UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 May (2025)
• Private Member’s Bills
Private Member’s Bills
• Private School Fee Regulation in India
Private School Fee Regulation in India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Operation Kagar
Operation Kagar
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Depot Darpan Portal
Depot Darpan Portal
• National Capital Region Transport Corporation
National Capital Region Transport Corporation
• SeaVision Software
SeaVision Software
• Satavahana Dynasty
Satavahana Dynasty
• Palamu Tiger Reserve
Palamu Tiger Reserve
• National Human Rights Commission
National Human Rights Commission
Mapping:
• Bakra Dam
Bakra Dam
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 May 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Private Member’s Bills
Syllabus: Polity
Source: TH
Context: Private Member’s Bills (PMBs) have witnessed sharp decline in deliberation despite their democratic significance. NHRC, experts, and MPs urge procedural reforms to revive PMBs as tools of legislative innovation and independent expression.
About Private Member’s Bills (PMBs):
• What it is? A Private Member’s Bill is a legislative proposal introduced by an MP who is not a Minister. It reflects individual viewpoints, not necessarily the government’s official agenda.
• A Private Member’s Bill is a legislative proposal introduced by an MP who is not a Minister.
• It reflects individual viewpoints, not necessarily the government’s official agenda.
• Procedure in Parliament: Introduced on Fridays in both Houses as per Rules of Procedure. Follows the same stages as a government bill—first reading, discussion, voting. Can become law if passed in both Houses and gets Presidential assent.
• Introduced on Fridays in both Houses as per Rules of Procedure.
• Follows the same stages as a government bill—first reading, discussion, voting.
• Can become law if passed in both Houses and gets Presidential assent.
Recent Data and Decline: (Source: PRS Legislative Research)
• Only 14 PMBs passed since Independence; none since 1970 passed both Houses.
• 17th Lok Sabha: 729 PMBs introduced (only 2 discussed).
• 18th Lok Sabha (2024): 64 PMBs introduced, zero discussed so far.
• In 2024 Winter Session, Lok Sabha spent just 0.15 hours on PMBs and Rajya Sabha 0.62 hours.
Significance of Private Member’s Bills:
• Encourages Democratic Expression: Enables MPs to propose legislation on personal conviction or constituency needs.
E.g. Supriya Sule’s “Right to Disconnect” Bill (2019).
• Policy Incubator: Often precedes government legislation on sensitive issues.
E.g. Tiruchi Siva’s 2014 Transgender Rights Bill inspired the 2019 Act.
• Platform for Ruling Party MPs: Allows ruling MPs to voice independent views.
E.g. Gopal Shetty’s Bill on healthcare for senior citizens.
• Strengthens Parliamentary Oversight: Fosters deliberative democracy beyond party whip controls.
Reasons for Decline in PMBs:
• Government Priority: Government business overshadows Friday PMB slots.
E.g. Budget discussions replaced PMB sessions in 2024.
• Frequent Disruptions: Adjournments and walkouts truncate scheduled time for PMBs.
E.g. 2 Fridays lost in 2024 Winter Session.
• Anti-Defection Law Impact: MPs often hesitate to challenge party line even in PMBs. Post-52nd Amendment limits dissent.
• MP Disinterest & Timing Issues: Many MPs skip Friday sessions to return to constituencies.
• Chair’s Discretion: Arbitrary scheduling and limited discussion under Speaker’s or Chairman’s control.
E.g. Limited PMB discussion despite full 62-hour session.
Way Forward – Reforms Needed:
• Protect Friday Time for PMBs: Amend rules to make this time non-negotiable, barring national emergencies.
• Midweek Scheduling: Shift PMB discussions to Wednesdays to avoid low attendance.
• Priority Committee for PMBs: Set up an expert review panel to shortlist high-impact Bills for fast-track discussion.
E.g. Inspired by U.K.’s Ten-Minute Rule.
• Extend Working Hours: Parliament may sit longer to accommodate both government and private business.
• Digital Access & Tracking: Introduce online dashboards to track PMBs’ progress and promote transparency.
