Context:
- Legal milestone
- Understanding India’s China conundrum
- The pandemic — looking back, looking forward
Legal Milestone
Context : The Supreme Court’s recent judgment on the conduct of the Tamil Nadu Governor marks a significant reaffirmation of constitutional propriety and federal balance. It clarifies the legal limits of gubernatorial discretion and strengthens the principles of cooperative federalism.
Relevance : GS 2(Polity and Governance)
Practice Question : The Governor’s office must function as a constitutional bridge, not a political barricade. Discuss in light of the recent Supreme Court judgment on gubernatorial assent to Bills. (250 words)
Legal Milestone and Constitutional Clarification
- The Supreme Court ruled that the Governor’s action of referring re-enacted Bills to the President was legally invalid and not in good faith.
- The Court termed the Governor’s conduct as arbitrary, non-est (having no legal existence), and erroneous in law.
- This judgment marks a significant clarification of the Governor’s role under Article 200 of the Constitution regarding assent to State Bills.
- The Court emphasized that a Governor cannot use indefinite delay as a tool to block or stall State legislation.
Reinforcement of Cooperative Federalism
- The judgment strengthens the principle of cooperative federalism, which requires coordination and respect between the Union and State governments.
- It reiterates that Governors are not meant to function as independent or parallel authorities but must work within the constitutional framework.
- The decision ensures that the elected State governments are not undermined by unelected constitutional authorities.
Implications for Legislative Procedure
- The Court held that once a State legislature re-enacts a Bill that was earlier returned or withheld, the Governor must act on it without further delay.
- Referring such re-enacted Bills to the President is outside the Governor’s constitutional authority, as the Constitution does not permit this step post re-enactment.
- The judgment provides a clear timeline and sequence for gubernatorial action, promoting legislative efficiency.
Specific Case: Tamil Nadu University Bills
- The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly had passed Bills seeking to change the authority for appointment of Vice-Chancellors from the Governor to the State government.
- These Bills were initially not assented to, and were later re-passed by the Assembly and sent again to the Governor.
- The Governor referred them to the President, which the Court held was not legally permissible under Article 200 in this context.
Administrative and Governance Impact
- The ruling protects the functional autonomy of State legislatures and limits the discretionary powers of the Governor in legislative matters.
- It mandates that Governors must act promptly and in accordance with constitutional procedures when dealing with legislation passed by State Assemblies.
- The judgment encourages transparency and accountability in the functioning of Raj Bhavans across the country.
Institutional and Democratic Significance
- It affirms that the Governor is a constitutional head, expected to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in specific discretionary situations.
- The decision helps restore the intended non-partisan role of the Governor as envisioned by the Constitution.
- By curbing delays and clarifying responsibilities, it safeguards the democratic mandate of State governments.
Wider National Relevance
- This ruling is expected to influence similar cases in other States where Governors and State governments have had disagreements over legislative and administrative matters.
- It may lead to a more restrained and constitutionally grounded role for Governors, promoting institutional balance.
Understanding India’s China conundrum
India’s evolving relationship with an increasingly assertive China requires strategic caution, as Beijing combines military modernization with regional outreach to reshape Asia’s power dynamics.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Practice Question : India’s engagement with China must balance de-escalation efforts with strategic vigilance. Discuss in the light of recent developments in India-China relations.(250 Words)
Changing Nature of China Under Xi Jinping
- Xi Jinping’s leadership (since 2013) marks a significant shift from Deng Xiaoping’s pragmatism to assertive nationalism.
- China is reasserting civilisational narratives of victimhood and Qing-era territorial claims, leading to aggressive posturing on borders.
Pattern of Border Provocations
- Incidents: Depsang (2013), Demchok (2016), Doklam (2017), Galwan (2020) show a trend of strategic probes by China.
- These actions are seen as part of a broader strategy to enforce territorial claims and test Indian resolve.
Recent De-escalation: Real or Rhetoric?
- Signs of thaw in late 2024, notably before BRICS Kazan Summit, with vague references to a Border Patrolling Agreement.
- Chinese statements like “dragon and elephant dance” are symbolic but strategically superficial.
