9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 8th January, 2025

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Understanding Internal Migration Trends and Challenges

Source: The post Understanding Internal Migration Trends and Challenges has been created, based on the article “Migration: A dream or a nightmare?” published in “Business Standard” on 8th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society-population and associated issues, poverty and

developmental issues, urbanisation, their problems and their remedies.

Context: The article discusses internal migration in India, highlighting its historical roots, challenges, and trends. It emphasizes the need for better urban planning, data monitoring, and policies to support migrants, viewing migration as crucial for economic growth and national integration.

For detailed information on Internal Migration in India and associated challenges read this article here

What is the Historical Background of Internal Migration in India?

Internal migration has been a longstanding feature of India’s history.

1. In the 19th century, Marwaris from Rajasthan became prominent businessmen in eastern India.
2. Marathas migrated as warriors to northwestern and southern regions.
3. Bengalis, Tamils, and Telugus moved for employment under the East India Company and British rule.
4. Such migration patterns highlight India’s historical movement of people across regions for trade, war, and jobs.

How Has Internal Migration Changed Recently?

1. Internal migration has accelerated due to economic growth, education, and a youth-dominated population.
2. The COVID-19 lockdown exposed its scale, with migrant workers walking home due to transportation issues.
3. From 2011 to 2023, internal migrants decreased from 456 million (37.6% of the population) to 402 million (28.9%), as reported in 400 Million Dreams.
4. India’s annual inter-state migration (9 million) is lower compared to China’s 77 million and the US’s 7.9 million (2021), despite its larger population.

What Challenges Do Migrants Face?

1. Urban Infrastructure Issues: Migrants face challenges with accommodation, water supply, sewerage, sanitation, education, and healthcare.
2. Psychological Impact: Moving from villages to chaotic urban centers causes emotional stress and difficulties in adjusting.
3. Urban Planning: Unplanned cities worsen the migrant experience, highlighting the need for better policies.

Why is Migration Important?

1. Migration helps balance economic growth across regions, improves labor market efficiency, and promotes national integration.
2. Encouraging migration to better-planned cities is crucial for improving living standards and achieving collective goals.

How does India compare with other countries?

1. India vs China: From 2011 to 2016, only 9 million people migrated annually between Indian states, while 77 million Chinese workers migrated to different provinces in 2016. China’s migration rate is significantly higher.
2. India vs USA: In 2021, 7.9 million people moved between states in the US (population 340 million), comparable to India’s 9 million migrants annually despite India’s population being over four times larger.
3. Global Migration Context: In 2005, 12% of the global population (763 million people) lived outside their birth regions, highlighting India’s slower migration compared to global trends.

Question of practice:

Discuss the historical trends, recent changes, and challenges of internal migration in India, and compare it with global migration patterns.

GS PAPER - 2

Vice Chancellor Appointments Need Reform in India

Source: The post Vice Chancellor Appointments Need Reform in India has been created, based on the article “Who selects the university Vice-Chancellor?” published in “Indian Express” on 8th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

Context: The article discusses the appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs) in Indian universities. It highlights overregulation, limited autonomy, and the need for flexibility in selecting VCs. It calls for broader eligibility, humility in leadership, and universities having greater autonomy in appointments.

What are the issues with Appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs) in India?

1. Overregulation and Limited Autonomy: Indian universities face overregulation with little freedom in selecting VCs. In central universities, the President of India appoints VCs based on government advice. In state universities, governors follow state government recommendations. Only 27% of Asian universities allow full autonomy in VC appointments (CHEMS, 1996).
2. Narrow Eligibility Criteria: The UGC regulations of 2018 mandate that a VC should be a distinguished academician with at least 10 years of experience as a professor or an equivalent position in a reputed organization. However, this limits the pool of candidates to academicians alone.
3. Political Interference: Political preferences often influence VC selections. For instance, Congress governments leaned toward left-leaning VCs, while the current government opts for the opposite.
4. Lack of Visionary Leadership: The current system does not prioritize leadership qualities like humility, teamwork, or alignment with constitutional values. Humility, a vital leadership trait, is often overlooked.

What Reforms Are Suggested for VC Appointments?

1. Allow universities greater autonomy in choosing VCs.
2. Modify the proposed three-member search committee to include more university representatives.
3. Encourage nominations from intellectuals, judges, and senior academics to ensure merit-based appointments.
4. Emphasize leadership qualities like humility, teamwork, and alignment with constitutional values.

How do different countries handle VC appointments?

