12 September 2025

•  Article 200: Governor’s options on a State Bill assent, withhold, return (if not Money Bill), or reserve for President.
• Article 201: President’s power on reserved Bills. Doctrine of Separation of Powers: Ensures checks and balances between legislature, executive,
  judiciary.
• Aid & Advice Principle (Art. 163): Governor normally acts on advice of State Council of Ministers

• April 2025 (Tamil Nadu Case): SC held “pocket veto” by Governors is unconstitutional; Governor must act “as soon as possible.”
  Mandamus: SC can direct Governor to take a decision(but not dictate which decision).Re-passed Bill Rule: If Assembly re-passes a Bill,
  Governor is bound to give assent unless the Bill has material changes.

• Trigger: April 8 SC judgment prescribing 3-month deadline for Governors/President to act on Bills.
• CJI B.R. Gavai:
  
  •  No authority is above law.
  • Court cannot remain powerless if a constitutional authority fails in duties.

•  Uniform deadlines are “self-destructive.”
• Each Bill needs context-specific scrutiny.
• Courts cannot interfere in legislative process.

•  In past 50 years, most Bills assented within 1 month.
• Tamil Nadu exception: ~10 disputed Bills.

AG’s view: Governor should have discretion to test constitutionality before assent.

• Good Governance Reform: Linked with PM’s reform narrative.
• Next-Generation Taxation Model: Equity + efficiency. Federal Dimension: Requires GST Council approval →
• Centre–State coordination essential.

• Federalism: Governor (appointed by Centre) vs State Legislature’s mandate.
• Democracy vs Discretion: Can unelected Governor  delay laws passed by elected Assembly?Judicial Activism vs Overreach: Should SC impose
  timelines absent in Constitution?
• Constitutional Morality: All authorities must discharge duties in good faith.Centre–State Relations: Governor’s role often politicised in Opposition-ruled States.

•  Clarification on timelines will strengthen legislative supremacy of States.
• Judicial directions may reduce scope for “pocket veto.”
• Possible convention/legislative amendment in future to codify time limits

A PROJECT OF STRATEGIC AND NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

Great Nicobar Island (GNI):

• Largest island of Nicobar group. Location: Southernmost part of India (near Indira Point – India’s southern tip).
• Strategic importance: Close to Malacca Strait world’s busiest sea lane (∼40% of global trade passes).
• Home to Shompen (PVTG) and Nicobarese tribes.
• Project announced by: Narendra Modi government.
• Objective: To make Great Nicobar a maritime & aviation hub in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

•  International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (ICTT): Capacity of 14.2 million TEUs.Greenfield International Airport: Dual-use (civil &
  defence).
• 450 MVA power plant: Gas + solar.
• Modern Township: Spread over 16,610 hectares.

• Total Area: 166.10 sq. km (35.35 sq. km revenue +130.75 sq. km forest).
• Phase I (2025–35): 72.12 sq. km.
• Phase II (2036–41): 45.27 sq. km.
• Phase III (2042–47): 48.71 sq. km

• Tribal Reserve Area
• Jarawa Policy (2004) – AAJVS as trustee of PVTGs.
• Shompen Policy (2015) – welfare of Shompen prioritized before large projects.
• Constitutional Safeguard: Article 338A(9) requires consultation with National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
• Committees: Empowered Committee + AAJVS + Ministry of Tribal Affairs consulted.
• Result: No displacement of Shompen or Nicobarese; welfare fund provisioned.

• Forest Diversion:
• Total diversion = 130.75 sq. km (1.82% of A&N forest cover).
• Tree felling: Max 7.11 lakh trees in 49.86 sq. km.
• Green area retained: 65.99 sq. km.

•  Done outside A&N (due to >75% forest cover).
• 97.30 sq. km in Haryana identified for Phase I afforestation.

