Daily Prelims Notes 26 February 2025

February 26, 2025
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

26 February 2025

Table Of Contents

1. India-EU deepen ties: Focus on defence, security, and FTA amid Ukraine crisis and trade negotiations

Sub: Eco

Sec: External Sector

Context:

India and the European Union (EU) are set to enhance their defence, security, and economic ties in 2025, with a series of key proposals on the agenda.

Areas of cooperation:

Defence and Security Cooperation: The EU plans to deploy a liaison officer at India’s Navy’s Information Fusion Centre to strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, counter-terrorism cooperation, especially concerning the use of commercial drones, will be a priority.
Ukraine Conflict and Sanctions: The EU is seeking India’s assistance in enforcing sanctions against Russia. India maintains a neutral stance, advocating dialogue and diplomacy for regional stability.
FTA Negotiations: India and the EU are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the tenth round scheduled for March 2025 in Brussels. The EU seeks lower tariffs on whiskey, wine, and automobiles, which face high protection in India. An EU official noted that India’s market remains relatively closed to key European exports.

India is concerned about protecting domestic industries, particularly small enterprises and sectors like steel and aluminium from potential higher duties due to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Connectivity and Technology: India and the EU continue to focus on improving connectivity, including the India-Middle East-Europe corridor and undersea cable connections. Technological collaboration in areas like green hydrogen, electric vehicle batteries, and space tech is also a priority.

Open and Closed Economy:

An economy is divided as an open economy or closed economy based on the free movement of labour and capital with other countries in the world.

Closed Economy:

An economy that does not engage in international trade (no exports or imports).
Features:
- Self-sufficient; relies only on domestic production.
- No foreign investments or capital flows.
- No dependency on global markets for goods, services, or resources.
Example: North Korea follows a largely closed economy model.

Open Economy:

An economy that engages in international trade and financial transactions.
Features:
- Imports and exports of goods and services.
- Foreign investments and capital inflows/outflows.
- Integrated with global markets; affected by external economic conditions.
- Normal residents of an open economy are free to move or work in the domestic territory of other economies. Thus, Gross Domestic Product and Gross National Product are not the same.
Example: USA and most modern economies operate as open economies.

Advantages & Disadvantages:

India’s Economy:

India follows a mixed model: a largely open economy with some protectionist policies (e.g., tariffs on key imports).
Liberalization in 1991 significantly opened India’s economy to global trade and investment.

2. NAKSHA

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Rural dev

Context:

The NAtional geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban HAbitations (NAKSHA) is a new initiative launched on February 18, 2025, by Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh.
It aims to create accurate urban land records through advanced geospatial technology under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).

Key Features of NAKSHA:

It is a central sector scheme, being implemented by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development.
The primary objective of this initiative is to create accurate geospatial maps of towns and cities, enabling better land governance, urban planning, and smooth property transactions.
The program has been launched on a pilot basis across 152 urban local bodies in 26 states.
The towns selected for the pilot survey must meet two criteria:
- Their area must be less than 35 square kilometres.
- Their population must be below 2 lakh people.
The pilot phase is expected to be completed within one year.

Coverage:

As per Census 2011, India has 7,933 towns covering 1.02 lakh square kilometres out of the country’s total 87 lakh square kilometre geographical area.
Under the NAKSHA initiative, an estimated 4,142.63 square kilometres will be mapped using geospatial technology.

Survey Process:

Aerial Survey: Drones equipped with simple and oblique angle cameras (with LiDAR sensors) will capture high-resolution images, with a ground resolution of 5 cm, better than satellite imagery.
Field Survey: This stage verifies ground conditions, linking property tax, ownership, and registration deeds with land parcels, followed by creating 2D/3D models and publishing draft land ownership details.
Final Mapping: The final stage addresses claims and objections before publishing the final maps.