1. In Asia, 55% of VCs are government-appointed, 18% require government approval post-selection, and 27% have autonomy.
2. Western universities enjoy full autonomy, as seen in Oxford University’s appointment of John Hood (2005), a businessman.
3. Some African universities also restrict government influence.
4. In India, VCs in central universities are appointed by the President based on government advice.
5. This centralized control contrasts with the global trend of granting universities greater freedom to select leaders.

What Should Be the Role of Universities in VC Appointments?

Universities should have the freedom to choose their leaders. Each institution has unique challenges and needs. A bottom-up approach, with more say for universities, could lead to better leadership and improved performance.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges in the appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs) in Indian universities and the reforms needed to address them.

Justin Trudeau resigns amid political economic challenges

Source: The post Justin Trudeau resigns amid political economic challenges has been created, based on the article “Vivek Katju writes: How Canada can undo Justin Trudeau’s damage to bilateral ties with India” and the article “India and Canada, after Justin Trudeau” published in “Indian Express” on 8th January 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 discusses Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Canada’s Prime Minister amidst declining popularity, internal party pressure, and tensions with India over Khalistani separatists. It highlights strained India-Canada relations due to Trudeau’s accusations in the Nijjar case, domestic challenges in Canada, and potential opportunities for resetting bilateral ties under new leadership.

For detailed information on India-Canada Relations and the Khalistan Issue read this article here

What Were Trudeau’s Final Challenges?

1. Internal Party Pressure: Trudeau faced criticism from within his party, making his leadership untenable.
2. Declining Popularity: Public dissatisfaction over a weakening economy and generous immigration policies caused his government’s popularity to decline.
3. Polls Showed Massive Deficit: The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, held a 20% lead over the Liberals in polls.
4. Parliament Paralysis: Governance became ineffective due to a paralyzed parliament.
5. US Pressure: President-elect Donald Trump threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, proposed revisiting North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and made derogatory remarks about Canada as the “51st US state” and Trudeau as its “Governor.”
6. Disparaging Comment by Trump: Trudeau’s lack of response to Trump calling him the “Governor of the Great State of Canada” highlighted his weak position.
7. Freeland’s Resignation: Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland’s resignation on December 16, 2024, increased the pressure.

How Did Trudeau’s Leadership Impact India-Canada Relations?

1. Trudeau accused India of involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing in September 2023, citing intelligence, not hard evidence.
2. India dismissed these allegations and demanded proof, which Canada refused to share.
3. Diplomatic fallout ensued, with Canada withdrawing 41 diplomats in October 2023 and India expelling six Canadian diplomats.
4. Trudeau ignored Indian complaints about Khalistani activities, justifying them under “freedom of expression.”
5. Canadian authorities accused six Indian diplomats of targeting Canadian citizens and sought their immunities removed.
6. These tensions worsened when a Canadian official blamed Amit Shah for violence against Khalistanis.
7. Visa uncertainty: Thousands of Indian students and workers faced difficulties due to Canada’s unclear visa policies.
8. Diaspora issues: Canada ignored India’s concerns about separatists operating from its soil, prioritizing appeasing radical diaspora elements.

Conclusion

India hopes Trudeau’s successor will repair ties. However, Canada’s domestic issues and its handling of the Nijjar case may delay progress. India remains cautious due to Canada’s past leniency towards Khalistani activities and visa restrictions.

Question for practice:

Examine the factors that led to Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Canada’s Prime Minister and their impact on India-Canada relations.

GS PAPER - 3

India’s Economic Challenges and Policy Adjustments

Source: The post India’s Economic Challenges and Policy Adjustments has been created, based on the article “Monetary policy should lead the easing cycle our economy needs” published in “Live mint” on 8th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Economy- growth and development

Context: The article discusses India’s economic challenges and policy decisions. It highlights slowing GDP growth, controlled core inflation, and weak domestic demand. Fiscal easing is unlikely, while monetary policy debates focus on managing inflation, wage demands, and potential RBI strategy changes.

For detailed information on India’s economic challenges in 2025 read this article here

What are the key economic challenges in India?

1. India’s GDP growth has been declining for three consecutive quarters.
2. Core inflation has been under control in the 12 months to November 2024.
3. The current account does not show excessive domestic demand spilling into imports.
4. Weak domestic demand from households, firms, and the government is a concern.

What are the Current Fiscal and Monetary Policies?

1. Fiscal Policy
2. The government is committed to reducing the fiscal deficit by the end of FY 2025-26.
3. Aims to manage finances to lower the public debt-to-GDP ratio.
4. Limited scope for fiscal stimulus due to the deficit reduction plan.
5. Monetary Policy
6. Inflation has been above the target range for most of the year, except for dips in July-August and a spike in October.
7. The RBI is cautious about price pressures, noting signs of inflation spreading from one sector to another (e.g., edible oils to processed foods).
8. Rising input costs have affected prices across goods and services, impacting consumer demand.
9. Despite food price spikes, some MPC members argue that their impact on core inflation has reduced due to changes in wage and price-setting practices.