Institutions involved:

• Zoological Survey of India (ZSI),
• Botanical Survey of India (BSI),
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
• Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology (SACON).
• Wildlife corridors: 8 viaducts for safe crossing of arboreal animals, reptiles, crabs, crocodiles.
• Pre-cleared under: EIA Notification, 2006 (with EMP & mitigation measures).

Strategic & National Security Dimension

Geostrategic Location:

• Near Malacca Strait, critical for global energy trade.
• Helps India counter Chinese influence in IOR (esp. China’s Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, Gwadar Port in Pakistan).
• Defence Use: Dual-use airport + naval/air force deployment option.
• Boosts SAGAR policy (Security and Growth for All in the Region)

Benefits of the Project

• Economic:
  •  Major trans-shipment hub → reduces reliance on Colombo, Singapore ports.
  •  Employment generation, township development.
• Strategic: Enhances India’s blue-water naval capacity in IOR.
• Social: Integrated tribal welfare measures, no displacement.
• Ecological: Net gain in tribal reserves + afforestation plan.

Concerns & Criticism

• Environmentalists’ worry: Tree loss (∼7 lakh), coral reef damage, tsunami vulnerability.
• Tribal Rights groups: Fear dilution of PVTG protection.
• Seismic Zone V: Nicobar Islands prone to earthquakes/tsunami (2004 tsunami had major impact).

Static UPSC Links

• Geography: Location of Great Nicobar, importance of Malacca Strait.
• Environment Acts: EIA Notification 2006, Forest Conservation Act 1980, CRZ regulations.
• Polity:
  •  Article 338A – National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
  • Fifth & Sixth Schedule vs Union Territory tribal administration (difference).
• Tribal Studies: PVTGs, Shompen & Nicobarese culture.
• International Relations: SAGAR doctrine, Indo Pacific strategy.

Way Forward

• Balance economy & ecology →sustainable  infrastructure.
• Strict monitoring by independent expert committees.
• Strong disaster resilience planning (given tsunami risk).
• Continuous tribal participation in decision-making.

A HEALTH CHECK FOR THE NEW GST HEALTH-CARE REFORMS

• Insurance penetration in India: ~3.7% of GDP (2023-24) vs global average ~6.8–7%.
• Insurance density (per capita premium): India ~USD95 (Life: USD 70; Non-life: USD 25).
• Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOP): Still 47% of total health spending in India (WHO, 2023).
• Target under National Health Policy 2017: Reduce OOP, expand insurance, and move towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

• Insurance Sector
  
  •  GST fully removed on health and life insurance premiums (term, ULIP, endowment, family floater, senior citizen plans).
  • Earlier: 18% GST on premiums → e.g. ₹50,000 premium = ₹59,000 with GST.
  • Impact: Insurance becomes ~18% cheaper.
• Hospital Services
  •  Core medical services (doctors, hospitals, paramedics): remain GST-exempt.
  • ICU/CCU/ICCU/NICU rooms: fully exempt.
  • Non-ICU rooms above ₹5,000/day: 5% GST without ITC (unchanged).
• Medicines & Medical Devices
  •  Life-saving drugs: GST cut to 0%.
  • Most medicines: GST reduced to 5%.
  • Medical equipment (e.g. CT scan machines): GST reduced from 18% → 5%.
  • Diagnostic kits, reagents: 12% →5%
• Diagnostics & Labs
  • Lab services remain exempt, but input costs drop.
  • Cheaper procurement →potential reduction in cost of tests (X-ray, MRI, blood tests).
• Preventive Health & Wellness
  •  GST reduced from 18% → 5% for gyms, yoga centres, wellness services, salons.
  • Personal care items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving cream): 5% GST (earlier 12–18%).
• Sin Goods & Public Health
  •  Cigarettes: remain heavily taxed (52–88% effective).
  • Sugary drinks: shifted to 40% GST slab (from 28% + cess)

• Affordability: Direct reduction in insurance premium costs + cheaper medicines/tests.
• Access: Encourages wider insurance penetration in line with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
• Preventive Health: Lower tax on wellness, yoga, fitness → nudges people towards healthy lifestyle.
• Equity: Life-saving treatments remain tax-free; only luxury hospital rooms taxed.
• Industry Impact: Lower input costs → hospitals, labs, pharma can reduce charges & improve competitiveness.

