BILLS FOR REMOVAL OF MINISTERS FACING SERIOUS CRIMINAL CHARGES
TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce three Bills in Lok Sabha that seek a legal framework to remove the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers who are in custody for serious criminal offences.
Key Highlights of the Proposal
Automatic Removal After Custody
- If the PM, CM, or any Minister is arrested and kept in custody for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with imprisonment of five years or more, they shall be removed from office on the 31st day.
- Removal authority:
- President → for PM and Union Ministers.
- Governor → for Chief Ministers of States.
- Chief Minister → for State Ministers.
- Lt. Governor → for Chief Minister of Union Territories.
- Reappointment Possible: Once released from custody, the individual may be reappointed to the same position.
CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS
- The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks changes in:
- Article 75: Removal of Union Ministers including PM.
- Article 164: Removal of State Ministers and CMs.
- Article 239AA: Provisions for Delhi’s CM and Ministers.
- Aim: To ensure constitutional morality, good governance, and maintain public trust in elected representatives.
Other Bills
- Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Specifies process for removal of CM and Ministers in J&K.
- Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Defines procedure for removal of CM and Ministers in Union Territories, including Puducherry.
Significance
- Addresses a gap: Currently, there is no explicit provision in the Constitution for automatic removal of Ministers in custody on serious charges.
- Strengthens accountability: Prevents misuse of power by leaders facing criminal proceedings.
- Upholds public faith: Ensures that governance is not compromised by individuals under trial for grave offences.
Criticism & Concerns
- Possibility of misuse: Political opponents may exploit false cases to target leaders.
- Reappointment clause: Raises questions on the effectiveness of removal if leaders can return immediately after release.
REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT, 1951
Section 8 (Disqualification on Conviction for Certain Offences)
- If a person is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment of 2 years or more, they are disqualified from contesting elections.
- The disqualification starts immediately from the date of conviction (as per SC judgment in Lily Thomas vs Union of India, 2013).
- Duration: Disqualification continues during imprisonment + 6 years after release.
Other Provisions of Disqualification (Simple Points)
Article 102 / 191 – Disqualification also for:
- Holding an office of profit.
- Being of unsound mind.
- Being an undischarged insolvent.
- Not being a citizen of India or voluntarily acquiring foreign citizenship.
RPA, 1951 (other cases of disqualification):
- Conviction for corrupt practices (e.g., bribery in elections).
- Conviction for offences like promoting enmity, hoarding, or smuggling.
If sentenced to 2 years+ imprisonment → immediate disqualification under Section 8 of RPA, 1951, backed by Articles 102 & 191 of Constitution.
Conclusion
The Bills aim to set a clear accountability mechanism for Ministers facing serious criminal charges, reinforcing the principle that those in power must remain beyond suspicion. However, careful safeguards are needed to prevent political misuse while ensuring genuine accountability.
HOW INDIA’S YOUTH CAN COUNTER U.S. TARIFFS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The U.S. recently announced a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty linked to India’s Russian oil imports. This move has raised concerns over India’s export competitiveness and economic stability.
What are Tariffs?
- Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods.
- For decades, U.S. tariffs averaged 2–3%, but since 2024, steep hikes have been introduced.
- With a 50% tariff, an Indian shirt worth $10 would cost $15 in the U.S., while cheaper alternatives from Vietnam or Bangladesh gain an advantage.
Impact on India
- Export Competitiveness: Tariffs make Indian goods costlier than rivals, especially in textiles, pharma, and IT services. Exports to the U.S. are crucial for foreign exchange and trade balance.
- Short-term Challenges: Risk of job losses in export-driven industries. Fall in incomes of workers and producers.
- Pressure on Agriculture: U.S. is demanding greater market access for its farm and dairy products, threatening Indian farmers.
China’s Edge and India’s Challenge
- China dominates global exports: 36% in textiles and 25% in electronics, while India’s shares remain below 5% in both.
- China’s lead comes from scale, infrastructure, and R&D investments, not just cheap labour.
