9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 20 March 2025

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Challenges in reporting subsidies and fiscal transparency

Source: The post Challenges in reporting subsidies and fiscal transparency has been created, based on the article “Fiscal subsidies should be easy to monitor at every level” published in “Live Mint” on 20 March 2025. Challenges in reporting subsidies and fiscal transparency.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Polity-Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes;

Context: Election campaigns in India continue to focus heavily on freebies, cash transfers, and subsidies despite fiscal constraints and rising opportunity costs. This makes transparency in subsidy spending crucial. However, the lack of high-quality, timely data on state subsidy expenditures hampers accountability and prevents differentiation between necessary welfare measures and politically motivated giveaways. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has repeatedly stressed the need for clear classification, but major challenges persist in India’s subsidy reporting.

For detailed information on Subsidy Rationalization in Indian States read this article here

Key Challenges in Subsidy Reporting

1. Definitional Ambiguity: There is no standard definition of ‘subsidy,’ leading to inconsistent reporting. For example, Tamil Nadu’s Vidiyal Payanam scheme (free bus rides for women) is classified as a subsidy, while a similar scheme in Punjab is not. Odisha is the only state consistently reporting implicit subsidies since 2009-10. This lack of uniformity leads to misclassification and opacity.
2. Off-Budget Financing: States often use off-budget mechanisms to fund subsidies, concealing actual liabilities. Andhra Pradesh reported a subsidy expenditure of just 0.5% of its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2022-23, but its real burden was much higher due to liabilities incurred by state enterprises managing food and power subsidies. This practice distorts fiscal sustainability and transparency.
3. Deferred Payments: India’s cash-based accounting system enables states to defer subsidy payments, shifting financial burdens to future budgets. A key example is the power sector, where unpaid subsidy reimbursements across states amounted to ₹74,000 crore between 2009-10 and 2020-21, with ₹27,000 crore cleared in the next two years. This practice masks the true cost of subsidies and complicates financial planning.

Impact on Fiscal Governance

1. Lack of Fiscal Transparency: Different welfare schemes are reported inconsistently, making financial comparisons unreliable.
2. Hidden Debt Risks: Off-budget financing masks actual liabilities, increasing debt risks.
3. Distorted Fiscal Data: Deferred payments create fiscal imbalances, making long-term planning difficult.
4. Non-Compliance with Global Standards: These challenges prevent India from meeting G20 Data Gaps Initiative requirements, limiting fiscal credibility.

Emerging Reforms in Fiscal Transparency

The central government has taken steps to improve fiscal reporting:

1. Since 2019-20, the Centre has published off-budget borrowings, enhancing fiscal transparency.
2. In 2023-24, a consolidated document on state borrowings was released, providing better insights into liabilities.
3. The Centre has discontinued off-budget financing, using bond issuances instead of direct cash subsidies.

Way Forward

India needs a standardized, technology-driven, and internationally accepted subsidy reporting system. Odisha’s approach to implicit subsidy reporting and the Centre’s fiscal reforms provide useful models. A transparent subsidy framework will improve fiscal discipline, ensure efficient public spending, and enhance public trust in government finances. Given increasing fiscal pressures and public scrutiny, this shift is now essential.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key challenges in subsidy reporting in India and their impact on fiscal governance.

India’s Extradition Challenges and Anti-Torture Law Absence

Source: The post India’s Extradition Challenges and Anti-Torture Law Absence has been created, based on the article “Torture shadows India’s justice system” published in “The Hindu” on 20 March 2025. India’s Extradition Challenges and Anti-Torture Law Absence.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance- criminal Justice system

Context: The King’s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice in London recently denied India’s extradition request for Sanjay Bhandari, citing the risk of custodial torture. Similarly, in the U.S., Tahawwur Rana has appealed to the Supreme Court against his extradition, using similar arguments. These cases highlight India’s failure to enact an anti-torture law, impacting its international reputation and legal credibility.

