) – Strengthening public health infrastructure.
• Despite self-sufficiency, budgetary allocations for public health remain low (around 2.1% of GDP).

2. Lack of Employment Opportunities for MPH Graduates

• Few government job openings exist for public health professionals.
• Preference for MBBS graduates over MPH professionals in policy roles.
• Lack of practical training in MPH programs reduces employability.
• Private sector demand is low, with corporate healthcare favoring medical professionals over public health experts.

3. Fragmented Public Health Cadre

• No structured Public Health Management Cadre like in IAS/IPS services.
• Public health roles are often given to general bureaucrats, reducing sectoral expertise.
• Absence of a unified framework leads to inefficient public health administration.

4. Inconsistent MPH Curriculum

• No standardized MPH syllabus across universities.
• Many programs lack practical exposure, making graduates unprepared for fieldwork.
• Limited interdisciplinary approach, with little focus on health economics, epidemiology, or digital health solutions.

Way Forward: Strengthening Public Health Education & Workforce

• Establish a Public Health Management Cadre
  • Similar to IAS/IPS, creating a structured public health workforce.
  • Ensuring specialized professionals lead public health initiatives.
• Standardize MPH Curriculum
  • Develop a national-level framework to ensure uniform training across universities.
  • Incorporate practical experience, research methodologies, and policy-making modules.
• Expand Employment Opportunities
  • Increase MPH hiring in government health programs.
  • Offer fellowships and internships in public health administration.
  • Promote public-private partnerships to boost job creation.
• Increase Public Health Funding
  • Raise government spending on healthcare to 3% of GDP (from current 2.1%).
  • Strengthen district and rural public health infrastructure.

Relevance for Exam

• Polity & Governance: Public health policies & workforce management.
• Social Issues: Access to healthcare and workforce challenges.
• Economy: Budgetary allocations for health sector growth.

Possible Exam Questions (Prelims & Mains)

Prelims (MCQ) Based Question:

Which of the following are government-funded public health programs in India?

1. Ayushman Bharat
2. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
3. National Health Mission (NHM)
4. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only ✅
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

✅ Correct Answer: (b) 1, 2, and 3 only
🔹 Explanation: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is not a public health program; it focuses on sanitation and hygiene.

Mains (Descriptive) Based Question:

Discuss the challenges faced by public health graduates in India and suggest policy measures to strengthen public health education and workforce management.

Final Takeaway

• India’s public health system is self-sustaining but needs workforce restructuring.
• MPH graduates face employment challenges, requiring policy reforms.
• Establishing a Public Health Management Cadre, standardizing curricula, and expanding job opportunities will ensure a stronger public health workforce in the future.