What Might Change Under the New RBI Governor?

1. The new RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, may influence future monetary policy, especially regarding the handling of the Indian rupee’s value against the dollar.
2. Recent depreciation of the rupee might indicate a shift in RBI’s strategy to possibly allow more flexibility in exchange rates.
3. Observers speculate this may reflect a new direction under the new RBI governor.

Question for practice:

Examine the key economic challenges India is currently facing and how fiscal and monetary policies are addressing them.

Union government capex declines, challenging fiscal stability.

Source: The post Union government capex declines, challenging fiscal stability has been created, based on the article “An opportunity in capex decline” published in “Business Standard” on 8th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy- Government Budgeting.

Context: The article discusses the decline in the Union government’s capital expenditure, mainly in roads, defence, and telecom. It highlights underutilized funds, delayed equity infusion in BSNL, and unspent allocations for new schemes, suggesting potential fiscal adjustments to manage revenue shortfalls.

For detailed information on Union Budget 2024-25- Analysis read this article here

What is the Current State of the Union Government’s Expenditure?

1. The Union government’s capital expenditure (capex) has decreased by 12% from April to November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
2. Despite a target of 17% growth to ₹11.11 trillion for 2024-25, the government might struggle to exceed the previous year’s ₹9.48 trillion.
3. Revenue expenditure is showing a better trend, increasing from 2% growth at the end of June 2024 to 7.8% by November 2024, with a budget projection of a 6% rise for the year.

Why is the Union Government’s Capital Expenditure Declining?

1. While some blame the seven-phase general elections (April-June 2024) for slowing capex, the trend did not reverse in later months.
2. Even after the elections, the April-November period still saw a decline of 12%, reflecting deeper structural issues.

What are the impacts of Union Government’s Capital Expenditure Declining?

1. Over 90% of total capex is concentrated in six sectors: roads, railways, defence, telecom, transfers to states, and new schemes.
2. However, major declines were seen in:

• Roads and highways: A 16% fall in spending,
• Defence: A 15% decline.
• Indian Railways: Capex fell only by 1% to ₹1.68 trillion, showing resilience.
• Transfers to states: Increased by 5%, though much lower than the budgeted 41% rise.
• Telecom (BSNL Equity Infusion): Only 6% of the budgeted ₹0.83 trillion was spent. In contrast, last year’s infusion exceeded the budgeted amount.
• New Schemes: Only 4% of the ₹0.62 trillion allocation was used, leaving ₹0.63 trillion unspent.

3. 25 State capex (accounting for 95 per cent of all the states’ and Union territories’ total capex budget) grew by just 1% in April-November 2024-25. States like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Telangana saw declines, but the overall impact has been limited so far. A continued slowdown in central transfers may affect states’ capex programs later.

What Should the Finance Ministry Do?

1. To manage revenue shortfalls and rising revenue expenditure, the finance ministry could:

• Avoid infusing ₹0.83 trillion equity into BSNL and encourage it to raise market resources.
• Withhold ₹0.6 trillion for new schemes.

2. By saving ₹1.43 trillion (nearly 0.5% of GDP), the ministry could meet the 2024-25 fiscal deficit target of 4.9% of GDP. This slowdown in capex, while concerning, could provide fiscal flexibility.

Question for practice:

Discuss the reasons behind the decline in the Union Government’s capital expenditure and its potential impacts on key sectors and fiscal management.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

News: A male tiger born in the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal has traveled an extraordinary 500 kilometers to reach Solapur district in Maharashtra.

About Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location:
  • Situated in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra.
  • Known as the “Green Oasis” of Southern Maharashtra due to abundant water resources from rivers like Purna, Krishna, Bhima, and Tapti.
• Geography:
  • The sanctuary is located in a basalt region created by ancient volcanic lava eruptions.
  • The terrain is hilly and undulating, offering a diverse ecosystem.
• Flora: Rich in vegetation, including herbs, grasses, and bamboo forests.
• Fauna: Home to a wide array of wildlife, such as: Hyenas, chital (spotted deer), black buck, sambar, jackal, wild boar, wild cat, bear, and blue bull, Peacock, Monkeys etc.

UGC Draft Regulations 2025

News: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced the UGC Draft Regulations 2025. It brings substantial reforms in the appointment process for Vice-Chancellors (VCs) and academic staff.

