Nomination in Union Territory (UT) Legislatures

Source: The Hindu

Context

Recently, the Union Home Ministry informed the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) can nominate five members to the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, and for this, the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers is not required.

What is Nomination in UT Legislatures?

• It refers to the constitutional and statutory provision under which some members are not elected, but appointed to the legislature.
• These members generally represent special communities, migrants, women, or fields of expertise.

Constitutional Perspective

Parliament and States:

• Earlier, the Constitution provided for nomination of members from the Anglo-Indian community (abolished in 2020).
• In the Rajya Sabha, the President nominates 12 members.
• In Legislative Councils, the Governor nominates 1/6th of the total members.

Union Territories:

• UTs are directly administered by the Union Government; hence, their legislatures derive authority from Parliamentary Acts rather than the same constitutional framework as states.

Nomination Process

Jammu & Kashmir

• Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (amended 2023), Section 14
  • 90 elected seats.
  • The LG can nominate up to 5 members:
    • 2 women
    • 2 Kashmiri migrants
    • 1 displaced person (from PoK)

Puducherry

• Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, Section 3
  • 30 elected members.
  • The Central Government can nominate up to 3 members.

Delhi

• GNCTD Act, 1991, Section 3
  • 70 elected members.
  • No provision for nominated members.

Judicial Interpretation

Puducherry Case (K. Lakshminarayanan, 2018):

• Madras High Court upheld the Central Government’s power of nomination; advice of the UT Government not required.
• The Supreme Court also confirmed this.

Delhi Case (NCT of Delhi v. Union, 2023):

• The Supreme Court clarified the principle of “Triple Chain of Command” (Bureaucrat → Minister → Assembly → People).
• Ruled that the LG must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in matters beyond the Assembly’s jurisdiction.

Difference between Nomination in States and UTs

1. Authority:
   • In States, the Governor nominates members on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
   • In UTs, nomination is often done directly by the Central Government or LG.
2. Autonomy:
   • States enjoy constitutional status.
   • UT legislatures derive power only from Parliamentary Acts.
3. Democratic Balance:
   • In small UTs like Puducherry or J&K, nominated members can influence majority, while in large states their impact is negligible.
4. Judicial Standpoint:
   • Courts have upheld the primacy of the Centre in UT nominations, thereby limiting the role of locally elected governments.

👉 This topic is closely linked to the Constitution, Centre-State relations, and judicial interpretation, making it highly important for UPSC GS Paper 2.

Indian Astronauts to Land on the Moon by 2040

Source: Economic Times (ET)

Context

Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced in the Lok Sabha that by the year 2040, an Indian astronaut will land on the Moon. He also presented the outline of India’s comprehensive space roadmap.

India’s Lunar Mission

What is it?

• The proposed Indian manned lunar mission by 2040 is part of a long-term vision to establish India as a global space power and align it with the goal of a Developed India by 2047.

Objectives

• To demonstrate human space exploration capability beyond Earth’s orbit.
• To develop indigenous capacity for habitation, exploration, and resource utilization on the Moon.
• To link India’s space program with its economic, scientific, and strategic ambitions.

Key Features

• Human Landing: By 2040, an Indian astronaut will set foot on the lunar surface.
• Indigenous Development: Launch vehicles, life-support systems, and surface technologies to be developed in India.
• Global Cooperation: Possibility of joint missions and technology sharing with advanced space agencies.
• Economic Vision: The mission is expected to strengthen India’s share in the estimated $45 billion global space economy.

Other Milestones in India’s Space Program

1. 2026 – Vyommitra Mission: An unmanned mission with humanoid robot Vyommitra to test critical systems.
2. 2027 – Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first human spaceflight mission, sending astronauts into low Earth orbit.
3. 2035 – Indian Space Station: Establishment of India’s own space station for long-duration experiments.
4. 2040 – Manned Lunar Landing: An Indian astronaut will step onto the Moon — a historic leap.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Source: The Hindu

Context

The UNHCR has suspended the repatriation process of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees from India, after some returnees were arrested in Sri Lanka on charges of violating immigration laws.

About UNHCR

What is it?

• The UNHCR is a United Nations agency mandated to protect and assist refugees, stateless persons, and internally displaced people.
• It promotes durable solutions such as:
  • Voluntary Repatriation
  • Local Integration
  • Resettlement in a third country

Establishment

• Established by the UN General Assembly in 1950 in the aftermath of World War II.
• Began operations in 1951 with an initial three-year mandate, later made permanent.

Leadership

• Headed by the High Commissioner for Refugees, elected by the UN General Assembly.
• Current High Commissioner: Filippo Grandi (Italy), in office since 2016.

