INDIA’S RISE IN GLOBAL UNIVERSITY RANKINGS & ROLE OF NEP 2020
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: THE HINDU
India has witnessed a big rise within the QS World College Rankings 2026, up from 11 in 2014. This achievement is credited to the transformative reforms underneath the Nationwide Schooling Coverage (NEP) 2020, aimed toward revitalizing the Indian training system.
Options of NEP 2020:
- Multidisciplinary Strategy: Encourages various and broad-based training throughout sciences, arts, and vocational expertise.
- Ability-Primarily based and Employment-Oriented: Emphasis on making ready college students for the job market.
- Analysis and Innovation Focus: Boosts tutorial analysis tradition in establishments.
- Integration of Conventional Data: Indian heritage and indigenous information are included in mainstream training.
- Holistic Improvement: Promotes values, character-building, and rootedness in Indian tradition.
Imaginative and prescient for the Future – Viksit Bharat by 2047:
- Emphasis on using the youth’s innovation, expertise, and management to attain the aim of a developed India by 2047.
- Schooling is seen as the inspiration for India’s development because the world’s fourth-largest economic system.
- Rajasthan was praised as an emblem of India’s heritage and historic resistance within the Rajputana area.
Conclusion:
The NEP 2020 has develop into a catalyst for reshaping India’s larger training, aligning it with world requirements. This tutorial transformation is essential to realizing the imaginative and prescient of a self-reliant and developed India by 2047.
INDIA’S FDI TRENDS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The United Nations Convention on Commerce and Improvement (UNCTAD), in its World Funding Report 2025, has raised issues over the declining development of Overseas Direct Funding (FDI) into India. This drop, each in quantity and as a share of capital formation, might weaken India’s long-term financial targets.
Observations from the Report
- FDI inflows into India in 2024 stood at $27.6 billion, displaying a 1.8% drop from the earlier yr.
- This quantity is lower than 50% of the FDI obtained in 2020, signaling a big contraction.
- The FDI contribution to gross capital formation decreased to 2.3% in 2024, from 8.8% in 2020.
- The FDI inventory as a share of GDP additionally fell from 17.9% in 2020 to 14% in 2024.
Main Causes Behind the Decline
- International financial slowdown, post-pandemic uncertainty, and inflationary tendencies.
- Rising geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia and Japanese Europe.
- The “China + 1” technique, main corporations to diversify however not at all times selecting India.
- Home challenges reminiscent of coverage instability, frequent regulatory adjustments, and complicated compliance norms.
Penalties for India
- A shrinking FDI base might sluggish personal sector funding, limiting employment era and innovation.
- It might hinder infrastructure growth, particularly in sectors like power, logistics, and concrete mobility.
- Programmes like Make in India, Digital India, and the Startup ecosystem might face funding constraints and tech delays.
- India’s world competitiveness and investor confidence might endure in the long term.
Coverage Suggestions
- Guarantee coverage stability and transparency to construct investor belief.
- Strengthen ease of doing enterprise by means of sooner clearances and fewer purple tape.
- Push for complete funding treaties with key economies.
- Promote sector-specific incentives in areas like semiconductors, inexperienced power, and AI.
- Improve coordination between Centre and States on funding facilitation.
Conclusion
FDI performs an important function in boosting capital formation, employment, and innovation. India should tackle each world and home elements affecting investor sentiment. By adopting a balanced and focused method, India can regain its attraction as a most popular FDI vacation spot.
REPATRIATION AND DIGNITY OF SRI LANKAN REFUGEES IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS
The difficulty of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, has resurfaced because of current authorized and political developments in India and Sri Lanka. It highlights the pressing want for a humane, constant, and rights-based refugee coverage.
Sri Lankan Refugees in India:
- Practically 90,000 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees have lived in Tamil Nadu for many years, primarily because the civil warfare in Sri Lanka (1983–2009).
- Many arrived between July 1983 and June 2012, and arranged repatriation befell till March 1995.
- In contrast to Tibetan refugees, Sri Lankan refugees have largely been confined to Tamil Nadu and have had restricted integration.
Latest Developments:
- The Supreme Court docket of India lately refused to intervene with a Excessive Court docket judgment involving a Sri Lankan refugee convicted underneath the UAPA Act.
- The Court docket remarked that “India just isn’t a dharamshala,” signaling a shift from India’s historically sympathetic method.
- In one other case, a 70-year-old refugee returning to Sri Lanka was detained regardless of UNHCR involvement, elevating issues over coverage inconsistencies.
Coverage Distinction: Sri Lankan vs. Tibetan Refugees
- Tibetan refugees are unfold throughout varied Indian states and revel in extra welfare and integration assist.
- Sri Lankan refugees, nonetheless, are seen primarily by means of a repatriation lens, with the Ministry of Dwelling Affairs specializing in their return relatively than integration.
- Tibetan Rehabilitation Coverage (2014) ensures advantages and paperwork for Tibetans, whereas no related framework exists for Sri Lankan Tamils.
Integration Challenges:
- Amongst almost 500 youth with engineering levels in Tamil Nadu, solely 5% have discovered jobs.