- India risks being stuck as a low-wage economy unless it upgrades to high-value industries.
Shift in Global Demand
- Western markets are weakening due to ageing populations and inequality.
- Rising protectionism means countries like India must focus on their domestic demand.
- Economic growth now requires India to boost wages, build technology-led industries, and create a strong consumer base.
Role of Indian Youth
- Demographic Advantage: India is home to 20% of the world’s youth. Around 120 million Indians aged 15–29 are enrolled in schools/colleges — a population as large as Japan.
- Global Success Stories: Since the 1970s, Indian professionals have thrived in the U.S., contributing to its innovation and tech leadership. Indian immigrants (3.2 million in 2023) have high representation in STEM, entrepreneurship, and research.
- Strategic Leverage: Restricting Indian talent may hurt the U.S. itself. A skilled youth base can strengthen India’s domestic economy and reduce overdependence on exports.
Way Forward for India
- Invest in Education & Health to build a skilled workforce.
- Encourage R&D and innovation to move beyond low-cost production.
- Expand domestic demand by raising wages and creating better jobs.
- Strengthen trade strategy by diversifying markets and reducing reliance on the U.S.
Conclusion
While U.S. tariffs pose short-term setbacks, India’s youth power, innovation, and domestic demand can provide a shield. Turning its large young population into a skilled, productive, and consuming class will be India’s best long-term defence against global trade turbulence.
INDIA’S PERSISTENT STUNTING CRISIS
TOPIC: (GS2) HEALTH: THE HINDU
Recent Poshan Tracker (June 2025) data shows that 37% of Indian children under five are stunted, only a marginal improvement from 38.4% in 2016. This highlights that government targets under POSHAN Abhiyaan (2018) and Mission 25 by 2022 have not been achieved.
What is Stunting?
- Stunting means a child is too short for their age, mainly due to chronic malnutrition.
- It reflects not just poor diet but also maternal health, sanitation, and socio-economic conditions.
- Stunting has long-term impacts on health, learning ability, and productivity.
Government Targets vs Reality
- POSHAN Abhiyaan (2018) aimed to reduce stunting by 2 percentage points annually.
- Mission 25 by 2022 set a goal of reducing stunting to 25% by 2022.
- As of 2025, prevalence is still 37%, showing little progress.
Key Factors Behind Stunting
Maternal Health and Early Birth Conditions
- Nearly half of stunted children are born small.
- Teenage pregnancies increase risk, as young mothers’ bodies are not ready for childbirth.
- Around 7% of women aged 15-19 have begun childbearing (2019-21 data).
Role of Education
- Mother’s education strongly reduces stunting.
- 46% of children of mothers with no schooling are stunted, compared to 26% when mothers studied 12+ years.
- Education improves antenatal care, nutrition practices, and delays early marriage/pregnancy.
Childbirth Practices and Breastfeeding
- C-sections rose from 9% (2005-06) to 22% (2021), often disrupting early breastfeeding.
- Only 64% of infants below 6 months are exclusively breastfed.
- Socio-economic gaps worsen the problem: poorer women return to work early, reducing breastfeeding time.
Nutrition and Diet Quality
- Indian diets are often carbohydrate-heavy, low in protein and micronutrients.
- Only 11% of children under two meet the “minimum acceptable diet” standard.
- Limited access to eggs, pulses, and nutrient-rich food in many communities.
Anaemia and Maternal Nutrition
- 57% of women (15-49 years) and 67% of children under five are anaemic (2019-21).
- Weak maternal nutrition passes disadvantages to the child.
Sanitation and Infections
- 19% of households still practice open defecation.
- Unsafe water and poor sanitation increase infections, harming nutrient absorption.
- Creates a vicious cycle of illness and malnutrition.
Wider Implications of Stunting
- Affects cognitive development, learning outcomes, and productivity.
- Linked to poverty, lower employability, and intergenerational deprivation.