3. U.S. sides with Russia at UN, calls for ‘swift end’ to war

Sub: IR

Sec: Int org

Context:

On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UN Security Council adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution calling for an end to the conflict and a lasting peace.
The resolution takes a neutral stance, reflecting “constructive changes” in the U.S. position, as noted by Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia.

About the resolution:

The resolution does not take a side but encourages a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The resolution emphasizes the UN’s commitment to maintaining international peace, security, and resolving disputes peacefully. It mourns the loss of life in the conflict and calls for a swift and lasting peace.
The resolution passed with 10 votes in favour. France, Britain, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia abstained from voting.
Russia’s Vote: Russia voted in favour of the resolution after its attempt to amend the draft failed.

Past resolutions:

Veto Power: The Security Council had been deadlocked for much of the war, as Russia holds veto power, preventing any major action.
General Assembly Support: Despite the Security Council’s inaction, the 193-member General Assembly has consistently supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, advocating for a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.

UN Security Council Dynamics:

The council has 15 members: the five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year term.
The five permanent members are the United States, the Russian Federation, France, China and the United Kingdom.
Each member of the Security Council has one vote. Decisions of the Security Council on matters are made by an affirmative vote of nine members including the concurring votes of the permanent members.
A “No” vote from one of the five permanent members blocks the passage of the resolution.

US Stance on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict:

The US has been one of the most vocal advocates for Ukraine on the global stage, providing both military and financial support to Ukraine and rallying international support through various diplomatic channels.
The US has led international efforts to impose sanctions on Russia, targeting sectors such as finance, defence, energy, and technology.
Until recently, US stance has been to support Ukraine in any peace negotiations while ensuring Russia faces significant consequences for its aggression.
However, under the Trump administration, US has moved to a more neutral stance.

4. Global Efforts to Protect Biodiversity

Sub: Env

Sec: Int convention

Why in News

The United Nations’ annual biodiversity conference, which was paused last year due to time constraints, has resumed in Rome. The key focus is on mobilizing financial resources to implement biodiversity conservation measures effectively.
The ‘Cali Fund’ was launched on February, 2025, at the resumed 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Rome.

Background:

These discussions follow the historic COP15 Montreal Agreement (2022), which set 23 goals, including the 30×30 target—protecting 30% of the planet and 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
The unfinished agenda from COP16 in Cali is now being addressed in Rome, with emphasis on funding mechanisms and implementation strategies.
A 2023 World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Zoological Society of London report highlighted that global wildlife populations have declined by 73% in the past 50 years.

Objectives of the Rome Talks:

Finalizing Financial Commitments:
- Addressing how pledged funds will be utilized.
- Establishing a global biodiversity financing
- Raising additional funds to meet biodiversity conservation goals.
Strengthening Indigenous and Local Community Involvement:
- Ensuring fair distribution of financial resources.
- Recognizing the role of Indigenous communities in conservation.
Developing a Monitoring and Reporting Framework:
- Setting clear guidelines for tracking progress on the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
- Addressing accountability measures for conservation commitments.

Cali Fund:

The Cali Fund is designed to collect money from private companies that use Digital Sequence Information (DSI) derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and biotechnology, which rely on DSI for developing products, are required to contribute financially to biodiversity conservation.
The money collected will be allocated to biodiversity conservation projects.
It will assist developing countries in implementing their biodiversity action plans.
At least 50% of the funds will be directed toward indigenous peoples and local communities, acknowledging their significant role in preserving biodiversity.
This is the first global biodiversity fund under the UN to receive direct contributions from businesses.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will oversee the fund.
The Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO) will handle administrative tasks.
The fund is a critical step towards achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) goal of halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.

Digital Sequence Information (DSI):

DSI encompasses digital data derived from genetic resources, including nucleotide sequences of DNA and RNA, as well as amino acid sequences of proteins.
DSI is fundamental in fields such as environmental and biological research, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biotechnology, aiding in the development of new therapies, energy sources, and other products.