Draft Guidelines for Vice-Chancellor Appointment

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has outlined key guidelines for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (VCs) to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and merit in the selection process.
  • The revised guidelines are in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aim to streamline the selection of Vice-Chancellors across all universities in India.

Key features of the guidelines:

• Authority for Selection– The Chancellor or Visitor of the university will have the authority to form a three-member Search-cum-Selection Committee responsible for appointing the Vice-Chancellor (VC).
• Composition of the Search-cum-Selection Committee– The Search-cum-Selection Committee will be composed of the following members:
  • Chairperson: A nominee of the Visitor/Chancellor.
  • Nominee from UGC: A nominee from the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
  • Nominee from University’s Apex Body: A nominee from the university’s apex body such as the Syndicate, Senate, Executive Council, Board of Management, or an equivalent body.
  • Selection Process:
    • Applications for the position of Vice-Chancellor will be invited through all-India newspaper advertisements or by other talent-search processes.
    • The committee will review applications and select candidates based on merit and eligibility.
    • The selection process will involve objective assessment and clear evaluation criteria to ensure transparency.
  • Eligibility Criteria for Vice-Chancellor:
    • Professional Background: Eligible candidates should have at least ten years of senior-level experience in academia, industry, public administration, public policy, or public sector undertakings. They should also have a proven track record of significant academic or scholarly contributions.
    • Inclusivity: The selection process encourages candidates from economically weaker sections (EWS), SC, ST, OBC, and persons with disabilities.
    • Academic Background: Candidates no longer need to be professors, but must demonstrate leadership in academic or research fields.
  • Consequences of Non-Compliance– Universities that fail to comply with these guidelines may be barred from participating in UGC schemes or from offering degree programs.

MicroRNAs and Caenorhabditis elegans

News: The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) in Caenorhabditis elegans transformed our understanding of gene regulation. Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2024 for discovering miRNAs in C. elegans.

About MicroRNAs (miRNAs)

• Definition– MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules, typically around 20-22 nucleotides long, that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level.
  • Unlike messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which serve as templates for protein synthesis, miRNAs do not encode proteins. Instead, they influence gene expression by interacting with mRNAs.
• Functions:
  • miRNAs attach to complementary mRNA sequences, leading to the suppression of protein production.
  • They regulate gene expression with high precision, particularly during development and in various physiological processes.
• Gene Suppression Mechanism: miRNAs decrease protein synthesis by either promoting the degradation of mRNA or preventing its translation.
• Applications: miRNAs have significant potential in the fields of diagnostics and therapeutics, particularly for conditions like cancer, genetic disorders, and other diseases.

About Caenorhabditis elegans

• Definition: Caenorhabditis elegans is a tiny, 1-mm transparent nematode widely used in genetic and developmental research.
• Role in Research:
  • C. elegans is a simple organism but possesses complex biological processes similar to humans.
  • Its transparent body allows researchers to easily trace cell lineages, providing a clear view of developmental stages.
• Significance of Research:
  • Research involving C. elegans has been crucial in understanding key biological phenomena such as gene suppression, aging, cell death, and neuronal circuits.
  • The organism has served as a model for groundbreaking discoveries like programmed cell death and genome sequencing, making it an invaluable tool in biological research.

Sonobuoys

News: India and the U.S. announced cooperation on co-production of U.S. sonobuoys for Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) for the Indian Navy.

About Sonobuoys

• Sonobuoys are expendable, electro-mechanical acoustic devices used to detect underwater sounds, such as those made by submarines or ships.
• Working Mechanism:
  • Sonobuoys are dropped from aircraft or ships in canisters and activate upon contact with water.
  • An inflatable float with a radio transmitter remains on the surface for communication, while hydrophones descend to a predetermined depth to capture underwater acoustic signals.
    • These signals are relayed via Very High Frequency (VHF) or Ultra High Frequency (UHF) communication to monitoring platforms.
  • Sonobuoys operate in two modes:
    • Passive Mode: These sonobuoys listen for underwater sounds without emitting any signals, providing stealthy detection.
    • Active Mode: These sonobuoys send out sound waves and measure the echoes to locate submarines or other objects.
• Features:
  • Versatility: Detects and tracks submarines in varied environments.
  • Precision: Deployed in patterns to locate submarines accurately.
  • Customizability: Adjustable depth and sensitivity.
  • Interoperability: Compatible with naval aircraft like P-8 Poseidon and MH-60R helicopters.
• Applications:
  • Primarily used for Anti-Submarine Warfare, sonobuoys are also deployed for environmental monitoring, marine life studies, and oceanographic research.
    • They assist in understanding underwater conditions like water temperature, salinity, and ambient noise levels.