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May 25th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – May 25

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Uniform Civil Code Debate Revived: Amit Shah Assures Tribal Exemption under UCC

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reignited the national debate on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) after assuring tribal communities that their customs, traditions, and rights will remain protected even if the UCC is implemented. Speaking at the “Janjati Sanskritik Samagam” in New Delhi, he stated that tribal communities would remain outside the ambit of the proposed law and urged people not to fall for “misinformation” regarding the UCC.

What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

The Uniform Civil Code refers to a common set of civil laws governing matters such as:

  • Marriage
  • Divorce
  • Adoption
  • Inheritance
  • Succession

It seeks to replace religion-based personal laws with a uniform legal framework applicable to all citizens.

Constitutional Basis

Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), states that:

The State shall endeavour to secure for citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.

Since DPSPs are non-justiciable, UCC is not legally enforceable unless Parliament legislates on it.

Why is UCC in News?

The issue gained attention after:                                       

  • Amit Shah clarified that tribal communities would receive exemptions under UCC.
  • BJP governments in states like Uttarakhand and Gujarat have already moved toward implementing UCC frameworks with tribal exemptions.
  • The statement comes amid growing political discussions over legal uniformity, tribal autonomy, and cultural protection.

Arguments in Favour of UCC

  • Promotes equality before law.
  • Ensures gender justice by removing discriminatory personal laws.
  • Strengthens national integration through legal uniformity.
  • Simplifies legal procedures and reduces judicial complexity.

Concerns and Criticism

  • Fear of erosion of religious and cultural diversity.
  • Tribal communities worry about loss of customary practices.
  • Minority groups view it as interference in personal laws protected under Articles 25 and 29.

Critics argue that legal uniformity should not undermine pluralism.

Tribal Exemption: Why Important?

Scheduled Tribes enjoy constitutional safeguards under:

  • Fifth Schedule
  • Sixth Schedule
  • PESA Act, 1996

Many tribal communities follow customary laws related to marriage, inheritance, and land rights. Hence, the government’s assurance seeks to balance legal reform with protection of indigenous identity.

U.S. Ends Russia Oil Waiver: India Faces Fresh Energy and Diplomatic Challenge

The United States has decided to end the sanctions waiver that earlier allowed certain countries and entities to continue limited transactions involving Russian oil and energy-related services. This move is expected to tighten pressure on Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict and could significantly impact countries like India that have increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil.

Why is this in News?

The U.S. administration has withdrawn or tightened exemptions that previously permitted:

  • Limited financial transactions linked to Russian energy exports.
  • Payments through certain Russian banks involved in energy trade.
  • Shipping and insurance flexibility for Russian crude purchases.

The step is part of broader Western efforts to reduce Russia’s oil revenues that fund its war efforts in Ukraine.

Impact on India

India has become one of the largest buyers of Russian crude after the Ukraine war began in 2022 because of:

  • Discounted oil prices
  • Energy security concerns
  • Rising global crude prices

The end of the waiver may create:

  • Payment and banking difficulties
  • Higher transportation and insurance costs
  • Pressure on Indian refiners importing Russian oil
  • Diplomatic balancing challenges between India, Russia, and the West

Why Russian Oil is Important for India

  • India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil needs.
  • Russian crude helped India reduce import bills after global oil prices surged.
  • Cheap crude supported inflation control and fuel price stability.

Strategic Implications

For India

  • Need to diversify energy imports.
  • Strengthen strategic petroleum reserves.
  • Explore alternative payment systems and suppliers.

For Global Energy Market                               

  • Possible increase in global crude prices.
  • Greater volatility in energy markets.
  • Increased geopolitical tensions over sanctions enforcement.

India’s Stand

India has consistently maintained that:

  • Energy purchases are guided by national interest.
  • Affordable energy access is crucial for developing economies.
  • Sanctions not approved by the United Nations should not disrupt legitimate trade.

Section 124A Debate Revived: Supreme Court Allows Sedition Proceedings if Accused Agrees

Why is this in News?

  • In May 2022, the Supreme Court had effectively kept sedition law proceedings in abeyance while the Union government reconsidered the provision.
  • On May 21, 2026, the Court clarified that proceedings can continue if the accused voluntarily seeks continuation of the trial or appeal.
  • The issue has again highlighted concerns regarding free speech, misuse of sedition laws, and national security.

What is Section 124A?

Section 124A of the IPC dealt with the offence of sedition and punished actions or speech that:

  • Brought hatred or contempt against the government,
  • Excited disaffection toward the State.

Punishment included:

  • Life imprisonment, or
  • Imprisonment up to three years along with fines.

Colonial Background

Introduced by the British in 1870 to suppress nationalist movements and dissent.

      • Used against freedom fighters such as:
      • Bal Gangadhar Tilak
      • Mahatma Gandhi

Important Supreme Court Judgments

    • Kedar Nath Singh Case (1962)

      The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of sedition law but limited its scope only to:

      • Incitement to violence, or
      • Public disorder.

      Mere criticism of the government was held not to be sedition.

      2022 Supreme Court Order

      The Court:                      

      • Suspended fresh sedition FIRs,
      • Kept ongoing proceedings in abeyance,
      • Asked the Union government to reconsider the law.

Connection with Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

Although IPC has been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), concerns remain regarding Section 152 of the BNS, which criminalises acts threatening:

  • Sovereignty,
  • Unity,
  • Integrity of India.

Critics argue it resembles an expanded form of sedition law.

Constitutional Issues

Article 19(1)(a)

Guarantees freedom of speech and expression.

Article 19(2)

Allows reasonable restrictions in the interests of:

  • Sovereignty,
  • Security of the State,
  • Public order.

Concerns Regarding Sedition Law

  • Misuse against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
  • Chilling effect on democratic criticism.
  • Vague terms such as “disaffection”.
  • Long periods of undertrial detention.

Discovery of the Kali Night Frog Highlights India’s Rich Western Ghats Biodiversity

Scientists have identified a new species of frog named the “Kali Night Frog” from the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The discovery has drawn attention to the ecological significance of the Western Ghats and the urgent need for conservation of lesser-known amphibian species.

Why is this in News?

Researchers recently documented the new frog species from the forests of Karnataka in the Western Ghats region. The frog belongs to the Nyctibatrachus genus, commonly known as “night frogs,” which are endemic to the Western Ghats.

About the Kali Night Frog

  • Scientific group: Nyctibatrachus (Night Frogs)
  • Habitat: Forest streams and moist ecosystems of the Western Ghats
  • Name origin: Derived from the Kali River region in Karnataka
  • Characteristic features:
    • Nocturnal in nature
    • Small-sized amphibian
    • Found near freshwater streams

Significance of the Discovery

    • Biodiversity Indicator

      Amphibians are considered bio-indicators because they are highly sensitive to:

      • Climate change
      • Pollution
      • Habitat destruction

      Importance of Western Ghats

      The Western Ghats:

      • Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
      • Hosts high levels of endemism
      • Supports numerous endemic amphibians, reptiles, and plant species

Threats to Amphibians

  • Deforestation
  • Hydroelectric projects
  • Habitat fragmentation
  • Climate change
  • Water pollution
  • Spread of fungal diseases such as chytridiomycosis

Conservation Importance

The discovery underlines the need for:

  • Habitat protection
  • Scientific documentation of species
  • Ecosystem-based conservation strategies
  • Sustainable development in ecologically sensitive zones

About the Western Ghats

Western Ghats stretch across:

  • Gujarat
  • Maharashtra
  • Goa
  • Karnataka
  • Kerala
  • Tamil Nadu

They are recognised as one of the “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity in the world.

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