COP16 Summit:

16th meeting of nations under the 1992 Convention on Biodiversity.
The focus is on getting countries back on track to meet 2030 targets, including the “30 by 30” goal of preserving 30% of the world’s land and sea by 2030.
Only 31 out of 195 countries had submitted plans. Wealthier nations, like European countries, Australia, Japan, and Canada, have been quicker to act.
The U.S. attends but is not obligated to submit a plan, as it never ratified the Convention.
Global Biodiversity Framework Fund: A new fund was created after COP15 to support conservation efforts, but only $238 million has been raised so far, far below expectations.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

CBD, also known as the Biodiversity Convention, is a multilateral treaty with three main objectives:
- Conservation of biological diversity
- Sustainable use of biodiversity components
- Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources
Opened for signature: June 5, 1992 (Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro)
Entered into force: December 29, 1993
The United States is the only UN member state not to ratify the convention.

Supplementary Agreements:

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: Governs movement of living modified organisms (LMOs) between countries
Nagoya Protocol: Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS)

5. CBSE Draft Policy for Conducting Two Board Exams from 2025-26

Sub: Polity

Sec: National body

Context

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed a draft policy to conduct Class 10 board examinations twice a year starting from the academic session 2025-26.
The aim is to provide students an opportunity to improve their performance in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Key Features of the Draft Policy

The first phase of board exams will be conducted from February 17 to March 6.
The second phase will be conducted from May 5 to 20.
The policy has been put in the public domain for feedback from schools, teachers, parents, students, and the general public.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends that students should be given a chance to improve their performance in board exams.

Implementation Plan

The new system will be implemented for Class 10 and Class 12 board exams.
Exams will commence on the first Tuesday after February 15, 2026.
The improvement exam (second attempt) will be held in July 2026.

Students’ Choice and Result Mechanism

Students can choose to appear for the second exam if they wish to improve their scores.
They can also opt out if they are satisfied with their first attempt.
Performance in the first exam will be available on DigiLocker for Class 11 admissions if a student does not wish to take the second exam.
The marksheet and pass certificate will include:
- Marks obtained in the first exam.
- Marks obtained in the second exam (if attempted).
- Marks from practice and internal assessments.
- Better of the two scores will be considered for the final result.

Conclusion

The policy aims to reduce stress on students by allowing them to improve their scores.
The final policy will be framed after scrutinizing feedback from stakeholders.

6. CBSE Permits Playschools and Kindergartens in School Premises

Sub: Polity

Sec: National body

Context:

The Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE) has approved the establishment of playschools and kindergartens within school premises.
The move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) recommendation for Bal Vatikas (playschools) for children aged 3 to 5 years.

Key Features of the Notification

Branch Schools under the Same Name and Affiliation
- CBSE schools can establish branch schools under the same name and affiliation number as the parent school.
- The branch school will cater to students from Bal Vatika to Class 5.

Land and Infrastructure Requirements
- The branch school must have a minimum contiguous land area of 1,200 square metres.
- It must be bound by a six-foot-high permanent wall.

Separate Physical and Academic Resources
- The branch school must have separate infrastructure, teaching, and supporting staff.
- The main school shall run Classes 6 to 11.
Application Process
- About 30,000 CBSE-affiliated schools are eligible to apply.
- Schools can apply for establishing branch schools from the academic year 2026-27 via the SARAS portal.
Governance and Management
- Separate School Management Committees (SMCs) for the main and branch schools.
- A common website with a dedicated section for the branch school.
- Separate principals and headmasters/headmistresses for both schools.
Seamless Transition for Students
- Students from the branch school will transition directly to the main school without being considered new admissions.
Teacher-Pupil Ratio for Bal Vatika
- The teacher-pupil ratio will be 1:30 in playschools established under this scheme.

7. J&K Plebiscite Promise and Article 370 Debate

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in an interview on February 25, 2025, discussed the historical context of Article 370 and the plebiscite promise made at the time of J&K’s accession to India.
His remarks come in the wake of former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud’s recent interview, where he termed Article 370 as “temporary and transitory.”

