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March 16th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – March 27

Table of Contents

Faiths and Fences: On reservation benefits, religious groups

The debate is about:

  • Whether Scheduled Caste (SC) reservation benefits should be extended to people who convert to religions like Christianity or Islam and whether caste-based discrimination continues even after conversion

Recent Supreme Court Context

The Supreme Court of India is examining:

  • Petitions seeking SC status for Dalit converts (Muslims & Christians)
  • Argument: Social discrimination persists despite conversion
  • Government’s stance:
    • SC status is linked to Hindu social structure (caste system origin)
    • A commission (like K.G. Balakrishnan Commission) is studying it

 It has reopened a constitutional and social debate

Original Constitutional Concept of Reservation

Reservation was meant for:

  • Historical injustice + social discrimination
  • Not religion, but social backwardness rooted in caste hierarchy

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision:

  • Target: “Untouchability-based oppression”
  • Focus group: Communities suffering within caste system

Article 341 - President’s Power (VERY IMPORTANT)

What does Article 341 say?

  • The President of India:
    • Specifies which castes are Scheduled Castes
    • Done through a Presidential Order

 Key Points:

  • President acts after consultation with Governor
  • Once notified:
     Only Parliament can:
    • Include or exclude any caste from SC list

– Courts cannot directly change the list
 -State governments cannot change it

– So ultimate authority = Parliament      

Who Can Change the SC List?

 

Authority

Role

President

Notifies initial list

Parliament

Can amend (add/remove castes)

Judiciary

Can interpret, but NOT modify list

Article 25(2) - Religious Freedom vs Social Reform

Article 25:

Guarantees freedom of religion

 Article 25(2)(b):

State can:
– Make laws for social welfare and reform

– Allows:

  • Opening Hindu religious institutions to all classes
  • Breaking caste-based discrimination

– Important Link:

  • Used to justify state intervention in caste inequalities
  • Shows Constitution prioritizes social justice over rigid religious practices

Key Conceptual Conflict

Principle

Meaning

Social Justice

Help historically oppressed

Religious Neutrality

State should not discriminate based on religion

Constitutional Intent

SC meant for caste-based untouchability

Tepid Promises: India & Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity

Background: Global Climate Framework

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

  • Adopted in 1992 (Rio Summit)
  • Objective: Stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations
  • Basis of global climate negotiations

 Paris Agreement

  • Signed in 2015 under UNFCCC
  • Goal: Limit global warming to well below 2°C (preferably 1.5°C)
  • Countries submit NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions)

What are NDCs?

NDCs = Country-specific climate action plans

They include:

  • Emission reduction targets
  • Renewable energy goals
  • Adaptation strategies

India’s Updated NDCs

India committed to: As per latest developments:

  1. 60% of electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2035
  2. 47% reduction in emissions intensity (from 2005 levels)
  3. Carbon sink expansion: 3.5–4 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent

Installed Capacity vs Actual Generation (CORE ISSUE)

 Installed Capacity:

  • Total power generation potential (e.g., solar, wind plants installed)

 Actual Generation:

  • Real electricity produced

 Problem:       

  • India has high installed renewable capacity
  • But actual generation is lower

 Reasons:

  • Intermittency (solar/wind not constant)
  • Storage limitations
  • Grid infrastructure gaps
  • Coal still dominates base load

Is India Fully Capable of Using its Non-Fossil Energy?

 Strengths:

  • Rapid solar expansion (e.g., solar parks)
  • Policy push (PLI schemes, green hydrogen mission)
  • Global leadership (International Solar Alliance)

 Challenges:

  • Storage technology (battery costs)
  • Grid integration issues
  • Dependence on coal for stability
  • Financial stress in DISCOMs

 Conclusion:
Capacity exists, but utilization efficiency is still evolving

Common But Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR)

 Strengths:

  • Rapid solar expansion (e.g., solar parks)
  • Policy push (PLI schemes, green hydrogen mission)
  • Global leadership (International Solar Alliance)

 Challenges:

  • Storage technology (battery costs)
  • Grid integration issues
  • Dependence on coal for stability
  • Financial stress in DISCOMs

 Conclusion:
Capacity exists, but utilization efficiency is still evolving

Way Forward for India

 Improve Storage Capacity

  • Battery tech, pumped hydro

 Grid Modernization

  • Smart grids, better transmission

 Reduce Coal Dependence Gradually

  • Not abrupt (energy security concern)

 Boost Green Hydrogen

  • Future clean fuel

 Climate Finance & Technology Transfer

  • From developed countries

. Align Installed Capacity with Actual Output

  • Focus on efficiency, not just targets

S-400 deliveries accelerated as India enhances air defence capability

What is S-400?

The S-400 Triumf is:

  • A long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system
  • Designed to detect, track, and destroy:
    • Aircraft  
    • Drones
    • Cruise missiles
    • Ballistic missiles

 It is among the most advanced air defence systems in the world

Who Developed It?

