Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Impact of Trump freezing USAID foreign aid

Source: The post Impact of Trump freezing USAID foreign aid has been created, based on the article “How will freeze on USAID affect the world?” published in “The Hindu” on 12th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests,

Context: The article talks about U.S. President Donald Trump freezing USAID’s foreign aid for 90 days. USAID staff were placed on leave, and funding was halted. This could harm many countries, including India. Elon Musk and Marco Rubio support restructuring USAID, but critics call it politically motivated.

For detailed information on Trump freezes foreign aid affecting global help read this article here

What is USAID?

1. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was created in 1961 to manage U.S. foreign aid.
2. It works in over 100 countries, supporting health, education, food security, and governance.
3. In 2024, it had a budget of $44.2 billion, contributing 42% of humanitarian aid tracked by the UN.

What action did President Trump take?

1. On January 20, President Donald Trump froze USAID’s foreign aid for 90 days. The order aimed to review how funds were used.
2. USAID staff (about 10,000 people) were placed on leave. Only mission-critical personnel remained. A judge temporarily delayed the staff reduction, but the funding freeze continued.
3. Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), called USAID a “criminal organization.”
4. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, acting as USAID’s administrator, said the agency needed restructuring. Trump has long criticized foreign aid, arguing that funds should help the U.S. first.

How will this affect other countries?

1. Funding Freeze: USAID supports many nations, including Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan. The aid freeze will disrupt ongoing projects.
2. Health Impact: Over six million people could die from HIV/AIDS in four years if funding is cut, according to the UN AIDS agency.
3. Exceptions: While $13.3 million in aid to Haiti was frozen, $40.7 million was allowed for its police force.
4. Job Cuts: Only 294 of 10,000 USAID employees may remain.
5. Criticism: Former USAID administrator Andrew Natsios called this a disaster for the Global South.

What impact will this have on India?

USAID’s funding to India has declined over time. In the last decade, India received about $1.5 billion. In 2024, USAID funded $79.3 million for health programs like HIV/AIDS, TB, and child immunization. The impact may be limited, but some healthcare projects could suffer.

Why is this decision controversial?

1. Limited Overall Effect: USAID’s funding to India has decreased over time. In the last decade, India received about $1.5 billion, which is only 0.2% to 0.4% of USAID’s global funding.
2. Health Programs at Risk: In 2024, $79.3 million was allocated for health programs like HIV/AIDS, TB, maternal and child health, and immunization. These projects may face disruptions.
3. Temporary Suspension of Operations: USAID has asked all partner organizations in India to pause their projects.
4. Government Role: It is unclear if the central or state governments will fund and continue these programs.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the impact of President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze USAID’s foreign aid on global health programs and economies, including its effects on India.

Bail Conditions Forcing Marriage Harm Survivors’ Dignity

Source: The post Bail Conditions Forcing Marriage Harm Survivors’ Dignity has been created, based on the article “A legal ‘remedy’ that perpetuates survivor trauma” published in “The Hindu” on 12th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Governance – Mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.

Context: The article criticizes courts granting bail to rape accused on the condition of marrying the survivor. It argues that this violates legal guidelines, harms survivors, and shifts the state’s responsibility. Such conditions reinforce patriarchal norms and may affect the trial’s fairness.

Can Courts Grant Bail on the Condition of Marriage?

1. In Atul Gautam vs State of Uttar Pradesh (2025), bail was granted if the accused married the survivor and deposited ₹5 lakh.
2. In Abhishek vs State of Uttar Pradesh and Ors. (2024), bail was given with a similar condition.
3. The Supreme Court in Aparna Bhat vs State of Madhya Pradesh (2021) ruled that bail conditions must prevent contact with the survivor.
4. In Re: Right to Privacy of Adolescents (2024), the Court held that the state must provide support to survivors.
5. Bail conditions must not violate Article 21, ensuring dignity and justice.

Does This Violate Legal Guidelines?

1. The Supreme Court in Aparna Bhat vs State of Madhya Pradesh (2021) ruled that bail conditions must prevent contact between the accused and the survivor to avoid secondary trauma.
2. Courts must not reinforce gender stereotypes or patriarchal views.
3. In Kunal Kumar Tiwari vs State of Bihar (2017), the Court ruled that bail conditions should not be arbitrary.
4. The Allahabad High Court’s decisions contradict these rulings.
5. Bail conditions forcing marriage violate the survivor’s autonomy and create dependence on the accused.

How Do These Conditions Affect Survivors?