Organizational Structure

1. Executive Committee (ExCom): Provides policy guidance; includes 100+ member states.
2. Secretariat: Led by the High Commissioner, with regional and field offices worldwide.
3. Funding: Entirely voluntary — sourced from governments, private donors, and organizations.

Functions and Powers

• Refugee Protection: Ensuring Non-Refoulement (no forced return to places of danger).
• Humanitarian Assistance: Providing shelter, food, healthcare, and education to displaced persons.
• Resettlement & Repatriation: Facilitating voluntary return or local integration.
• Advocacy: Working with governments to safeguard refugee rights and improve asylum policies.
• Ending Statelessness: Leading global initiatives to eradicate statelessness.

👉 This topic links with International Organizations and Humanitarian Issues, making it important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (International Relations).

Procedure for Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

Source: Indian Express

Context

The opposition is considering moving an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

About the Removal of the CEC

What is it?

• The CEC is a constitutional authority under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
• The removal process is designed to ensure the independence and impartiality of the Election Commission.
• The CEC can be removed only on the same grounds and through the same process as a Supreme Court judge.

Removal Process

Grounds:

• Proved Misbehaviour → includes corruption, abuse of office, or failure in duties.
• Incapacity → inability to perform constitutional functions.

Initiation:

• A motion containing the charges is introduced in either House of Parliament.
• It requires the support of at least 50 MPs to be admitted.

Inquiry:

• A judicial inquiry committee examines the evidence and confirms the charges.

Voting in Parliament:

• The motion must be passed in both Houses of Parliament by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

Presidential Action:

• Once approved by Parliament, the President issues the removal order.
• The President has no discretion in this matter.

Other Election Commissioners:

• They can only be removed on the recommendation of the CEC, which further strengthens institutional independence.

Historical Note

• Since Independence, no CEC has ever been removed.
• This high constitutional safeguard acts as a protection against political interference.

👉 This topic directly relates to Constitutional Bodies, Separation of Powers, and Democratic Institutions, making it highly relevant for UPSC GS Paper 2.

Removable Solar Panel System

Source: Economic Times (ET)

Context

Indian Railways has installed the country’s first removable solar panel system between railway tracks.

About the Removable Solar Panel System

What is it?

• A 70-meter-long solar plant fitted with 28 removable panels, generating 15 KWp of power.
• Installed between railway tracks, ensuring efficient land use.
• Launched in August 2025 at Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi, by the Ministry of Railways.

Objectives:

• To promote green and sustainable rail transport.
• To generate clean energy by utilizing unused track space.
• To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower the carbon footprint.

Features

• Removable Design: Panels can be detached during maintenance or emergencies.
• Compact Installation: Does not require large land ownership.
• 15 KWp Capacity: Meets auxiliary power needs of railway units.
• Pilot Project: A replicable model for expansion across India.

Significance

• Environmental Impact: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Economic Efficiency: Lowers operational costs through renewable energy.
• Innovative Land Use: Utilizes unused railway track areas for power generation.

👉 This project is a step toward India’s net-zero goals and is relevant for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Environment, Infrastructure, and Technology).

Indian Ports Bill, 2025

Source: Free Press Journal (FPJ)

Context

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, which will replace the colonial-era Indian Ports Act, 1908.

About the Indian Ports Bill, 2025

What is it?

• A new legislation replacing the old Indian Ports Act, 1908.
• Provides a modern, transparent, and investor-friendly framework for India’s port sector.

Objectives of the Bill:

• Replace outdated colonial laws with a contemporary governance structure.
• Strengthen cooperative federalism through Centre–State partnership.
• Ensure environmental compliance and promote green port development.
• Encourage investment, PPPs, and FDI in the maritime sector.

Key Features

Institutional Reforms:

• Maritime State Development Council (MSDC): For Centre–State coordination.
• State Maritime Boards: For regulation of non-major ports.
• Dispute Resolution Committees: For sector-specific conflict resolution.

Operational Reforms:

• Freedom for tariff determination under transparent rules.
• Integrated planning for cargo growth and multimodal logistics.
• Digitalization through Maritime Single Window, vessel tracking, and e-clearances.

Environmental and Safety Measures:

• Mandatory waste reception facilities and ballast water management.
• Compliance with MARPOL conventions.
• Emergency preparedness and adoption of renewable energy.

Significance

• Economic Growth: Ports as engines of trade, logistics, and employment.
• Global Alignment: Brings India at par with leading maritime nations.
• Sustainable Development: Step towards green and smart ports.

👉 This topic is important for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure, Economy, and Environment) and for understanding India’s maritime strategy.