Conclusion:
Private Member’s Bills are a vital democratic instrument for MPs to reflect public aspirations and challenge dominant narratives. Their erosion reflects a centralised legislative process, undermining deliberative democracy. Reviving and reforming the PMB mechanism is essential to restore participatory law-making in Parliament.
PYQ:
• The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention? (UPSC-2013)
Private School Fee Regulation in India
Syllabus: Education
Source: TH
Context: Delhi government issued fresh guidelines mandating prior approval for fee hikes by private schools on government land.
• This move follows protests against sudden hikes and highlights the lack of uniform regulatory practices across Indian cities.
About Private School Fee Regulation in India:
Data Stats:
• NSS 2017–18: Average annual private school fee in Delhi at secondary level is ₹32,003—3x higher than the all-India average of ₹11,026.
• PRS 2024 Analysis: In the entire 17th Lok Sabha, only 9.08 hours were spent discussing private education issues, reflecting low legislative focus.
Need for Regulation of Private School Fees:
• Prevent Arbitrary Hikes: Unregulated fee increases impose sudden financial burdens on parents.
E.g., 20% hike in South Delhi school sparked mass protests in April 2025.
• Ensure Transparency & Accountability: Mandating disclosure of audited financials reduces exploitation and builds trust.
• Protect Right to Education (Article 21A): Excessive fees undermine equitable access to quality education, especially for middle-income families.
• Bridge Socio-economic Gaps: Regulating fees ensures that private education doesn’t become exclusive to the elite.
E.g., Delhi’s average annual private school expense is ₹32,000 vs ₹11,000 national average.
• Enable Fair Competition: Controls promote healthy rivalry between government and private schools based on quality, not affordability.
Challenges in Fee Regulation:
• Lack of Transparency: Schools rarely disclose audited financials or breakups of charges.
E.g., retrospective hikes found illegal under Delhi’s 2025 fee regulation draft.
• Regulatory Gaps: No central law; each state adopts varying standards, creating inconsistency. Balancing Autonomy vs Accountability: Excessive control may compromise infrastructure, salaries, and innovation.
E.g., NEP 2020 promotes private participation while calling for transparency.
• Overburdened Government Schools: Without adequate reform, fee control pushes more demand toward already strained government institutions.
City-wise Models of Fee Regulation in India:
• Delhi – Approval-Based Model: Schools on govt land must seek prior approval under the Delhi School Education Act, 1973.
• Bengaluru – Formula-Based Cap Model: Fee hikes capped at 10% annually under Karnataka’s 2022 rules with audit-backed justifications.
• Mumbai – Objection-Based Grievance Model: Schools can raise fees without approval, but 25% parent objection triggers FRC review.
Way Ahead:
• Establish Central Guiding Framework: Draft a National Fee Regulation Code to bring uniformity while allowing state flexibility.
• Ensure Transparency in Financial Disclosures: Make annual school audits, salary expenses, and fee breakup publicly accessible.
• Use Technology for Monitoring: Create state-level digital dashboards for parents to review and object to fees.
• Balance Regulation with Operational Freedom: Instead of rigid caps, link fee hikes to indices like inflation or infrastructure expansion.
• Empower Parents Legally: Strengthen PTA roles and provide legal aid for parents contesting unfair fee hikes.
Conclusion:
Fee regulation in private schools must walk the fine line between accessibility and institutional autonomy. City-specific models reflect diverse approaches but underscore the need for uniform, transparent, and equitable regulation. A national policy direction, rooted in data, dialogue, and fairness, is the next logical step.
• “Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (UPSC-2021)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Operation Kagar
Context: Operation Kagar, a large-scale counterinsurgency campaign, has encircled the last remaining Naxal strongholds in Chhattisgarh-Telangana border regions.
About Operation Kagar:
• What it is?
• Operation Kagar is an anti-Naxal military campaign launched in January 2024 by the Union Government. It integrates security action, surveillance technology, and development outreach to dismantle Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
• Operation Kagar is an anti-Naxal military campaign launched in January 2024 by the Union Government.
• It integrates security action, surveillance technology, and development outreach to dismantle Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
• Core zones: Bastar (Chhattisgarh), Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), West Singhbhum (Jharkhand).