- Personal corporations, particularly in IT, are reluctant to rent them because of their refugee standing and lack of authorized readability.
- Authorities schemes like MGNREGA or private-sector employment should not simply accessible for them.
Method Ahead:
- A dignified resolution requires combining repatriation with native integration, involving each Indian and Sri Lankan stakeholders.
- A welfare-oriented refugee coverage might present training, employment, and identification rights, guaranteeing fundamental dignity.
Conclusion:
Refugee identification mustn’t deny people their proper to reside with honour. Because the world observes World Refugee Day (June 20), India should give attention to creating humane and inclusive refugee insurance policies rooted in compassion and dignity.
RISING ISRAEL–IRAN TENSIONS
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: HINDUSTHAN TIMES
Tensions between Israel and Iran have surged following mutual navy assaults. The battle has taken a harmful flip with Israel instantly accusing Iran’s Supreme Chief of orchestrating missile strikes.
Background of the Battle
- On June 13, 2025, Israel launched strikes focusing on Iran’s suspected nuclear services.
- In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles, one among which struck Soroka Hospital in Israel.
- Israel’s Defence Minister blamed Iran’s Supreme Chief, Ayatollah Khamenei, for the assault, elevating rhetoric to unprecedented ranges.
- There are rising indicators of potential U.S. navy involvement in assist of Israel.
Geopolitical and Regional Dangers
- Strait of Hormuz, a slender chokepoint by means of which 20% of world oil passes, is underneath risk if Iran retaliates additional.
- The disaster might contain U.S. bases, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) international locations, and spark a broader West Asia battle.
- Danger of escalation consists of assaults on oil tankers, cyber warfare, and disruption of regional commerce routes.
Implications for India
- Vitality issues: Oil costs might rise considerably, straining India’s import invoice and fiscal deficit.
- Indian diaspora: Over 8 million Indians reside within the Gulf; their security and evacuation readiness are essential.
- A check for India’s strategic autonomy: sustaining balanced ties with each Iran and Israel, who’re key to power, defence, and regional diplomacy.
India’s Response and the Method Ahead
- India has urged each nations to indicate restraint and return to dialogue.
- Ought to promote peaceable decision by means of UN platforms and non-alignment boards like NAM.
- Should guarantee power diversification and strengthen strategic oil reserves to face up to world worth shocks.
- Scale-up evacuation preparedness, as demonstrated in Operation Sindhu for Indian nationals in Iran.
Conclusion
India’s impartial and pragmatic method will likely be examined on this disaster. With deep stakes in West Asian stability, India’s response should steadiness diplomacy, humanitarian concern, and nationwide curiosity.
REMISSION IN BILKIS BANO CASE
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS
The Supreme Court docket of India, in a landmark judgment, overturned its earlier directive that allowed the State of Gujarat to contemplate remission for 11 convicts within the Bilkis Bano gangrape case, terming the sooner resolution as “dangerous in legislation.”
Case Background
- Bilkis Bano, a pregnant lady, was gangraped through the 2002 Gujarat riots, and several other of her members of the family have been murdered.
- The 11 convicts have been sentenced to life imprisonment however have been prematurely launched in 2022, based mostly on a Supreme Court docket path to Gujarat to contemplate their remission request.
- The current SC judgment dominated that Gujarat had no jurisdiction, because the trial befell in Maharashtra, making the earlier order legally incorrect.
Authorized and Moral Points Raised
Authorized Dimensions
- Jurisdictional Misuse: The Supreme Court docket clarified that solely Maharashtra had the authority to determine on remission, not Gujarat.
- Constitutional Limits: Article 72 and 161 give powers of remission, however these powers should align with equity, non-arbitrariness, and justice.
- Judicial Accountability: The Court docket acknowledged its personal error, reinforcing the precept of judicial overview and correction.
Moral and Governance Considerations
- Sufferer Rights Ignored: The sufferer’s consent or views weren’t thought-about earlier than granting launch.
- Public Morality: The choice to launch convicts in a case of mass violence and rape undermines social belief and justice.
- Rule of Legislation: Remission should not override the seriousness of heinous crimes.
Implications and Method Ahead
- Unified Remission Coverage: There’s a have to standardize remission norms throughout states to keep away from misuse.
- Sufferer-Centric Strategy: In delicate circumstances, victims ought to have a say in choices concerning remission.
- Stronger Judicial Oversight: Courts should actively scrutinize government choices to make sure justice just isn’t compromised.
- Public Confidence: Clear and truthful use of remission strengthens religion within the justice system.
Conclusion
The Bilkis Bano case is not only about authorized procedures—it raises basic questions on justice, dignity, and ethics. The Supreme Court docket’s resolution to rectify its personal ruling is a highly effective instance of institutional self-correction and sends a robust message that rule of legislation should prevail over political comfort.
SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY (SMA)
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
A new child in Kerala has develop into the primary in India to obtain pre-symptomatic remedy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) following prenatal genetic screening. This step might remodel the way forward for uncommon illness administration and genetic healthcare in India.
What’s Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?
- SMA is a uncommon genetic dysfunction affecting motor neurons that management muscle motion.
