Newspaper Analysis 28th March 2025

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 dependenc