• Scale & Strategy:
• Involves 1 lakh+ personnel from CRPF, CoBRA, DRG, STF, and state police. Advanced surveillance tools like drones, AI, and satellite imagery are being used.
• Involves 1 lakh+ personnel from CRPF, CoBRA, DRG, STF, and state police.
• Advanced surveillance tools like drones, AI, and satellite imagery are being used.
• Significance:
• Reduced Naxal-affected districts from 106 (in 2015) to just 6 in 2025. Aims to restore state control, enable development, and protect tribal communities from Maoist exploitation. Over 287 Naxals neutralized in 2024 and 150+ in 2025 already.
• Reduced Naxal-affected districts from 106 (in 2015) to just 6 in 2025.
• Aims to restore state control, enable development, and protect tribal communities from Maoist exploitation.
• Over 287 Naxals neutralized in 2024 and 150+ in 2025 already.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 3 – Internal Security
• Left Wing Extremism: Origin, spread, and current scenario. Security Challenges: Role of paramilitary forces and inter-state coordination. Technology in Internal Security: Use of drones, AI, and NTRO in surveillance.
• Left Wing Extremism: Origin, spread, and current scenario.
• Security Challenges: Role of paramilitary forces and inter-state coordination.
• Technology in Internal Security: Use of drones, AI, and NTRO in surveillance.
• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Welfare
• Tribal Rights: Protection of Adivasi interests and inclusion in development. Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Ceasefire, dialogue vs. security enforcement models.
• Tribal Rights: Protection of Adivasi interests and inclusion in development.
• Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Ceasefire, dialogue vs. security enforcement models.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Depot Darpan Portal
Source: DD News
Context: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution will launch the Depot Darpan portal, for real-time monitoring of food storage depots.
About Depot Darpan Portal:
• What It Is?
• Depot Darpan is a digital monitoring portal and mobile app that enables real-time oversight of food grain depots using geo-tagged data, IoT, and AI technologies.
• Depot Darpan is a digital monitoring portal and mobile app that enables real-time oversight of food grain depots using geo-tagged data, IoT, and AI technologies.
• Launched By: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
• Objective:
• To digitize and modernize India’s food storage infrastructure through scientific warehousing, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and food safety.
• To digitize and modernize India’s food storage infrastructure through scientific warehousing, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and food safety.
• Key Features:
• Real-Time Monitoring: Tracks infrastructure, operational efficiency, and financial metrics through IoT sensors and CCTV surveillance. Geo-Tagged Auditing: Depot managers upload geo-tagged infrastructure data validated by supervisory officers and third-party audits. Automated Ratings & Feedback: Warehouses receive star ratings based on infrastructure and operational performance using a composite scoring model. Smart Tech Integration: Includes CO₂ and phosphine gas monitoring, humidity and temperature sensors, and fire hazard detection. AI-Based Tools: Pilots include bag counting, Face Recognition Systems (FRS), and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) for tracking vehicle and personnel movements. Wide Coverage: Covers 2,278 warehouses, including those of FCI, CWC, and state/private agencies. Mobile App Support: Enables supervisory officials to conduct on-the-go performance reviews and generate automated reports for prompt action.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Tracks infrastructure, operational efficiency, and financial metrics through IoT sensors and CCTV surveillance.
• Geo-Tagged Auditing: Depot managers upload geo-tagged infrastructure data validated by supervisory officers and third-party audits.
• Automated Ratings & Feedback: Warehouses receive star ratings based on infrastructure and operational performance using a composite scoring model.
• Smart Tech Integration: Includes CO₂ and phosphine gas monitoring, humidity and temperature sensors, and fire hazard detection.
• AI-Based Tools: Pilots include bag counting, Face Recognition Systems (FRS), and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) for tracking vehicle and personnel movements.
• Wide Coverage: Covers 2,278 warehouses, including those of FCI, CWC, and state/private agencies.
• Mobile App Support: Enables supervisory officials to conduct on-the-go performance reviews and generate automated reports for prompt action.
• Significance:
• Enhances Food Security: Ensures quality storage for food grains distributed to over 80 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Boosts Efficiency: Reduces wastage, improves turnover, and optimizes storage space and manpower use. Supports Digital Governance: Strengthens India’s digital public infrastructure in the logistics and supply chain sector.