Extradition Cases and the Issue of Torture

1. Sanjay Bhandari, wanted in India for tax evasion and money laundering, successfully defended against extradition in the U.K. due to concerns over custodial torture in Indian prisons.
2. Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has used the U.K. judgment to challenge his extradition in the U.S.
3. Several other fugitives have used similar arguments, revealing a legal gap that weakens India’s ability to prosecute criminals.

India’s International and Constitutional Obligations

1. International Treaties: India played a key role in UN General Assembly’s Resolution 32/64 against torture but has not ratified the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT).
2. Human Rights Commitments: India has ratified the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1976).
3. Constitutional Mandates: Articles 51(c) and 253 mandate respect for international treaties.
4. Judicial Interpretations: Supreme Court rulings (e.g., D.K. Basu (1997), Puttaswamy (2017)) uphold protection against torture as part of Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity).

Judicial and Legislative Inaction

1. A Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha (2010) and the Law Commission (273rd Report, 2017) recommended an anti-torture law.
2. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also advocated for standalone legislation against torture.
3. The Supreme Court, despite recognizing custodial torture as unconstitutional, has not pushed the government to enact an anti-torture law (Ashwani Kumar case, 2019).
4. The failure to legislate goes against principles of legal certainty and judicial responsibility, as recognized by international judicial bodies.

For detailed information on India‘s baby step to prevent custodial tortures read this article here

Implications of the Absence of an Anti-Torture Law

1. Weakens Extradition Requests: India’s failure to address torture weakens its legal system and affects its ability to bring fugitives to justice.
2. Harms Democracy’s Soft Power: The Guantanamo Bay case showed how torture damages a democracy’s global standing and soft power.
3. Damages India’s Global Image: India’s failure to enact an anti-torture law undermines its credibility as a democracy and places it alongside countries that do not uphold human rights, such as Sudan and Angola.,
4. Inaction on torture laws reflects the failure of Indian politics to prioritize fundamental human rights.

Conclusion

The extradition rulings expose India’s weak legal framework on custodial torture, affecting its credibility in international courts. To uphold its democratic values, India must ratify UNCAT and enact a strong anti-torture law. Otherwise, its position as a moral leader and defender of human rights will remain compromised.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how the absence of an anti-torture law in India impacts its extradition requests and international legal credibility.

Strengthening TDSAT for data protection dispute resolution

Source: The post Strengthening TDSAT for data protection dispute resolution has been created, based on the article “Telecom tribunal reforms to handle data protection pleas” published in “The Hindu” on 20 March 2025. Strengthening TDSAT for data protection dispute resolution.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

Context: In January 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. One of the major concerns regarding the draft rules is the government’s control over appointments to the Data Protection Board (DPB), which could compromise its independence. Another issue is the feasibility of the dispute resolution mechanism, as appeals from the DPB will be handled by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). The article highlights key institutional reforms needed to equip the TDSAT for this role.

About TDSAT

1. Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) was established in 2000 by the Government of India under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 (TRAI Act)
2. Objective: To adjudicate disputes and hear appeals related to telecom, broadcasting, and information technology services in India.

For detailed information on TDSAT read this article here

Evolution of the Appellate Mechanism

1. The Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee (2018) recommended establishing a separate tribunal for data protection disputes, recognizing the need for specialized adjudication.
2. In line with this, the 2018 Personal Data Protection Bill proposed setting up a dedicated tribunal.
3. However, the 2022 draft Bill shifted appeals to High Courts, possibly to ensure stronger judicial oversight.
4. The final 2023 Act designated TDSAT as the appellate body, raising concerns about its lack of data protection expertise and existing backlog.