- Weakens India’s human capital and growth potential.
way forward:
- Improve Maternal & Child Nutrition – Ensure pregnant women and young children get balanced diets, iron, folic acid, and micronutrient supplements.
- Promote Clean Water & Sanitation – Provide safe drinking water, handwashing, and better sanitation to reduce infections that hinder growth.
- Strengthen Healthcare & Awareness – Expand access to immunization, growth monitoring, and educate families about breastfeeding and proper child feeding practices.
Conclusion
India’s struggle against stunting shows that food security alone is not enough. Maternal health, education, nutrition diversity, and sanitation must be improved together. Without urgent corrective steps, the cycle of malnutrition and deprivation will continue to affect generations.
RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION IN PUNJAB’S GROUNDWATER
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources has raised alarm over continued uranium contamination in drinking water sources in Punjab, urging urgent action to safeguard public health.
What is Uranium Contamination?
- Refers to the presence of excess uranium in water and soil, beyond safe limits.
- Permissible Limit:
- WHO – 0.03 mg/L.
- BIS (India) – 0.03 mg/L.
- Health Impacts: Kidney damage (Chronic Kidney Disease). Skeletal deformities. Increased risk of cancers. Reproductive health disorders.
Extent of Contamination in India
- CGWB Survey (2019–20): Of 16,000 groundwater samples tested, ~450 exceeded WHO limits.
- Most Affected States: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.
- Patterns:
- Northwest India – Alluvial aquifers (Punjab, Haryana).
- Southern India – Hard-rock aquifers (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh).
Sources of Uranium in Groundwater
Natural (Geogenic) Sources
- Weathering of uranium-rich rocks.
- Natural movement of groundwater releasing uranium into aquifers.
Human-Induced (Anthropogenic) Sources
- Excessive groundwater extraction lowering water tables, altering aquifer chemistry.
- Fertilizer use & industrial effluents.
- Uranium mining & milling activities.
Government Measures
- Technological Solutions: BARC & DAE – Hybrid membrane filters and RO plants in Punjab and Haryana (pilot scale). CSIR – Low-cost adsorbents and nanomaterials for filtration.
- Scientific Mapping: NAQUIM programme by CGWB for aquifer mapping and local mitigation strategies.
- International Collaboration: Partnership with IAEA for monitoring, capacity building, and lab strengthening.
Judicial Interventions
- Punjab & Haryana High Court (2015) – Directed states to act against uranium contamination.
- Supreme Court (1991, Subhash Kumar case) – Declared right to pollution-free water part of Right to Life under Article 21.
Way Forward
- Formal Recognition – Declare uranium as a major contaminant (like arsenic/fluoride) for focused funding and policy action.
- Public Awareness – Community-level education on safe water practices and risks of uranium exposure.
- Affordable Technologies – Promote decentralized solutions like adsorption filters, ion-exchange systems, and community RO plants in rural areas.
Conclusion
Uranium contamination in Punjab’s groundwater poses a serious public health challenge. Though pilot treatment and monitoring projects are underway, a national-level recognition, dedicated funding, community awareness, and decentralized technologies are crucial for long-term mitigation.
SEDITION REDUX, CONCERNS OVER THE NEW SEDITION LAW
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Assam Police recently summoned journalists Siddharth Varadarajan and Karan Thapar of The Wire under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), even as the Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the law’s constitutionality. This has revived concerns about misuse of sedition provisions against free speech and press freedom.
Background
- The colonial-era sedition law (Section 124A, IPC) was kept in abeyance by the Supreme Court in 2022.
- The new Section 152 of BNS has replaced it but is criticized as being broader and harsher.
- Critics argue that instead of reform, the law has created more space for arbitrary action.
Issues with Recent Action
- Journalists were summoned without proper details like FIR date, copy of FIR, or description of offence, violating legal requirements.
- The summons reportedly related to The Wire’s coverage of Operation Sindoor, raising suspicion of targeted intimidation.
- Issuing summons the same day when the Supreme Court protected them from coercive action shows defiance of judicial authority.
- Secretive FIRs and vague notices highlight police overreach and harassment.