• Enhances Food Security: Ensures quality storage for food grains distributed to over 80 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
• Boosts Efficiency: Reduces wastage, improves turnover, and optimizes storage space and manpower use.
• Supports Digital Governance: Strengthens India’s digital public infrastructure in the logistics and supply chain sector.
National Capital Region Transport Corporation
Source: News on Air
Context: The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has commenced trial runs of the Namo Bharat train on the final leg of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor.
About Namo Bharat Train (Formerly RRTS / Vande Metro)
• What it is?
• Namo Bharat is a regional rapid rail system designed for fast, intercity travel across NCR cities within 100–250 km range.
• Namo Bharat is a regional rapid rail system designed for fast, intercity travel across NCR cities within 100–250 km range.
• Organizations involved: Implemented by NCRTC – a joint venture company of Govt of India and States of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and U.P, under the administrative control of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• Objectives:
• Enhance commuter mobility in NCR. Promote decongestion, urban integration, and green transit. Support the Make in India initiative through indigenous rail production.
• Enhance commuter mobility in NCR.
• Promote decongestion, urban integration, and green transit.
• Support the Make in India initiative through indigenous rail production.
• Key Features:
• High-speed: Operates at 160 km/h with average speed ~100 km/h. Smart Coaches: Equipped with Wi-Fi, CCTV, automatic doors, and dynamic route displays. Environmentally Friendly: Regenerative braking, energy-efficient systems. First Train Rolled Out: April 2024, Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala.
• High-speed: Operates at 160 km/h with average speed ~100 km/h.
• Smart Coaches: Equipped with Wi-Fi, CCTV, automatic doors, and dynamic route displays.
• Environmentally Friendly: Regenerative braking, energy-efficient systems.
• First Train Rolled Out: April 2024, Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala.
About National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)
• What it is?
• A special purpose vehicle (SPV) tasked with implementing regional rapid transit systems (RRTS) in NCR.
• A special purpose vehicle (SPV) tasked with implementing regional rapid transit systems (RRTS) in NCR.
• Established in: Incorporated on 21st August 2013 under the Companies Act, 1956.
• Established by: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• Objectives: Build a multi-modal high-speed rail network across the NCR to boost balanced urban growth and ease pressure on Delhi.
• Functions:
• Plan, finance, construct, operate, and maintain Namo Bharat corridors. Ensure last-mile integration, station area development, and smart mobility services.
• Plan, finance, construct, operate, and maintain Namo Bharat corridors.
• Ensure last-mile integration, station area development, and smart mobility services.
SeaVision Software
Source: TOI
Context: The United States has approved a $131 million defense sale to India, including SeaVision maritime domain awareness software, training, and support.
About SeaVision Software:
• What is SeaVision Software? SeaVision is a web-based maritime domain awareness (MDA) tool that aggregates and visualizes vessel tracking data to support security, safety, and environmental missions.
• SeaVision is a web-based maritime domain awareness (MDA) tool that aggregates and visualizes vessel tracking data to support security, safety, and environmental missions.
• Developed by: Originally developed by the S. Department of Transportation, now operated in collaboration with Hawkeye 360, a Virginia-based defense analytics company.
• Purpose: To enhance maritime surveillance, coordination, and decision-making among allied and partner navies in key strategic waterways.
• Key Features of SeaVision Software:
• Live Tracking: Integrates multiple sources such as Automatic Identification System, satellite, and radar for real-time vessel monitoring. User-Friendly Interface: Web-based platform requiring no installation, accessible globally. Multi-user Collaboration: Enables joint maritime operations and data sharing among partner nations. Custom Alerts & Analytics: Detects suspicious patterns, illegal fishing, smuggling, or unauthorized entries. Geo-Fencing: Users can create zones to monitor activities and receive alerts on breaches.
• Live Tracking: Integrates multiple sources such as Automatic Identification System, satellite, and radar for real-time vessel monitoring.
• User-Friendly Interface: Web-based platform requiring no installation, accessible globally.
• Multi-user Collaboration: Enables joint maritime operations and data sharing among partner nations.