Key Issues with TDSAT

1. Lack of Data Protection Expertise: TDSAT members are required to have expertise in technology, telecom, industry, commerce, or administration (Section 14C, TRAI Act, 1997), but not in data protection. Data protection issues, like consent, storage, and unauthorized use of data, are distinct from telecom matters.
2. Heavy Case Backlog: As of February 2025, 3,448 cases are pending. Additional cases under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, will further burden TDSAT.
3. Judicial Member Shortage: In January 2025, TDSAT had only one technical member on its sole bench, lacking a judicial member, which the Supreme Court recommends for tribunals.
4. Weak Digital Infrastructure: Digital appeals are mandated, but TDSAT’s website is inefficient. The Legal Cases Management System’s impact is unclear (TRAI Annual Report, 2023).
5. Lack of Transparency: TDSAT does not publish detailed annual reports on appeals, decisions, and case categories.

Needed Reforms

1. Appoint a Data Protection Expert in TDSAT: Amend Section 14C of the TRAI Act, 1997 to include data protection expertise in member qualifications. This is necessary as data protection cases differ from telecom disputes.
2. Increase TDSAT’s Capacity: 3,448 cases were pending (Feb 2020–Feb 2025). The Telecommunications Act, 2023will add more cases. Expand benches and budget to meet the six-month deadline.
3. Upgrade Digital Infrastructure: The Legal Cases Management System’s impact is unclear. Improve website navigation, case tracking, and digital filings.
4. Ensure Transparency: Publish annual reports detailing appeals, outcomes, and case types (telecom, broadcasting, data protection).

Question for practice:

Examine the key institutional reforms needed to equip the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) for handling data protection appeals under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

PEPSU Muzhara Movement

News- March 19 commemorates the anniversary of the PEPSU Muzhara movement, a significant agrarian struggle in Punjab. PEPSU Muzhara Movement.

About PEPSU Muzhara Movement

• It was an agrarian struggle led by landless tenant farmers (muzharas) in Punjab.
• It aimed at land ownership rights against feudal landlords (biswedars).
• It was originated in the 1930s, intensified post-independence in PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union).

About Muzharas They were tenant farmers forced to share one-third of produce with landlords. They were originally small landowners, but lost land under British policies. They were oppressed by the feudal system controlled by biswedars.

• Key Events and March 19 significance
  • March 1949: Biswedars attempted to reclaim land in Kishangarh village, but were met with strong resistance.
  • March 17, 1949: A confrontation led to the death of a Patiala police officer, resulting in the arrest of 35 muzharas. All were acquitted in February 1950 due to the movement’s sustained efforts.
  • March 19, 1949: The Patiala administration sent the army to suppress the resistance. The confrontation led to the killing of four muzharas, making March 19 a symbol of the struggle.
  • 1953 Onwards: March 19 was annually observed to honor the movement’s martyrs.
• Geographical Spread- It covered 784 villages across Patiala, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Bathinda, Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot, and Jind (Haryana).
• Key Leaders– Jagir Singh Joga, Buta Singh, Teja Singh Sutantar, Sewa Singh Thikriwala, Bhai Jodh Singh – mobilized and led resistance.

Kamba Ramayana

News– The Ministry of Culture has launched a comprehensive initiative to preserve and promote Kamba Ramayana recitals in Tamil Nadu. Kamba Ramayana.

About Kamba Ramayana

Overview
The Kamba Ramayana, also known as Ramavataram, is a Tamil rendition of the Sanskrit Valmiki Ramayana. It stands out for its poetic brilliance and spiritual insights deeply rooted in Tamil culture.

Authorship and Patronage
This epic was composed by the renowned Tamil poet Kambar in the 12th century CE. His work was patronized by Thiruvennai Nallur Sadayappa Vallal, whose name appears every 1,000 verses as a mark of gratitude.

Historical and Cultural Significance

• Period: Written in the 12th century CE.
• Regional Connection: Strongly linked to Tamil Nadu, particularly Kambar’s birthplace, Kambar Medu in Therazhundur.
• Language: Classical Tamil, reflecting the region’s devotion and literary traditions.
• Composition Structure:
  • Organized into 6 Kandams (books) and 113 Padalams (sections)
  • Contains approximately 10,569 verses
  • Integrates Tamil folk traditions with deep philosophical themes

Traditional and Contemporary Influence

• The Kamba Ramayana is traditionally recited by the Kamba Ramayana Mandali in temples.
• Efforts are ongoing to revive its oral tradition through government and cultural initiatives.