- It’s brought on by mutations within the SMN1 gene, resulting in progressive muscle weak spot and neuron harm.
- The illness is incurable, however early intervention with medication like Risdiplam can delay development and protect motor perform.
Kerala’s Initiative:
- The newborn was identified with SMA by means of prenatal testing, because the mom is an SMA affected person.
- Therapy was began at SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, utilizing Risdiplam even earlier than signs started.
- This early remedy reduces the danger of everlasting motor neuron harm and improves future mobility.
Conclusion:
Kerala’s proactive step in early SMA remedy highlights the significance of preventive genetics and public well being assist in managing uncommon illnesses. It units a mannequin for the remainder of the nation in inclusive, futuristic healthcare.
COOK ISLANDS AND THEIR GEOSTRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU
The Prepare dinner Islands, a small but strategically situated group of islands within the South Pacific, have lately gained consideration because of New Zealand’s suspension of monetary help over issues concerning the Islands’ rising ties with China. This growth holds broader implications for Indo-Pacific geopolitics, small island diplomacy, and China’s increasing footprint in Oceania.
Geography and Location
- The Prepare dinner Islands comprise 15 islands unfold over an unlimited 2 million sq. km of ocean territory within the South Pacific.
- Situated inside the Polynesian Triangle, they lie halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand.
- They’re geographically positioned east of Niue, Tonga, and Samoa, south of Kiribati, and west of French Polynesia.
- The islands are divided into:
- Northern Group: Coral atolls, flat and sparsely populated (e.g., Penrhyn, Manihiki).
- Southern Group: Volcanic, bigger, extra populated (e.g., Rarotonga, Aitutaki).
- Rarotonga Island is probably the most populous and homes the capital Avarua.
- The best peak is Te Manga (652 m) on Rarotonga.
Political and Constitutional Setup
- The Prepare dinner Islands are a self-governing nation in free affiliation with New Zealand since 1965.
- Beneath this association:
- Residents are New Zealand residents.
- They take pleasure in free motion to New Zealand and Australia.
- The nation follows a parliamentary democracy inside a constitutional monarchy.
- Foreign money used: New Zealand Greenback (NZD).
Present Affairs: Shift In the direction of China
- In June 2025, New Zealand suspended budgetary funding, expressing issues over the Prepare dinner Islands’ rising engagement with China, notably in infrastructure and monetary cooperation.
- This marks a pressure in what was traditionally an in depth constitutional and diplomatic relationship.
- The Prepare dinner Islands has lately signed cooperation offers with China underneath the Belt and Highway Initiative (BRI).
- China’s help and funding within the Pacific Islands is seen by many as a solution to counter Western affect within the area.
Significance for India and the Area
- India, as a part of its Act East and Indo-Pacific technique, has begun to interact Pacific Island nations by means of the Discussion board for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
- The shift in alliances of microstates just like the Prepare dinner Islands might affect maritime safety, local weather finance negotiations, and regional multilateral groupings.
- The present developments spotlight the strategic competitors in Oceania amongst world powers, together with China, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S..
Conclusion
Although small in measurement, the Prepare dinner Islands carry outsized strategic weight within the geopolitics of the Pacific. The China issue has sophisticated conventional ties and raised questions on sovereignty, help dependence, and regional energy steadiness. For UPSC aspirants, it is a basic instance of geopolitical competitors intersecting with microstate diplomacy.
OPERATION SINDHU
TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS
As tensions rise in West Asia as a result of Israel-Iran battle, India launched Operation Sindhu to make sure the secure evacuation of Indian residents from Iran. This marks one other occasion of India’s proactive diplomatic and humanitarian response in world crises.
What’s Operation Sindhu?
- Operation Sindhu is a government-led evacuation mission launched in June 2025.
- It was initiated to rescue Indian nationals stranded in Iran, fearing the outbreak of a bigger navy battle involving Israel, Iran, and america.
- The operation displays India’s rising disaster response capability and dedication to guard its residents overseas.
Options of the Operation
- Over 10,000 Indian nationals are at present in Iran, together with round 6,000 college students.
- Within the first section, 110 Indian college students from northern Iran have been moved safely by street to Yerevan, Armenia.
- The Indian embassies in Tehran and Yerevan are coordinating the evacuation, figuring out high-risk areas, and shifting folks to safer zones.
- A 24×7 Management Room has been arrange in New Delhi to watch developments and supply real-time assist.
- The Indian Embassy in Tehran has additionally created a devoted emergency helpline for residents.
Present Relevance and Significance
- Highlights India’s diplomatic preparedness and world humanitarian engagement.
- Builds on India’s legacy of evacuation missions like Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Vande Bharat (COVID), and Operation Kaveri (Sudan).
- Demonstrates India’s sturdy consular community and the aptitude of rapidly responding to geopolitical crises.
Conclusion
Operation Sindhu is a mirrored image of India’s duty in the direction of its diaspora. Within the evolving safety situation in West Asia, such missions reinforce India’s world picture as a responsive and humane energy that safeguards its folks, whatever the area or threat concerned.
The put up Every day Present Affairs 20-June-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.
