28 February 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. What do Germany’s election results mean?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Analysis of the news:

• CDU-CSU Victory: The conservative alliance won the most seats but did not secure a full majority.
• Rise of AfD: The far-right AfD became the second-largest party, reflecting growing public support for stricter immigration policies.
• Coalition Challenges: CDU-CSU needs 316 seats for a majority and must negotiate with other parties, but major differences exist.

Major electoral issues:

• Voting System Change: In 2025, voting rules changed. People vote twice—once for a local leader and once for a party. A party needs at least 5% of votes to enter parliament.
• Immigration Rules: Some parties (CDU, FDP, AfD, BSW) want stricter laws, while SPD and Greens prefer softer rules. Attacks in Germany made people demand tougher immigration policies.
• Money & Economy: A rule limits Germany’s debt. CDU and FDP want to keep it; SPD and Greens want to relax it. Talks also focused on business growth and cutting red tape.
• Foreign Policy: Most parties support Ukraine and NATO, but AfD and BSW prefer better ties with Russia. The 2% NATO spending rule was debated.

Future implications of the result

• Coalition Challenges – The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) needs alliances but faces ideological differences with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and isolation of the Alternative for Germany (AfD).
• Rise of Alternative for Germany (AfD) – Increased support for AfD may shift policies on immigration and deepen political divisions.
• Economic and Foreign Policy Impact – The debt brake debate affects investments.
• Foreign Policy Shift: AfD’s opposition to military aid for Ukraine challenges Germany’s NATO commitments.

2. Centre Withholds Education Funds for Tamil Nadu Over NEP 2020 Dispute

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 14)

Analysis of the news:  

The Language Debate in Tamil Nadu

• A major contention between the BJP-led Centre and DMK-ruled Tamil Nadu is the three-language formula of NEP 2020.
• Tamil Nadu has historically opposed Hindi imposition and follows a two-language policy (Tamil and English).
• Unlike other southern states, the state has a long history of anti-Hindi agitations, making language a deeply political issue.

Historical Context of the Language Policy

• The University Education Commission (1948-49), led by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, initially suggested Hindi as the federal language while recognizing the necessity of continuing English.
• This led to the three-language formula, formally adopted by the Kothari Commission (1964-66) and incorporated into the National Policy on Education (1968). The policy aimed to promote regional languages, Hindi, and English for better national integration.

Evolution of the Three-Language Formula

• The National Policy on Education (1986) under Rajiv Gandhi and the NEP 2020 retained this formula but allowed flexibility.
• Unlike previous policies, NEP 2020 does not mandate Hindi, stating that students can choose any two Indian languages along with English.
• In theory, this allows states to bypass Hindi entirely, but Tamil Nadu remains wary of any indirect imposition.

Centre’s Changing Stance on Education Policy

• Education is in the Concurrent List, meaning both the Centre and States have jurisdiction.
• Historically, the Centre maintained a recommendatory role, however, the Ministry of Education has now linked Samagra Shiksha funds to the implementation of NEP 2020, shifting towards coercive federalism by pressuring states into compliance.

Implications and Way Forward

• The Centre’s decision to withhold funds risks disrupting Tamil Nadu’s school education system.
• The move raises concerns about fiscal federalism, state autonomy, and the equitable distribution of centrally-sponsored schemes.
• A dialogue-driven approach is needed to balance national integration goals with regional linguistic and educational preferences, ensuring cooperative federalism in policy implementation.

3. Supreme Court Stays Lokpal Order on Corruption Complaint Against HC Judge

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 14)

Analysis of the news:

SC’s Rationale

• The Supreme Court intervened, calling the Lokpal order “very disturbing,” emphasizing the need to protect judicial independence.
• It has previously balanced accountability with safeguards against executive overreach.
• Since the Lokpal operates under the executive, allowing it to probe judges without a defined process could open doors to potential misuse.

Legal Protection for Judges

• Under Section 77 of the IPC and its equivalent in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, judges cannot be charged for acts related to their official duties.
• The SC ruling in K Veeraswami v Union of India (1991) held that criminal cases against judges require the President’s sanction after consulting the Chief Justice of India (CJI), ensuring protection from frivolous allegations.