1. Violates Legal Guidelines: The Supreme Court in Aparna Bhat vs State of Madhya Pradesh (2021) ruled that bail conditions must prohibit contact between the accused and survivor to prevent trauma. The Allahabad High Court’s decisions contradict this.
2. Forces Unequal Relationships: Marriage as a condition assumes it can undo the crime. This forces survivors into coercive relationships, violating their autonomy.
3. Encourages Manipulation: The accused may misuse marriage to escape conviction, as seen in Atul Gautam vs State of Uttar Pradesh (2025).
4. Affects Trial Fairness: Bail conditions should not influence trials. Marriage alters survivor-accused dynamics, impacting testimony and justice.
5. Shifts State Responsibility: In Re: Right to Privacy of Adolescents (2024), the Court ruled the state must support survivors, not shift responsibility to courts or accused.

What Needs to Change?

1. Judicial decisions must focus on justice, not social norms.
2. The dignity, rights, and autonomy of survivors must be protected.
3. Courts should ensure fair trials and prevent conditions that may harm survivors.
4. The state must take responsibility for survivor welfare, not shift it to courts.

Question for practice:

Evaluate whether granting bail on the condition of marriage violates legal guidelines and affects the rights and dignity of survivors.

GS PAPER - 3

India Announces Major Tax Cuts for Growth

Source: The post India Announces Major Tax Cuts for Growth has been created, based on the article “TRUST IN THE TAXPAYER: Budget reinvigorates debate on whether taxes can encourage spending and growth” published in “Indian Express” on 12th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development and employment.

Context: The article discusses recent tax cuts in India. Incomes below ₹12 lakh are now tax-free, benefiting 83.52% of taxpayers. It examines whether this will boost spending and growth. The article also covers corporate tax reforms and upcoming changes in the Income Tax Act.

For detailed information on Tax Cut Boosts Spending and Economic Growth read this article here

Who Benefits from the New Tax Cuts?

1. Taxpayers with annual incomes below ₹12 lakh are exempt from paying income tax, affecting 83.52% of tax assesses.
2. Those earning above ₹12 lakh also see significant tax reductions, with an example showing a possible tax reduction of more than a third for incomes at ₹25 lakh.

What Effects Are Anticipated from the New Tax Cuts?

1. Higher Savings and Spending: Median taxpayers earn ₹5–5.5 lakh, and their monthly spending is ₹6,334 (urban) and ₹3,866 (rural). More disposable income could boost demand.
2. Potential Job Creation: Increased spending on goods and services may create jobs.
3. Mixed Investment Impact: Past corporate tax cuts did not sustain investment beyond a year.
4. Fiscal Cost: The tax cut costs ₹1 lakh crore but could raise future tax revenue if demand grows.
5. Alternative Approach: Revising indirect taxes might be more effective in increasing consumption.
6. Ease of Compliance: New tax reforms include simplified audits and rationalized tax rules for corporations.

What Further Tax Reforms Are Expected?

1. New Income Tax Act: The Finance Minister plans to introduce a new Income Tax Act, which will be half its current size and remove penal provisions.
2. Simplified Transfer Pricing Audits: A block audit system will be introduced, locking transfer pricing assessments for two years, reducing compliance burden.
3. Rationalization of TDS and Capital Gains Tax: The government will simplify TDS thresholds and capital gains tax calculations to improve compliance.
4. Focus on Ease of Business: Measures aim to prevent tax disputes and simplify operations for large corporations.
5. Impact on Growth: The changes seek to boost taxpayer trust, spending, and economic activity.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the recent tax cuts in India are expected to impact savings, spending, and economic growth.

COP29 is called the Climate Finance COP

Source: The post COP29 is called the Climate Finance COP has been created, based on the article “A role for India in South-South climate cooperation” published in “The Hindu” on 12th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment

Context: The article discusses COP29, called the Climate Finance COP, and its role in implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Article 6.2 allows countries to trade carbon credits to meet climate goals. India can benefit by attracting climate finance, collaborating internationally, and supporting South-South cooperation, especially with African nations.

For detailed information on COP 29 Outcomes read this article here

Why is COP29 Called the Climate Finance COP?

1. COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, focused on financial mechanisms for climate action.
2. A major achievement was operationalizing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, enabling carbon markets.
3. Article 6.2 allows trading of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) to fund emissions reductions.
4. India demanded $1 trillion annually in climate finance for developing nations.

What is ITMO Trading?