• Custom Alerts & Analytics: Detects suspicious patterns, illegal fishing, smuggling, or unauthorized entries.
• Geo-Fencing: Users can create zones to monitor activities and receive alerts on breaches.
• Significance for India:
• Enhanced Indo-Pacific Surveillance: Boosts India’s ability to monitor movements in the Indian Ocean, South China Sea, and other critical sea lanes. Strategic Deterrence: Strengthens deterrence posture through better maritime intelligence and early warning. Interoperability with Allies: Facilitates coordination with US, QUAD, and IOR partner navies for joint maritime exercises and information sharing. Support to Sagarmala & Blue Economy: Supports national initiatives like Sagarmala Project and deep-sea monitoring for economic and environmental safety.
• Enhanced Indo-Pacific Surveillance: Boosts India’s ability to monitor movements in the Indian Ocean, South China Sea, and other critical sea lanes.
• Strategic Deterrence: Strengthens deterrence posture through better maritime intelligence and early warning.
• Interoperability with Allies: Facilitates coordination with US, QUAD, and IOR partner navies for joint maritime exercises and information sharing.
• Support to Sagarmala & Blue Economy: Supports national initiatives like Sagarmala Project and deep-sea monitoring for economic and environmental safety.
Satavahana Dynasty
Source: TH
Context: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered 11 Satavahana-era inscriptions in the Gundaram Forest of Telangana’s Peddapalli district.
• Among them, two inscriptions reveal links to the Chutu dynasty and Satavahana prince Kumāra Hakusiri, highlighting early Brahmi script and religious-political symbolism.
About Satavahana Dynasty:
• Founded by: Simuka, post-Mauryan period (mid-1st century BCE).
• Etymology: “Satavahana” in Prakrit means “driven by seven” (symbolic of the Sun God’s chariot).
• Core regions: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra.
• Capitals: Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amaravati.
Key Rulers:
• Simuka: Founder, built Jain and Buddhist temples.
• Satakarni I (70–60 BCE): Conquered Kalinga, performed Ashvamedha, and took the title
• Hala: Authored Gatha Saptashati, a collection of 700 Prakrit love poems.
• Gautamiputra Satakarni (106–130 CE):
• Greatest king; defeated Shakas and Nahapana. Described as Ekabrahmana and “destroyer of Kshatriya pride”. Expanded from Krishna River to Malwa.
• Greatest king; defeated Shakas and Nahapana.
• Described as Ekabrahmana and “destroyer of Kshatriya pride”.
• Expanded from Krishna River to Malwa.
• Yajna Sri Satakarni (165–194 CE): Promoted trade and maritime navigation; coins feature ship motifs.
Administrative Framework:
• Senapati as Provincial Governor: Military chiefs were appointed as governors to control semi-Brahmanised tribal regions, blending civil and military administration.
• Feudatory System: The empire had a three-tier system—Raja (independent coinage), Mahabhoja, and Senapati—ensuring localized governance.
• Tax-free Land Grants: Satavahanas granted tax-exempt lands to Brahmins and Buddhist monks, promoting religion and education.
Economic Contributions:
• Agriculture: The Krishna-Godavari delta was a fertile rice-producing zone, sustaining the empire’s agrarian base.
• Mining & Trade: Rich in minerals like iron (Warangal) and gold (Kolar), the region thrived through inland and maritime trade routes.
• Coinage: They were the first native rulers to issue portrait coins with legends in Prakrit and regional symbols.
Cultural and Religious Legacy:
• Architecture: Rock-cut temples like Karle Chaitya and stupas at Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda showcased a blend of art and devotion.
• Language: Prakrit was the administrative language, inscribed using Brahmi script, ensuring wider reach among common people.
Palamu Tiger Reserve
Source: NIE
Context: Jharkhand’s Jaigir village has become the first village to be fully relocated from the core of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), reducing human pressure on wildlife.
About Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR):
• What it is?
• Palamu Tiger Reserve is one of India’s first nine Project Tiger reserves, notified in 1974, and the only one in Jharkhand. It includes parts of the Betla National Park and is known for its rich biodiversity and conservation legacy.