• Pass-through issue: Insurers/hospitals may not transfer full benefit to consumers.
• Low awareness: Insurance uptake is low in rural/semiurban areas.
• Overuse risk: Cheaper tests/medicines may lead to unnecessary procedures.
• Revenue trade-off: Lower GST collections; government must balance fiscal health.
• Infrastructure gaps: Tax cuts alone won’t solve shortage of hospitals, doctors, diagnostics in Tier-2/3 cities.

Way Forward

• Strong regulatory monitoring to ensure benefits reach consumers.
• Awareness drives for insurance adoption, esp. in rural areas. Integrate reforms with Ayushman Bharat, PM-JAY, and state health schemes.
• Encourage domestic production of medical devices under Make in India. Focus on public health outcomes, not just revenue impact.

RELIEF FOR REFUGEES

•  India hosts several refugee groups despite having no national refugee law.
• Sri Lankan Tamil refugees (~58,000 in camps in Tamil Nadu, ~34,000 outside camps) have lived in India since the late 1980s civil war.
• The Citizenship Act, 1955 defines “illegal migrant” [Sec. 2(1)(b)] and excludes them from citizenship via Sec. 5 (registration) and Sec. 6 (naturalisation).
• The CAA 2019 gave relief to six non-Muslim communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh (cut-off 31 Dec 2014), but not to SriLankan Tamils 

• Exempts certain groups from requirement of passport,visa, travel documents for entry, stay, exit.
• Covers: Nepal & Bhutan nationals, Tibetan refugees, six minorities (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan), and Sri Lankan Tamils.
• Sri Lankan Tamils eligible if:
  
  •  They took shelter in India on or before 9 Jan 2015
  • They are registered with authorities
• Protects them from forcible repatriation or penal  provisions of immigration law.

• First official recognition of Sri Lankan Tamils’ vulnerable position.
• Protects them from immediate deportation threats.Brings them closer to the model of Tibetan refugees(certificate of identity).
• Reflects India’s humane approach under Article 21(Right to Life & Dignity), even without being a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention

• The Citizenship Act is unchanged →refugees still ineligible for citizenship.

• Without LTV →no formal employment, higher education, or banking rights.

• Only those registered by Jan 2015 get protection → risk of exclusion

Statelessness persists

• Children born in India often remain without citizenship → cycle of vulnerability continues.  

Way Forward (Policy Options)

• Amend Citizenship Act to remove the “illegal migrant” barrier for this group.
• Extend LTV eligibility to Sri Lankan Tamils for livelihood and education access.
• Explore voluntary repatriation with structured assistance in coordination with Sri Lanka.
• Local integration as alternative for those unwilling/unable to return.
• Adopt a comprehensive refugee policy in line with human rights standards.

RECKLESS ESCALATION

• On September 9, 2025, Israel bombed a house in Doha, Qatar, targeting senior Hamas leaders engaged in ceasefire discussions.
• Qatar is a U.S. ally and hosts America’s largest military base in West Asia (Al Udeid Air Base).
• Israel’s move marks the first direct strike on a Gulf monarchy since the Gaza war (Oct 2023 onwards).

• Qatar’s sovereignty breached →against principles of UN Charter (Article 2(4): prohibition of use of force).
• Normally, Israel targeted Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen earlier → but Qatar is different due to its U.S. ties and role as a mediator.
• This undermines international law, West Asian diplomacy, and confidence in neutral mediators.

• Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal recently, but Netanyahu rejected it.By attacking Hamas leaders in Qatar (mediator’s soil),
  Israel signals unwillingness for peace.
• Comparative static reference: Similar disruption of peace negotiations occurred in past conflicts (e.g.,Camp David Accords, Oslo Accords — UPSC prelims & mains relevant).