1. Definition and Purpose

• ITMO (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcome) trading allows countries to trade carbon credits under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
• It helps developing countries reduce emissions while attracting finance, technology, and capacity-building support from developed nations.

2. India’s Role in ITMO Trading

• India is the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter in absolute terms but faces financial and technical constraints in meeting its 45% emission intensity reduction target by 2030.
• Before COP29, India demanded $1 trillion annually from developed nations for climate finance.

ITMO transactions can fund climate-resilient projects and green technology development.

3. Key Sectors Benefiting

• India identified 14 priority areas, including renewable energy (RE), energy storage, carbon capture, and sustainable aviation fuel.
• India has partnerships with South Korea, the European Union, and Japan to develop these technologies.

What is India’s Role in South-South Cooperation?

1. Supporting African Nations: India can help African countries tackle climate impacts in agriculture and water resources.
2. Technology and Capacity Building: India can share expertise in renewable energy, digital tools, and sustainable agriculture with African nations.
3. Policy Commitment: PM Modi’s 10 principles for India-Africa engagement emphasize economic cooperation and climate resilience.
4. Climate Finance Mobilization: Article 6.2 allows India to generate ITMOs while investing in African sustainable projects to meet global climate targets.

What Challenges Does India Face?

India faces several challenges in utilizing ITMOs under Article 6.2:

1. Risk of Developed Nations’ Over-Reliance: Developed countries might buy low-cost emissions reductions from India, avoiding significant emissions cuts domestically.
2. Opportunity Cost: Selling ITMOs could hinder India from achieving its own sustainability goals.
3. Governance and Transparency Issues: Inadequate regulation can lead to inefficiencies and inequities in ITMO transactions.
4. India needs robust policies to ensure fair ITMO agreements that benefit its climate ambitions while supporting global climate goals.

Question for practice:

Examine why COP29 is referred to as the “Climate Finance COP”?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Fort William Renamed as Vijay Durg

News: In a significant move towards eliminating colonial influences in the Indian Armed Forces, Fort William, the Eastern Command Headquarters of the Indian Army in Kolkata, has been officially renamed Vijay Durg.

Historical Significance of Fort William

• Originally constructed by the British in 1781, Fort William was named after King William III of England.
• It has served as a strategic military base for over two centuries and continues to be a key command center for India’s Eastern Army Command.
• The fort played a crucial role in British colonial rule, symbolizing their military presence in eastern India.

About Renaming of Vijay Durg

• The new name, Vijay Durg, draws inspiration from the historic fort in Maharashtra, which was a naval base for the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Vijay Durg Fort, located along the Sindhudurg coast, was a stronghold of Maratha naval supremacy, representing Indian resilience and military strength.
• Renaming Fort William to Vijay Durg signifies a shift towards Indian heritage and military pride over colonial legacy.

Other Renaming Initiatives at Fort William

• Kitchener House inside Fort William has been renamed Manekshaw House, after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, India’s first Field Marshal and hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
• South Gate, previously called St. George’s Gate, has been renamed Shivaji Gate, honoring Chhatrapati Shivaji’s legacy.

India-UK Defence Agreements 

In news: The strategic partnership between India and the United Kingdom has taken a significant step forward with new agreements aimed at enhancing next-generation weapon systems. These agreements were formally launched at Aero India 2025, marking the establishment of Defence Partnership–India (DP-I) to expand collaboration in the defence sector.

About India-UK Defence Agreements 

• Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM) and Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM)
  • Thales (UK) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed an agreement to deliver Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), including an initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers in 2025.
  • The collaboration will extend to the production of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) in India.
  • This partnership will integrate BDL and Indian defence industries into Thales’ global supply chain, boosting job creation, security cooperation, and interoperability between the two armed forces.
• Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) Facility
  • Matra BAe Dynamics UK (MBDA UK) and BDL are setting up India’s first ASRAAM assembly and test facility in Hyderabad.
  • This facility will arm India’s fighter jets with cutting-edge air-to-air missile systems while also contributing to exports.
• Maritime Electric Propulsion System for the Indian Navy
  • India and the UK signed a Statement of Intent to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet.
  • This landmark agreement will enhance self-reliance in the power and propulsion capabilities of India’s naval fleet.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

News: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has recently come under global scrutiny following its issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. 