• Palamu Tiger Reserve is one of India’s first nine Project Tiger reserves, notified in 1974, and the only one in Jharkhand.
• It includes parts of the Betla National Park and is known for its rich biodiversity and conservation legacy.
• Location: Situated in the Chhotanagpur Plateau, Latehar district, Jharkhand.
• Total Area:93 sq. km
• History:
• Declared under Project Tiger in 1974. Site of the world’s first tiger pugmark-based census in 1932, led by J.W. Nicholson.
• Declared under Project Tiger in 1974.
• Site of the world’s first tiger pugmark-based census in 1932, led by J.W. Nicholson.
• Flora and Fauna Flora: Dominated by Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous forests, especially Sal (Shorea robusta). Fauna: Keystone species include Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Grey Wolf, Four-horned Antelope, Indian Pangolin, Otter.
• Flora: Dominated by Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous forests, especially Sal (Shorea robusta).
• Fauna: Keystone species include Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Grey Wolf, Four-horned Antelope, Indian Pangolin, Otter.
• Rivers: Drained by three major rivers: North Koel, Burha (perennial), and Auranga.
• Rock types: Gneiss, Quartzite, Amphibolite, and Laterite. Gondwana formations: sandstone, shale, haematite.
• Gondwana formations: sandstone, shale, haematite.
National Human Rights Commission
Source: FPJ
Context: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged 11 heatwave-prone states to take preemptive measures to protect vulnerable populations.
About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
• What it is?
• NHRC is India’s premier statutory body for promoting and protecting human rights, defined under Section 2(1)(d) of the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
• NHRC is India’s premier statutory body for promoting and protecting human rights, defined under Section 2(1)(d) of the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
• Established In: 12 October 1993.
• Legal Backing: Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (amended in 2006) Complies with UN Paris Principles (1991) on national human rights institutions.
• Complies with UN Paris Principles (1991) on national human rights institutions.
• Objectives:
• Investigate human rights violations or negligence by public officials. Strengthen national efforts to safeguard the dignity and rights of individuals. Promote literacy, research, and legal awareness on human rights issues.
• Investigate human rights violations or negligence by public officials.
• Strengthen national efforts to safeguard the dignity and rights of individuals.
• Promote literacy, research, and legal awareness on human rights issues.
• Members & Composition:
• Chairperson: Retired Chief Justice of India or Supreme Court Judge. Other Members: 1 Supreme Court/High Court judge (serving or retired) 3 members with knowledge in human rights (including 1 woman) Ex-officio members: Chairpersons of 7 national commissions (Women, SCs, STs, BCs, Minorities, Child Rights, Disabilities).
• Chairperson: Retired Chief Justice of India or Supreme Court Judge.
• Other Members: 1 Supreme Court/High Court judge (serving or retired) 3 members with knowledge in human rights (including 1 woman)
• 1 Supreme Court/High Court judge (serving or retired)
• 3 members with knowledge in human rights (including 1 woman)
• Ex-officio members: Chairpersons of 7 national commissions (Women, SCs, STs, BCs, Minorities, Child Rights, Disabilities).
• Appointment Process:
• Appointing Authority: President of India Selection Committee: Headed by the Prime Minister, includes: Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson, Leaders of Opposition in both Houses, and Union Home Minister. Judicial appointments require consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
• Appointing Authority: President of India
• Selection Committee: Headed by the Prime Minister, includes: Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson, Leaders of Opposition in both Houses, and Union Home Minister. Judicial appointments require consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
• Judicial appointments require consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
• Tenure & Service Conditions:
• Term: 3 years or until 70 years of age (whichever earlier) Reappointment: Allowed Post-tenure employment with government is prohibited.
• Term: 3 years or until 70 years of age (whichever earlier)
• Reappointment: Allowed
• Post-tenure employment with government is prohibited.
• Powers:
• Functions like a civil court under CrPC during inquiry. Can summon, demand reports, and access records from Centre/state governments. Can recommend compensation, legal action, or interim relief.
• Functions like a civil court under CrPC during inquiry.
• Can summon, demand reports, and access records from Centre/state governments.
• Can recommend compensation, legal action, or interim relief.