The Road to Ending Global Hunger Runs Through India

Syllabus: Hunger and Poverty
Source: The Hindu

Context

The UN FAO’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 Report highlights a global decline in undernourishment (8.2% or 673 million people), with India playing a decisive role.

• India reduced the prevalence of undernourishment from 15% in 2020–22 to 12% in 2022–24, thereby pulling 30 million people out of hunger.

About Hunger

What is hunger?

• Definition: A condition in which a person does not get enough calories or nutrients, affecting health and productivity.
• It has three forms:
  1. Undernourishment: Inadequate calorie intake.
  2. Malnutrition: Poor quality of food, lacking protein and micronutrients.
  3. Hidden Hunger: Micronutrient deficiencies (iron, iodine, vitamin A, zinc).

Causes of Hunger

1. Poverty and Inequality
   • Poverty is the biggest driver of hunger. Even when food is available, low income prevents adequate access.
   • Example: NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023 shows 11.28% of India’s population is multidimensionally poor.
2. Agricultural Challenges
   • Fragmented landholdings, erratic monsoons, and lack of irrigation reduce productivity.
   • FAO: 13% of food grains are lost post-harvest.
3. High Food Prices
   • FAO estimates 60% of India’s population cannot afford a healthy diet.
   • Rising prices of pulses, fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods keep the poor away from nutrition.
4. Weak Infrastructure and Supply Chains
   • Lack of cold storage and logistics leads to massive food wastage.
   • ICAR (2022): Post-harvest losses cost India ₹92,000 crore annually.
5. Governance, Conflicts, and Climate Change
   • Globally, wars (Ukraine), pandemics (COVID-19), and climate disasters (floods, droughts) worsen hunger.
   • In India, crop losses due to climate shocks deepen food insecurity.
6. Health and Sanitation Problems
   • Poor maternal health, open defecation, and lack of clean water increase child malnutrition.
   • NFHS-5 (2019–21): 35.5% of children under 5 are stunted and 19.3% wasted.

Consequences of Hunger

1. Loss of Human Capital → Affects children’s education and adult productivity; perpetuates intergenerational poverty.
2. Economic Burden → Hunger lowers productivity and raises healthcare costs. Global Nutrition Report (2021): Malnutrition costs India 2–3% of GDP.
3. Health Risks → Higher vulnerability to TB, diarrhoea, anaemia. Vitamin A deficiency causes blindness; zinc deficiency weakens immunity; iodine deficiency hampers mental growth.
4. Social Instability → Food insecurity can trigger unrest, migration, and riots.
5. Failure of SDGs → Directly impacts SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and indirectly SDG 3 (Health), SDG 4 (Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work).

India’s Role

1. Strengthened Public Distribution System (PDS)
   • Digitisation, Aadhaar verification, and One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) improved targeting.
   • NFSA and PMGKAY cover 800 million beneficiaries with subsidised food grains.
2. Nutrition-Specific Programs
   • PM POSHAN (2021): Reoriented school meals towards nutrition.
   • ICDS and POSHAN Abhiyaan: Focus on dietary diversity, maternal and child health.
   • Anemia Mukt Bharat: Reducing anaemia in women and children.
3. Digital and Technological Edge
   • e-NAM, AgriStack, geospatial tools: Link farmers to markets, reduce wastage.
   • Bhavishya, CPENGRAMS: Indirectly strengthen food security and grievance redressal.
4. Agri-Food System Transformation
   • Climate-resilient crops, FPOs, and women-led food enterprises.
   • Expansion of cold chains and logistics.
5. Global Leadership
   • India’s scale and policies are decisive for progress towards SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
   • FAO: India is a model for the Global South, leading in digital governance and food security initiatives.

Way Forward

1. Shift from Calorie Security to Nutrition Security → Fortify staples (rice, wheat, salt, oil); subsidise protein foods like pulses, milk, eggs.
2. Strengthen Infrastructure → Expand cold chains, warehouses, cooperatives; reduce ₹92,000 crore post-harvest losses.
3. Ensure Affordable Diets → Provide fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs to poor families; DBT for nutrient-rich foods.
4. Empower Small Farmers and Women → Expand FPOs, SHGs, and women-led enterprises; promote climate-smart and bio-fortified crops.
5. Tackle Both Malnutrition and Obesity → Adopt double-duty policies for urban poor; launch nutrition literacy campaigns in schools and workplaces.
6. Global Knowledge Sharing → Scale India’s models (ONORC, PDS digitisation, nutrition schemes) to other developing countries.

Conclusion

India has emerged as a symbol of hope in reducing global hunger. The focus must now shift beyond calorie security towards nutrition, resilience, and agri-food system transformation. With only five years left for the 2030 SDGs, India’s leadership will be decisive in achieving Zero Hunger.