About International Criminal Court (ICC) 

• The ICC is a permanent international court that prosecutes individuals for 4 serious crimes- genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. 
• It is an independent international organisation and is not part of the United Nations. 
• Established: Created by the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998; became effective on 1 July 2002. 
• Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands. 
• Members: It has 125 member states.
• Notable exceptions: the US, China, Russia, Israel, and India.
• Languages: Official languages include English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish. 
• Judges: ICC has 18 judges who are elected by the Assembly of State Parties and have non-renewable 9-year terms. 
• Jurisdiction: ICC only covers crimes committed after 1 July 2002.
• Can prosecute individuals only if the country where the offence was committed is a party to the Rome Statute or the perpetrator’s country of origin is a party to the Rome Statute.
• It operates on the principle of complementarity, stepping in only if national courts are unable or unwilling to act. 
• Crimes referred to the ICC Prosecutor by the UN Security Council. 
• ICC has no jurisdiction with respect to any person under age of 18. 
• Enforcement: ICC’s decisions are binding. However, it does not have its own police force and relies on State cooperation, which is essential to the arrest and surrender of suspects. 
• Funding: Contributions from member states and voluntary donations.

Difference between International Criminal Court (ICC) vs. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Aspects	International Criminal Court (ICC)	International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Established	2002 (by the Rome Statute)	1945 (by the UN Charter)
Purpose	Prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and crimes of aggression.	Settles disputes between countries and gives advisory opinions on legal questions.
Jurisdiction	Over individuals accused of crimes.	Over states/countries involved in disputes.
Membership	125 member states.	All United Nations (UN) members (193 countries).
Enforcement	Relies on member states for arrests and enforcement.	Enforced through UN Security Council decisions (though often difficult to implement).
Cases Handled	War crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, aggression.	Border disputes, maritime conflicts, trade disagreements, treaty violations.

Bombay Blood Group

News: In a pioneering medical achievement, doctors in Chennai successfully performed a kidney transplant on a patient with the Bombay blood group, using an organ from a donor with a different blood type. The team adapted the Japanese technique of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) to lower anti-H antibody levels, preventing organ rejection and making an unprecedented transplant possible.

About Bombay Blood Group

•  The Bombay blood group (HH) is an extremely rare blood type first identified in Mumbai in 1952 by Y.M. Bhende.
• Unlike common ABO blood types, individuals with this group do not have A, B, or even H antigens.
• Due to the absence of the H antigen, individuals with the Bombay blood group cannot receive blood from any ABO group, including type O.
• They can only receive blood from another Bombay blood group donor, making transfusions and organ transplants highly challenging.
• In Bombay blood group individuals, the gene responsible for making the H antigen is mutated or absent.
• Their immune system produces anti-H antibodies, which means they cannot receive blood from any ABO group, including O blood group, which contains the H antigen.

Why is the Bombay Blood Group Rare?

• It occurs in 1 in 4 million people worldwide.
• The prevalence is higher in India and South Asia, where it is found in about 1 in 10,000 people (especially in Mumbai due to genetic factors).
• It is extremely rare in European populations (about 1 in a million).

India-Egypt Joint Military Exercise

News: India and Egypt are set to conduct their third joint military exercise, Cyclone 2025, from February 10 to 23, 2025, at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. 

About India-Egypt Joint Military Exercise

• Objective: The primary objective of Cyclone 2025 is to enhance military cooperation and improve interoperability between the special forces of both nations.
• Motto: The motto of Cyclone 2025 is “Together we train, together we excel,” reflecting the spirit of cooperation and excellence between the two nations.
• Aim: Cyclone 2025 aims to strengthen defense relations between India and Egypt and promote knowledge exchange between their military forces.
• Focus: The exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations, high-intensity combat, and survival techniques in desert conditions.
  • Training will include real-world combat scenarios, tactical maneuvers, and joint coordination exercises.
  • Special forces from both the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army will participate in this military drill.
  • Both armies will engage in specialized drills to enhance their operational capabilities in handling security challenges.
  • The joint exercise will improve the forces’ preparedness to respond to evolving security threats and enhance mutual trust and coordination.

About Exercise CYCLONE

Aspect	Details
About	It is a Joint Special Forces exercise between India and Egypt.
Aim	To enhance mutual understanding of operational protocols for desert/semi-desert Special Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
First Edition	2023 (India)
Features of 2nd Edition	1. The Indian contingent is being represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). 2. Egyptian contingent is being represented by Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon. 3. The Exercise will involve planning and execution of special operations in sub conventional domain and will be conducted in three phases.
Significance	1. It will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond and share best practices. 2. It will serve as a platform to achieve common security goals and enhance ties between two friendly nations.