- Despite de-escalation, “stand-off” continues on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
India’s Cautious Optimism vs. Strategic Reality
- PM Modi’s statement about border normalcy must be balanced against:
- PLA’s massive troop and hardware presence in Ladakh (~100,000 soldiers).
- China’s 7.2% defence budget hike in 2024, ~3x India’s allocation.
- Stockpiling of nuclear warheads (as per SIPRI data) and growing asymmetry.
Emerging Technological Asymmetry
- China leads in:
- AI-powered warfare, cybersecurity, and quantum technology.
- Anti-satellite systems and battlefield data analytics, posing threats in future conflict scenarios.
- India lags behind in these domains, increasing the strategic gap.
China’s Encirclement Strategy in the Region
- Active diplomatic inroads into India’s neighbourhood:
- Recent outreach to Bangladesh post-Hasina regime, with China viewing it as a “good friend.”
- Potential weakening of India’s eastern strategic buffer.
- Simultaneous assertiveness in West Asia and North Africa, with focus on nuclear energy resources (e.g., Africa).
India’s Diplomatic Dilemma
- While pursuing U.S. alignment, India appears to be losing grip in its traditional sphere of influence.
- This reduces strategic depth and creates vacuum for China to exploit, regionally and globally.
Long-Term Strategic Concerns
- Possibility of a U.S.-China understanding (e.g., under a leader like Donald Trump) remains a wildcard in India’s calculus.
- India’s strategy must include scenario planning, multilateral hedging, and neighbourhood-first diplomacy.
Key Takeaways for India
- Never trust symbolic gestures without structural change on the ground.
- Urgent need for:
- Defence budget reforms
- Investment in emerging military technologies
- Reinvigorated neighbourhood diplomacy
- Strategic foresight, not sentiment, must define India’s China policy.
The pandemic — looking back, looking forward
Background:
- March 2025 marks five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Raises a reflective question: Have we moved toward a more innovative, inclusive, and healthier society?
Relevance :GS 2(Health)
Practice Question :With reference to the COVID-19 pandemic, examine the role of public trust, technological innovation, and global equity in shaping an inclusive and resilient healthcare response. Also suggest reforms needed to address the unfinished health governance agenda.
Erosion and Importance of Trust
- Fragile public trust in health institutions became evident.
- Low confidence in healthcare delivery hampered:
- Adoption of masks, vaccines, and testing.
- Mobility and compliance with health advisories.
- India-specific issues:
- Underreporting of COVID deaths and infections.
- Heterogeneous trust across regions.
- Trust is foundational to public health intervention success.
Role of Technology: Promise and Pitfalls
- Pandemic accelerated tech adoption, especially:
- AI in drug discovery (e.g., DeepMind’s AlphaFold).
- Telemedicine during lockdowns.
- However, revealed:
- Digital divide across class, geography, and gender.
- Inequitable access to tech-based health services.
Deepening of Existing Vulnerabilities
- Pandemic worsened global inequalities:
- Setback to SDG 2030 goals.
- Women bore disproportionate burdens in care work and mental health.
- Poor access to services for marginalised groups.
- Mental health crisis emerged silently but significantly.
- Productivity and work culture disruptions continue without resolution (e.g., hybrid work debates).
Health System Weaknesses Exposed
- Weak public health systems in the Global South.
- Key lessons:
- Need for universal health coverage.
- Boost oxygen infrastructure for respiratory crises.
- Explore hybrid solutions: tech + traditional health infra.
- Public-private partnerships thrived briefly but waned post-crisis.
Governance and Institutional Coordination
- Coordination issues in decentralised health systems.
- Suggested reform: a central public health officer for better alignment and reduced friction in crisis response.
Equity vs Innovation: The IP Dilemma
- Profiteering and IP rights became controversial.
- Calls for IP waivers for life-saving COVID-related products.
- Africa’s vaccine crisis exposed the limits of global solidarity.
- Highlights need for South-South collaboration and local manufacturing capacity.
Looking Ahead: Global Health Futures
- While some progress in flattening the curve of health, economy, and innovation:
- “Unfinished work” remains, especially in inclusivity and preparedness.
- Question posed: Will we achieve One Health-One World, or relapse into nationalism and fragmented responses?
- Echoes José Saramago: Survival requires not just life, but meaningful, inclusive, global action.