  • Developed by Almaz-Antey

Country: Russia

Special Features of S-400

Multi-layered Defence

  • Can engage multiple targets simultaneously (≈36 targets)

 Long Range

  • Up to 400 km interception range

 Multi-Missile Capability

Uses different missiles for different ranges:

  • 40 km
  • 120 km
  • 250 km
  • 400 km

 This creates a layered shield system

 Advanced Radar

  • Can detect targets up to 600 km away
  • Tracks stealth aircraft also (partially)

 Mobility

  • Highly mobile – can be deployed quickly

India & S-400

  • India signed deal with Russia in 2018
  • Deployment enhances:
    • Air defence vs China & Pakistan
    • Strategic deterrence

Major Missile Defence Systems (Country-wise)

System

Country

S-400 Triumf

Russia

S-500 Prometey

Russia

Patriot Missile System

USA

THAAD

USA

Iron Dome

Israel

David’s Sling

Israel

Arrow Missile System

Israel

HQ-9

China

Akash Missile System

India

Why is it called “Sudarshan Chakra”?

The S-400 is often nicknamed “Sudarshan Chakra” in India because:

  • Sudarshan Chakra
  • It symbolizes:
    • Precision strike
    • 360-degree protection
    • Unstoppable power

 Just like the mythological weapon:

  • S-400 can target enemies from all directions
  • Acts as a protective shield

Willing to work with India for common interest in global south, BRICS- China

What is the Issue?

Recently, China expressed willingness to cooperate with India within forums like BRICS for advancing Global South interests.

 This comes despite ongoing tensions (border issues, strategic rivalry).

What is BRICS?

BRICS includes:

  • Brazil
  • Russia
  • India
  • China
  • South Africa

 Now expanded (BRICS+) to include more developing countries.

 Objective:

  • Promote economic cooperation
  • Reform global institutions (IMF, World Bank)

Represent Global South voices

What is the Global South?

Refers to:

  • Developing countries in:
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Latin America

Key Issues:

  • Poverty
  • Climate vulnerability
  • Debt crisis
  • Unequal global representation

Why China’s Statement Matters?

Positive Angle:

  • Cooperation between India & China can:
    • Strengthen Global South unity
    • Push for multipolar world order
    • Reform global governance

 Ground Reality:

  • India-China tensions due to:
    • Border disputes (LAC)
    • Strategic competition in Indo-Pacific

 So, cooperation = issue-based, not full trust

India’s Position

India focuses on:

  • “Voice of Global South” (G20 theme)
  • Development partnerships
  • Climate justice
  • Digital public infrastructure (UPI, Aadhaar model)

 India prefers:

  • Inclusive cooperation

But cautious about China’s dominance

Importance for Global South

If both cooperate:

  • Stronger bargaining power in climate talks
  • Better access to finance & technology
  • Reduced dominance of Western institutions

Challenges

  • Trust deficit
  • China’s Belt and Road Initiative vs India’s concerns
  • Power imbalance within BRICS
  • Geopolitical rivalry

Way Forward

  • Issue-based cooperation (climate, trade, development)
  • Respect for sovereignty & territorial integrity
  • Strengthen BRICS institutions like New Development Bank
  • Balance cooperation with strategic caution

Jaishankar, French counterpart discuss Iran, Hormuz at G7 meet”

What is the News About?

  • S. Jaishankar attended the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in France
  • Held discussions with France and other countries on:
    • Iran crisis
    • Security of Strait of Hormuz
    • Broader West Asia tensions

 The issue is critical due to its impact on global energy supply and trade

What is G7?

Group of Seven includes:

  • USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada

 India is not a member, but is invited as a partner country

 Focus of Current Meeting:

  • West Asia crisis
  • Energy security

Maritime safety

Why is the Strait of Hormuz Important?

Strait of Hormuz:

  • Connects Persian Gulf → Arabian Sea
  • Handles ~20% of global oil trade
  • Critical for India:
    • India imports a large share of oil through this route

 Any disruption = global energy crisis + inflation

Current Crisis

  • Conflict involving Iran has:
    • Disrupted shipping
    • Created risks for oil tankers
  • Some ships delayed or blocked

Countries discussing naval cooperation to secure route

India’s Role

India is pursuing balanced diplomacy:

 Engagement with Iran

  • Talks to ensure safe passage of Indian ships
  • Diplomatic approach preferred over confrontation

 Multilateral Coordination

  • Participating in G7 discussions
  • Working with France and others on maritime security

 Energy Security

  • Diversifying oil imports
  • Ensuring uninterrupted supply

France’s Role

  • Leading discussions on international mission in Hormuz
  • Focus on:
    • Protecting shipping
    • De-mining operations
    • Coordinated naval presence

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