• U.S. President Donald Trump expressed displeasure, despite being Israel’s closest ally.
• White House assured Qatar of “no further attacks.”
• Wider condemnation from Arab states, EU, and UN observers. Static relevance: Role of major powers in West Asia, U.S. foreign bases, balance of power politics

• Saudi Arabia had already paused normalisation (post Oct 2023). 
•  Qatar strike makes it harder for Arab monarchies to accept Israel. 
•  Normalisation was part of Abraham Accords (2020) framework.
• UPSC linkage: India and the Abraham Accords →India’s role in IOR (Indian Ocean Region) and balancing ties with Arab world

• Energy Security: Gulf is India’s main source of crude oil (≈ 60% of imports; Qatar also key LNG supplier).
• Diaspora: ≈ 9 million Indians live in the Gulf (largest expatriate community). Any instability risks their safety and remittances.
• Diplomatic Tightrope: India condemned violation of sovereignty but avoided naming Israel.
• Static relevance: India’s Look West Policy, energy diplomacy, diaspora policy, Non-Alignment 2.0.

• Israel faces genocide and war crimes allegations (ICJ and ICC proceedings ongoing).
• Targeting a mediator country is unprecedented in modern international diplomacy.
• Links with Geneva Conventions, Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine — important for UPSC Ethics/GS-IV case studies

FROM PAGE ONE

• Trump administration’s target: Mission 500 →double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
• Current Indo–US trade (FY 2023-24): $118.28 billion(India’s largest trading partner).
• Issues:
  
  •  Tariffs & protectionist policies (India’s regulatory barriers).
  •  Market access disputes (agriculture, dairy,medical devices).

• US push: India must stop importing discounted Russian oil (25% penalty tariff imposed by US).
• India’s stance: Russian crude is vital for affordable energy security (India imports ~85% of crude needs).
• Strategic angle: Energy diversification & balancing ties between Russia–US–Middle East..

Focus on:

•  Joint military exercises (Malabar, Yudh Abhyas).
• Co-development & co-production of defence
  systems.
• Critical defence sales (GE fighter jet engines,
  MQ-9B drones).
• India: Major Defence Partner (2016) + STA Tier-1
  status with US.
• Quad And indo-Pacific Strategy

• India to host Quad Summit (2025) → US reaffirmed commitment.

• Quad Members: US, India, Japan, Australia.

• Objective: Free, open, rules-based Indo-Pacific → counter China’s expansionism.

Technology & Critical Minerals

• Areas of collaboration: AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, critical minerals, pharma supply chains.
• US–India Trust Initiative (2024): Aimed to outcompete China in emerging tech.

India -US Vs. Brics Angle

• BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) has often pushed for de-dollarization.
• US notes: India has been a moderating force within BRICS, resisting Chinese dominance.

China Factor

• US sees India as a counterweight to China.
• Shared concerns: Border tensions (LAC), Chinese expansionism in Indo-Pacific.
• Rubio: “21st Century story is being written in the Indo-Pacific.”

No Magic Pill 

• India faces a dual nutrition challenge
• Undernutrition persists → NFHS-5 (2019-21): 35.5% children under 5 are stunted, 32% underweight.

• Obesity rising rapidly → ICMR-INDIAB study (2023): ~40% adults overweight/obese.

• Rising metabolic disorders (diabetes, fatty liver, heart disease) even in people with normal BMI.

• In 2022, GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g. Semaglutide) approved in India for diabetes; now widely used for weight management.

Current Development

• Market Growth

• Indian anti-obesity drug market = ₹600 crore (June 2025), five-fold rise in 5 years.

• GLP-1 drugs hold ~75% market share.

• Patent Expiry: Semaglutide patent ends in 2026, paving way for affordable generics.

• Global Trend: Weight-loss drug market projected to hit $100 billion by 2030.

• Medical Centres: Urban elite now use semaglutide injections alongside diet + exercise in supervised programs.
• Benefits of GLP-1 Drugs
• Weight loss: 12–15 kg/year average in trials.
• Metabolic health: better blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, reduced heart/kidney risks.