Problems with Section 152 (New Sedition Law)
- Broader Scope: The law criminalizes acts “endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India”. The vague terms give wide powers to authorities to interpret even criticism as a threat.
- Lower Bar for Prosecution: Earlier sedition law required clear intent to incite violence or disaffection. Now, even “knowingly” publishing or saying something could attract charges, regardless of intent.
- Impact on Free Speech: Journalists, activists, and critics of government policies are at risk of being silenced. Creates a chilling effect where people avoid speaking freely.
Judicial Concerns
- The Supreme Court has agreed to review the constitutional validity of Section 152.
- It has offered interim protection to journalists, recognizing the risk of misuse.
- However, the Assam Police’s actions show that judicial safeguards alone may not be enough without stricter oversight.
Way Forward
- India must ensure laws clearly define offences and protect space for dissent.
- Sedition-like provisions need to be reviewed against democratic values and constitutional rights.
- Stronger judicial checks and political accountability are essential to prevent weaponisation of such laws.
Conclusion
Section 152, instead of reforming sedition law, appears to widen the scope for criminalizing free speech. Unless struck down or amended with strong safeguards, it risks undermining India’s democratic ethos.
A TRIBUTE TO M.S. SWAMINATHAN, THE MAN WHO FED INDIA
TOPIC: (GS3) AGRICULTURE: THE HINDU
This year marks the centenary of M.S. Swaminathan’s birth. A new biography “M.S. Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India” by Priyambada Jayakumar highlights his role in the Green Revolution and offers lessons for Viksit Bharat.
Green Revolution
- Period during the 1960s–70s when India introduced high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides to boost agricultural production.
- To achieve self-sufficiency in food grains and reduce dependence on food imports.
Green Revolution Crops Introduced
- Mainly wheat (e.g., Sonalika, Kalyan Sona).
- Rice (e.g., IR-8, Jaya, Padma).
- Later extended to maize, bajra, and jowar.
- Focus was food grains, not pulses or oilseeds.
Need for Green Revolution
- Severe food shortage in India during 1950s–60s.
- Heavy dependence on food imports under PL-480 from the USA.
- Rising population pressure on agriculture.
- Low productivity due to traditional farming methods.
- To achieve food security & self-reliance.
Contribution to the Green Revolution
- Swaminathan is remembered as the architect of India’s Green Revolution, which transformed India from a food-deficit country into a self-sufficient nation in the 1960s.
- He collaborated with international scientists like Norman Borlaug to adapt high-yield wheat varieties to Indian conditions.
- His efforts ensured that India reduced dependence on food imports under the PL-480 programme.
Key Lessons from His Work
Science thrives on collaboration
- Swaminathan’s efforts show the importance of scientists attending global conferences and building networks.
- Excessive bureaucracy delayed Borlaug’s visit to India by two years, an example of how red tape slows innovation.
Political leaders must listen to scientists
- Swaminathan stressed the need for direct interaction between scientists and policymakers, without relying only on bureaucracy.
- Leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and C. Subramaniam backed his proposals, which made seed trials and large-scale rollouts possible.
Sustainability concerns
- The Green Revolution boosted production but led to excessive water and fertilizer use, creating long-term environmental challenges.
- Swaminathan himself later warned about the need for eco-friendly agriculture.
Positive Impacts
- Food grain production doubled, especially in wheat and rice.
- India became self-sufficient in food, reducing imports.
- Helped prevent famines despite population growth.
- Boosted farmers’ income in some regions.
- Led to modernization of agriculture (tractors, irrigation, fertilizers).
- Contributed to industrial growth (fertilizers, agro-machinery).
Negative Impacts
- Benefits concentrated in Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP, led to regional imbalance.
- Focus on wheat & rice, neglect of pulses, oilseeds, millets lead to nutritional imbalance.
- Soil degradation due to overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Groundwater depletion from excessive irrigation (tube wells, canal water).
- Loss of biodiversity as traditional seeds and crops were replaced.