About Kambar: The Poet Behind the Epic

Who Was Kambar?
Kambar, often hailed as Kavichakravarthy Kamban (Emperor of Poets), was a distinguished Tamil poet known for composing the Ramavataram. His literary genius enriched Tamil literature with spiritual and ethical narratives.

Life and Era

• Birthplace: Therazhundur, in present-day Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu.
• Period: Estimated to have lived between 1180 CE – 1250 CE.
• Kingdom: Flourished under the Chola Empire, during the reign of Kulothunga III.
• Influences: Lived after Vaishnavite philosopher Ramanuja, whom he referenced in his writings.

Major Works and Contributions

• Kamba Ramayanam: A Tamil adaptation of the Ramayana, blending classical poetry with rich cultural and spiritual depth.
• Other Literary Contributions:
  • Tirukkai Valakkam – Ethical and moral verses
  • Erelupatu & Silai Elupatu – Spiritual compositions
  • Kangai Puranam – Temple-centric mythological text
  • Sadagopar Antati & Saraswati Antati – Devotional poetry

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

News– The Prime Minister recently expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s involvement in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. It emphasizes the shared commitment of both nations to regional peace and stability. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

About Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

• Genesis:
  • India introduced the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) in November 2019 during the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok
  • It expands upon the “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) initiative, which was unveiled by the Prime Minister in 2015.
• Objective-To foster cooperation for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, thereby enhancing security, stability, and development in the maritime domain.
• As a voluntary, non-treaty-based initiative, IPOI seeks to enhance cohesion and regional integration through shared understanding and collective action.
• Instead of establishing a new institutional framework, it relies significantly on the EAS mechanism, which includes ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners.

Structure and Key Pillars

• IPOI is structured around seven thematic pillars, with one or more countries taking the lead in each, while others participate voluntarily. The seven IPOI pillars and their respective lead nations are:
  • Maritime Security – Led by India and the United Kingdom (UK)
  • Maritime Ecology – Led by Australia and Thailand
  • Maritime Resources – Led by France and Indonesia
  • Capacity Building and Resource Sharing – Led by Germany
  • Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – Led by India and Bangladesh
  • Science, Technology, and Academic Cooperation – Led by Italy and Singapore
  • Trade, Connectivity, and Maritime Transport – Led by Japan and the United States (US)

National Wildlife Health Policy

News– The Government of India is drafting a National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP) to strengthen wildlife disease surveillance, research, and diagnostics. National Wildlife Health Policy.

About National Wildlife Health Policy

• The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) launched the National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP) to improve wildlife health management and address zoonotic diseases.
• This initiative is an integral part of the National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31) and follows the One Health approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Key Institutions & Initiatives under NWHP

National Referral Centre for Wildlife (NRC-W)

• Recently inaugurated in Junagadh, Gujarat, NRC-W serves as a central hub for wildlife health management.
• It is India’s first dedicated wildlife disease diagnostic and research centre.
• The centre investigates wildlife mortalities, disease outbreaks, and provides treatment solutions.

National Wildlife Health Information System

• A proposed initiative under NWHP to streamline disease reporting and surveillance across different regions.
• It will collaborate with the National Animal Disease Referral Expert System and the National Animal Disease Reporting System to forecast and mitigate potential disease outbreaks.

Central Zoo Authority (CZA)

• It is a statutory body established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• It was formed in 1992 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• It works to enhance wildlife conservation efforts and maintain the health of animals in zoological parks.

Alignment with India’s Wildlife Conservation Framework

National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31)

• It comprises 103 conservation actions and 250 projects.
• It introduces standard protocols for disease surveillance in tiger reserves and protected areas.

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

• It provides a legal framework for monitoring and controlling wildlife diseases to safeguard biodiversity.