The UPSC Key Trends analysis, focusing on past, present, and future, relevant to the syllabus:
GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations:
•Judiciary:
◦Past: Judicial appointments evolved from presidential consultation (Article 124) to a Collegium system, criticised for opaqueness1. The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), aimed to reassert executive power, was struck down1....
◦Present: Allegations of judicial corruption are renewing calls for transparency2.... There's an ongoing tussle between the executive and judiciary over appointments, leading to delays and vacancies2....
◦Future: Expect continued tension over appointments and accountability1. Discussions around alternatives to the Collegium and scrutiny of the Judges Inquiry Act are likely1.
•Abortion:
◦Past: India had a relatively progressive legal framework (Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971) with more restrictive grounds and limits1. The debate centred on a woman's right to choose versus the moral status of the foetus1.
◦Present: The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021 expanded access, including unmarried women, with increased gestational limits1. The Supreme Court has further solidified these rights . Challenges remain in ensuring access to safe and legal services, especially in rural areas1.
◦Future: The trend emphasises women's reproductive rights and bodily autonomy1. Bridging the gap between law and effective implementation and addressing pro-life arguments will be key1.
•US Defence Ties:
◦Past: A significant upswing led to a strategic defence partnership in 2016, moving from reliance on Russia1.
◦Present: India remains a major arms importer . The Russia-Ukraine conflict necessitates diversification , with the US as a key partner, though over-reliance is cautioned1.
◦Future: India will likely pursue strategic autonomy and a multi-aligned approach to defence procurement, alongside boosting indigenous manufacturing1
.•Women Unbound
:◦Past: Women faced significant restrictions on mobility and access to public spaces due to societal norms1.
◦Present: Despite legal guarantees (Article 15), women face barriers due to harassment, leading to self-restrictions and limiting participation1.
◦Future: Increasing awareness and activism for safe and unrestricted access are expected, requiring safety improvements and challenging patriarchal norms to realise India's demographic dividend2.
GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society:
•Theyyam:
◦Past and Present: This long-standing ritualistic art form of the Malabar Coast, rooted in local traditions and worshipping heroes/deities in temples and sacred groves (Kavu) with elaborate costumes (Mudi)3, reflects historical social fabric3.
◦Future: Likely persistence due to religious and social importance, with potential for broader recognition3.
GS Paper III: Economy, Agriculture and Technology:
•National Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses:
◦Past and Present: India faces import dependence in pulses despite being a major producer, with MSP proving insufficient.
◦Future: The 2025 mission aims for self-sufficiency through guaranteed procurement, climate-resilient seeds, and improved storage.
GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude:
•Discussions on judicial accountability, the legal and moral dimensions of abortion, and ethical aspects of women's restricted access to public spaces provide valuable case studies5.