• Functions:
• Suo motu or petition-based inquiry into human rights violations. Visit prisons and detention centres for inspection. Promote human rights education, research, and treaties compliance. Review constitutional and legal safeguards. Recommend preventive and remedial measures in terrorism-related violations.
• Suo motu or petition-based inquiry into human rights violations.
• Visit prisons and detention centres for inspection.
• Promote human rights education, research, and treaties compliance.
• Review constitutional and legal safeguards.
• Recommend preventive and remedial measures in terrorism-related violations.
• Exemptions & Limitations:
• NHRC cannot investigate cases after 1 year of the alleged violation. Limited jurisdiction over the armed forces — can only seek government reports. Recommendations are non-binding.
• NHRC cannot investigate cases after 1 year of the alleged violation.
• Limited jurisdiction over the armed forces — can only seek government reports.
• Recommendations are non-binding.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 May 2025 Mapping:
Bakra Dam
Source: NDTV
Context: The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, sparking strong opposition from the Punjab government, which cited an ongoing water crisis.
About Bhakra Dam:
• Location: Situated on the Sutlej River near Bhakra village in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, around 13 km upstream from Nangal (Punjab). Bhakra dam is in Himachal, while Nangal is in Punjab.
• Bhakra dam is in Himachal, while Nangal is in Punjab.
• States involved: Jointly managed by Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh via BBMB.
• Key Features: Bhakra Dam is a concrete gravity dam. Asia’s second tallest dam: Height of 55 meters. Gobind Sagar Reservoir: Capacity of 34 billion cubic meters, India’s second largest after Indira Sagar. Provides irrigation, hydroelectric power, flood control, and drinking water to several states. It is known as the “New Temple of Resurgent India” by Jawaharlal Nehru. Nangal dam is another dam downstream of Bhakra dam. Sometimes both the dams together are called Bhakra-Nangal dam though they are two separate dams.
• Bhakra Dam is a concrete gravity dam.
• Asia’s second tallest dam: Height of 55 meters.
• Gobind Sagar Reservoir: Capacity of 34 billion cubic meters, India’s second largest after Indira Sagar.
• Provides irrigation, hydroelectric power, flood control, and drinking water to several states.
• It is known as the “New Temple of Resurgent India” by Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Nangal dam is another dam downstream of Bhakra dam. Sometimes both the dams together are called Bhakra-Nangal dam though they are two separate dams.
About Sutlej River:
• Origin: Rises from Lake Rakshastal, near Mount Kailash in southwestern Tibet, at an elevation of over 15,000 feet (4,600 metres). It is one of the three trans-Himalayan rivers that originate in Tibet and cut through the Himalayas, along with the Indus and Brahmaputra.
• Rises from Lake Rakshastal, near Mount Kailash in southwestern Tibet, at an elevation of over 15,000 feet (4,600 metres).
• It is one of the three trans-Himalayan rivers that originate in Tibet and cut through the Himalayas, along with the Indus and Brahmaputra.
• States it flows through: Tibet (China), Himachal Pradesh (India), Punjab (India), and Pakistan. Entry into India through the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh.
• Entry into India through the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh.
• Tributaries of Sutlej: Left-bank tributaries: Spiti River, Baspa River, and Nogli Khad. Right-bank tributaries: Soan River and Ghaggar-Hakra (historically connected)
• Left-bank tributaries: Spiti River, Baspa River, and Nogli Khad.
• Right-bank tributaries: Soan River and Ghaggar-Hakra (historically connected)
• Sutlej as a Tributary: Sutlej is the longest of the five tributaries of the Indus River. After joining the Beas River in Punjab, it continues into Pakistan, meets the Chenab, and together they form the Panjnad, which ultimately merges into the Indus River.
• Sutlej is the longest of the five tributaries of the Indus River.
• After joining the Beas River in Punjab, it continues into Pakistan, meets the Chenab, and together they form the Panjnad, which ultimately merges into the Indus River.
• Major Hydroelectric & Irrigation Projects: Bhakra-Nangal Project, Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project (Himachal Pradesh), Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Plant, Sutlej Valley Project, and Sirhind Canal System.
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