Complaint Before Lokpal

• The complaint alleged that an HC judge influenced other judges in cases linked to his past legal clients.
• The Lokpal’s order focused on whether it had jurisdiction over HC judges rather than the complaint’s merits.

Lokpal’s Interpretation of Jurisdiction

• While the Lokpal Act does not explicitly include judges under “public servants,” it interpreted High Court judges as falling under its ambit, citing pre-Constitution laws like the High Courts Act, 1861.
• However, respecting the K Veeraswami precedent, it decided to consult the CJI before proceeding further.

Conclusion

• The SC’s stay highlights ongoing tensions between judicial independence and anti-corruption frameworks.
• The final ruling could set a precedent for future oversight mechanisms involving judges.

4. India-EU Strengthen Strategic Ties with High-Level Delegation Visit

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 14)

Analysis of the news:

Strengthening Diplomatic Ties

• The visit of 22 European Commissioners to India marks a significant milestone in the India-EU relationship, signifying a new phase in their strategic partnership.
• This high-level engagement underscores the EU’s recognition of India as a key global player, especially amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.

Trade and Investment Cooperation

• India and the EU have been negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for over 15 years, with trade in goods reaching $135 billion in FY 2023-24.
• The EU remains India’s largest trading partner, and investment flows between both regions continue to grow.
• The resumption of FTA negotiations signals renewed commitment to enhancing economic ties.

Technology and Innovation Partnerships

• The partnership in critical and emerging technologies is expanding, with key agreements on semiconductors, AI, and high-performance computing.
• These collaborations aim to counter China’s technological dominance and strengthen resilient supply chains.

Green Energy and Sustainability

• The India-EU Green Hydrogen Cooperation initiative is a significant step toward clean energy transition, with the EU pledging €1 billion for Indian hydrogen projects.
• Joint efforts in renewable energy and sustainable urbanization align with both regions’ climate goals.

Defence and Security Collaboration

• Enhanced maritime cooperation, joint naval exercises, and Indo-Pacific security engagement are critical aspects of India-EU defence collaboration.
• The growing partnership in counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and space technology reflects a shared commitment to global security.

People-to-People Connections

• Education, research, and skilled workforce mobility are central to India-EU ties.
• Indian students and professionals are major beneficiaries of EU scholarships and work permits, fostering deeper socio-cultural and economic linkages.

Geopolitical Implications

• With US-Europe ties under strain and growing global instability, India emerges as a crucial strategic partner for the EU.
• The visit highlights the EU’s interest in diversifying its alliances and strengthening engagements in the Indo-Pacific region.

Conclusion

• The visit of the European Commission delegation marks a significant milestone in India-EU relations, reinforcing their strategic partnership across trade, technology, green energy, and security.
• With ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement and deepening cooperation in critical sectors, both sides are poised to enhance economic and geopolitical collaboration.
• This engagement not only strengthens bilateral ties but also positions India and the EU as key global partners in addressing shared challenges and opportunities in an evolving multipolar world.

5. Sarbananda Sonowal unveils ‘One Nation-One Port’ to enhance efficiency with ease of doing business

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2106662 )

One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP)

• The One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP) is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) to standardize and streamline port operations across India’s major ports.
• It aims to reduce inefficiencies, cut costs, and enhance operational efficiency in India’s maritime sector.

Objectives of ONOP:

• Standardization of Port Procedures: Harmonizing documentation, processes, and regulations across all major ports.
• Reducing Bureaucratic Delays: Eliminating redundant procedures to speed up cargo handling and ship movement.
• Cost Reduction: Minimizing operational costs by improving efficiency and reducing delays.
• Enhancing Global Competitiveness: Aligning Indian port operations with international best practices.

Key Features of ONOP:

• Simplified Documentation:
  • Container operation documents reduced by 33% (from 143 to 96).
  • Bulk cargo documents reduced by 29% (from 150 to 106).
• Inter-Agency Coordination:
  • Standardization with Immigration, Port Health Organisation, and Port Authorities.
• Digitization and Automation:
  • Promotes paperless trade and real-time tracking of cargo.
• Support for Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047:
  • Ensures transparency, consistency, and optimized port management.