• Other health effects:

• Improves fatty liver condition.

• Helps women with PCOS restore ovulation and menstrual cycles.

• Emerging studies: may improve fertility outcomes.

Challenges & Concerns

Side Effects:

• Common: loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation.
• Serious: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney damage, lean muscle loss, possible thyroid tumours.
• Risk of rebound weight gain after stopping drug.

Equity Issues:

• Costs ~₹2 lakh/year (≈ ₹13,000–16,000 per kg lost).
•  Lifestyle modification costs far less (exercise/diet ≈ ₹40,000/year).
•  Rich urban classes benefit; rural & low-income remain excluded.

Public Health Risks:

• Over-dependence on drugs may weaken preventive health campaigns.
•  OTC misuse and online black-marketing possible due to weak regulation.
•   Shifts obesity perception from lifestyle issue → drug-dependent condition.

Way Forwards

• Selective Use: Restrict GLP-1 drugs to obese patients with diabetes/high CVD risk, or when lifestyle measures fail.
• Public Health Focus: Continue large-scale nutrition & fitness campaigns, school health, diabetes prevention. Price Control: After 2026, bring GLP-1 generics under regulation to ensure affordability.
• Regulatory Oversight: Prevent OTC misuse, ensure monitoring of side effects.
• Balanced Approach: Drugs should supplement, not replace, diet + exercise + preventive healthcare.

Indus Treaty And Strategy

• Treaty signed: 1960 between India & Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank.

• River system covered: Six rivers of the Indus basin.

•  Eastern rivers – Ravi, Beas, Sutlej → Exclusive use to India.

• Western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, Chenab → Allocated to Pakistan, with limited use for India (hydropower, irrigation, non-consumptive).

• Water share: About 80% of Indus basin waters to Pakistan, ~20% to India.
• Institutions: Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), Neutral Expert, and Court of Arbitration.
• Significance: Survived wars (1965, 1971, Kargil) and terrorist crises; cited as a model of transboundary water governance.

Why in News?

• After the Pahalgam terrorist attack (April 2025), India put the treaty in abeyance.
• India stopped routine data-sharing and suspended PIC meetings.
• External Affairs Minister clarified that India now intends to exercise full rights on Western rivers.

India’s Concern

• Pakistan uses Article IX dispute resolution to delay Indian hydropower/irrigation projects in J&K.
• Treaty seen as outdated given climate change, population growth, and energy demand.
• Nehru’s “magnanimity” (80:20 split) now questioned politically.
• India’s upper-riparian advantage →suspension gives strategic leverage.

Pakistan’s Position

• Highly dependent: ~80% of its agriculture and much hydropower rely on Indus basin flows.

• Seeks not more water, but assurance of uninterrupted flows.
• Links river flows to Kashmir issue – believes control of J&K would secure water supply.
• Fear: India’s uncertainty in water release could cripple crops, drinking water, and economy.

Key Analysis

• International Law Principles

• Equitable and reasonable utilization vs. No significant harm (Helsinki Rules, UN Watercourses Convention).
• India’s suspension raises debate on unilateral withdrawal from binding treaties.

Strategic Dimension

• India using water as leverage against terrorism.
• If Pakistan were upper riparian, treaty may not have survived this long.

Climate Change Factor

• Glacial retreat, erratic rainfall → flows becoming unpredictable.
• Need to revisit treaty based on new hydrological realities.

Regional Implications

• Pakistan may try to involve China (8% basin share) and Afghanistan (6%) in renegotiation.
•  Risk of third-party involvement despite India’s insistence on bilateralism.

Way Forwards

• Renegotiation: Update provisions for climate adaptation, equitable use, and hydropower needs.
• Confidence Building: Resume limited data sharing (flood forecasting, weather inputs).
• Sustainable Development: Joint eco-management of basin, integrating SDG-6 (Clean Water) goals.