- Increased income inequality (rich farmers benefitted more).
- Rise in health hazards due to pesticide use.
Relevance for India’s Future
- With climate change threatening crop productivity, India must strengthen its agricultural research.
- India spends only 0.43% of agricultural GDP on research, compared to much higher investments by countries like China.
- Improving funding, autonomy, and governance in research institutions is vital.
- Scientists need greater access to political leadership, just as Swaminathan enjoyed during the Green Revolution years.
Conclusion
M.S. Swaminathan’s life shows how science, political will, and visionary leadership together can change a nation’s destiny. As India aspires for Viksit Bharat, his example underlines the need to empower research, reduce bureaucracy, and ensure sustainability in agriculture.
ISRO PLANS HEAVY-LIFT ROCKET
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
ISRO has proposed a new heavy-lift launch vehicle capable of carrying 75,000 kg payload, marking a major leap in India’s space capabilities.
Background
- First indigenous launch vehicle: SLV-3 (1980s), carried only 35 kg.
- Now, ISRO aims for a rocket as tall as a 40-storey building.
- Part of India’s long-term vision to enhance self-reliance in space exploration.
Features of the Heavy-Lift Rocket
- Payload capacity: 75,000 kg to space.
- Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) with recoverable first stage (similar to reusable rockets).
- Designed to support deep space missions, space stations, and human spaceflight.
ISRO’s Upcoming Missions
- Gaganyaan – India’s first human spaceflight programme, with unmanned mission soon.
- Chandrayaan-4 – approved for advanced lunar exploration.
- Bharathiya Antariksh Station – planned by 2035, first modules from 2027.
- Indigenous Moon Mission (2040) – Indian astronaut to land and return safely.
- Venus Orbiter Mission – spacecraft approved to study Venus.
Significance
- Enhances India’s role in global space exploration and commercial launches.
- Supports long-term vision of space station and interplanetary missions.
- Strengthens India’s strategic and scientific leadership in space technology.
DEEP OCEAN MISSION
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS
Two Indian aquanauts recently carried out deep-sea dives in the Atlantic Ocean under the Samudrayaan Project, collecting over 100 kg of cobalt-rich polymetallic nodules from a depth of 1,173 metres in the Andaman Sea.
About the Deep Ocean Mission
- Launched by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) on 7th September 2021.
- Budget: ₹4,077 crore over 5 years.
- Aim: To develop technology for deep-sea exploration, ensure sustainable use of marine resources, and boost India’s Blue Economy.
- Aligns with UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021–2030).
- Implemented in a phased manner.
Core Components of the Mission
- Samudrayaan Project: Development of a manned submersible to carry 3 people up to 6,000 metres. Creation of an Integrated Mining System to extract polymetallic nodules.
- Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: Advanced ocean observation and climate forecasting (seasonal to decadal).
- Biodiversity Exploration & Conservation: Study and sustainable use of deep-sea flora, fauna, microbes. Promotes fisheries, marine biotechnology, and allied sectors.
- Deep Ocean Survey & Exploration: Mapping mineral-rich sites such as hydrothermal sulphides. Expands India’s access to seabed mineral reserves.
- Energy and Freshwater from Oceans: OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion)-based desalination pilot projects. Supports renewable energy and water security.
- Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology: A dedicated research hub for marine biology & engineering.
Strategic Importance for India
- India has 11,098 km coastline, 9 coastal states, and 1,382 islands.
- Mission boosts:
- Fisheries & aquaculture.
- Marine biotechnology & industry.
- Coastal tourism opportunities.
- Energy & resource security.
- Expands India’s role in Blue Economy and strengthens claim over seabed resources.
- PM recently highlighted the mission as a ‘Samudra Manthan’ for oil, gas, and mineral exploration.
Conclusion
The Deep Ocean Mission is a strategic and scientific leap for India, positioning it as a global leader in ocean exploration. With its focus on minerals, biodiversity, climate services, and marine energy, the mission bridges economic growth with sustainability, making oceans a new frontier of India’s development.