Conclusion

• ONOP is a major step towards modernizing India’s ports, reinforcing India’s global trade position and supporting Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Prelims Facts

1. Champakam Dorairajan Case: The Landmark Judgment That Shaped India’s Reservation Policy

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network- Page No. – 09)

Analysis of the news:

Background of the Case

• In 1948, the Madras government introduced the Communal General Order (G.O.), which allocated seats in educational institutions based on caste.
• Champakam Dorairajan, a Brahmin woman who aspired to study medicine, found that her chances of admission were significantly limited due to this policy.
• She challenged the order in court, arguing that it violated her fundamental right to equality.

Judicial Verdict

• The Madras High Court struck down the order in 1950, and the case was later upheld by the Supreme Court in 1951.
• The SC ruled that the Communal G.O. was unconstitutional, as it classified students based on religion, race, and caste, violating fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 15 of the Indian Constitution.

Impact on Constitutional Amendments

• The ruling led to the First Amendment of the Constitution, introducing Article 15(4), which explicitly allowed the state to provide special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes and Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
• This was a pivotal moment in shaping India’s affirmative action policies in education.

Debate on Equality and Reservations

• The case sparked a long-standing debate on merit versus affirmative action.
• While the ruling initially upheld a strict interpretation of equality, later judicial interpretations evolved to recognize the necessity of reservations for social justice.
• Over time, courts balanced fundamental rights with Directive Principles, expanding the scope of affirmative action.

Judicial Reassessment

• In subsequent years, the judiciary revisited its stance.
• The 2024 Supreme Court ruling on sub-classification of quotas criticized the Champakam verdict for adopting a rigid, reservation-limiting approach.
• Former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud highlighted that the early judiciary overlooked India’s caste-based inequalities while interpreting equality in a formalistic manner.

Legacy of the Case

• While Champakam Dorairajan may have pursued the case for personal reasons, its legal impact was profound.
• It led to a significant constitutional amendment, shaped India’s affirmative action framework, and marked the starting point for an evolving discourse on social justice and equality.

2. Trump to slap EU with 25% tariffs, bloc vows to ‘vigorously’ fight back

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 14)

Analysis of the news:

• U.S. Tariff Plan: U.S. President Donald Trump said he would put a 25% tax on all European Union (EU) products.
• EU’s Reaction: The EU strongly disagreed and said it would fight back against unfair trade rules.
• Trade Dispute: Trump claimed the EU was created to harm the U.S., making relations between them worse.
• EU’s Response: The EU warned that if the U.S. adds tariffs, it will tax U.S. goods like bourbon, jeans, and motorcycles.
• Trump’s Position: Trump said the U.S. is too powerful to be affected by EU trade actions.
• Impact: This fight could hurt businesses and affect global trade.

3. Climate crisis revives Soviet-era hydro projects in Central Asia

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15)

Important projects in news:

• Kambar-Ata-1: A hydroelectric plant on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan, planned since Soviet times, aimed at improving regional energy security and mitigating climate change, requiring $3.5 billion in investment.
• CASA-1000: A regional electricity transmission project enabling Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to export surplus hydropower to Afghanistan and Pakistan, enhancing energy trade and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Toktogul Hydroelectric Power Station: Kyrgyzstan’s largest hydroelectric plant, supplying 40% of the country’s electricity, facing challenges due to water shortages and requiring modernization to maintain energy production and stability.

4.  Deep sea region identified in T.N. for oil, gas exploration

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Analysis of the news:

• Hydrocarbon Exploration Tender: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a tender under the 10th round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP).
• Gulf of Mannar Inclusion: A 9,990.96 sq km area in Tamil Nadu’s deep-sea region has been included for exploration.
• Environmental Concerns: Experts warn of risks to the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, home to endangered species like dugongs and turtles.
• Fishing Livelihood Impact: Local fishermen fear irreversible environmental damage and disruption to marine life.

check more – 27 February 2025 : Daily Current Affairs