Article 370 and Temporary Status

Mr. Abdullah stated that Article 370 was described as “temporary or transitional” because J&K’s status was not fully formalized in 1947.
He linked this to the promise of a plebiscite made at the time of accession, highlighting that J&K’s future was meant to be determined democratically.
He revisited the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947, emphasizing that both the accession and the conditions attached to it should be treated equally.

Post-Abrogation Developments

Mr. Abdullah acknowledged that after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, there has been a change in the atmosphere in J&K.
He noted the decline in separatist activities and mentioned that it was “unthinkable earlier for the Mirwaiz to be provided with CRPF cover.”

Reactions to Mr. Abdullah’s Remarks

Waheed-ur-Rehmaan Parra questioned Mr. Abdullah’s claims, attributing the calm in Kashmir to laws like UAPA, PSA, NIA activities, and administrative actions like dismissals under Article 311
Some argued that Mr. Abdullah’s comments increased the vulnerability of Mirwaiz and pointed out that many shrines and mosques in Kashmir are also under security cover.

Article 370 and 35(A) Revocation – August 5, 2019

On August 5, 2019, the President of India issued the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019. This order effectively nullified the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, thereby ensuring that all provisions of the Indian Constitution now apply to the region.

The order came into immediate effect and superseded the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954.
Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019, was introduced to restructure the state into two Union Territories:
- Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature)
- Ladakh (without legislature)
The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019 was also introduced to extend reservations for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in education and government jobs.

Historical Background

Jammu and Kashmir became part of India when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947.
Article 370 initially allowed only Articles 1 and 370 of the Indian Constitution to apply to J&K, while the application of other provisions required presidential approval, in consultation with the state government.
The Constitution Order of 1950 defined the subjects on which the Union Parliament could legislate for J&K, adding 38 subjects from the Union List in line with the Instrument of Accession.

Key Features of Article 370

Found in Part XXI of the Constitution, which includes Temporary, Transitional, and Special Provisions.
Served as the foundation of J&K’s special status.
Allowed J&K to have a separate Constitution.
Limited the Union Parliament’s legislative powers over J&K to matters specified in the Instrument of Accession (defense, foreign affairs, and communications), with other subjects requiring presidential approval in consultation with the state government.
Defined the process for Article 370’s revocation, which originally required the recommendation of the J&K Constituent Assembly. However, this requirement was overridden by the 2019 Presidential Order.

8. Existing norms duly address caste bias concerns, NAAC tells SC

Sub: Polity

Sec: National body

Context:

The Supreme Court of India directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to collate complaints of caste discrimination across higher education institutions (HEIs) in India.
The directive came in response to pleas filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, alleging rampant caste-based discrimination in universities, which they argued led to their children’s deaths.

NAAC’s Stand:

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous body under the UGC, responded to the Supreme Court, stating that its existing measures for assessment and grading of HEIs address concerns related to caste-based discrimination, mental health, and equal opportunities.
NAAC emphasized its “holistic approach to accreditation,” involving detailed evaluation of the Self Study Report (SSR) and assessment of both qualitative and quantitative data.
The SSR includes 87 specific metrics related to mental well-being, equal opportunities, and student welfare, including the monitoring of quota implementation.
There are mandated grievance redressal mechanisms for sexual harassment and ragging.

About NAAC

It is an organization that assesses and accredits higher education institutions (HEIs) in India.
It is an autonomous body funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
It is an outcome of the recommendations of the National Policy in Education (1986) which laid special emphasis on upholding the quality of higher education in India.
Headquartered in Bangalore.
The mandate of the NAAC as reflected in its vision statement is in making quality assurance an integral part of the functioning of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
The NAAC functions through its General Council (GC) and Executive Committee (EC) comprising of educational administrators, policymakers and senior academicians from the cross-section of Indian higher education system.
The ratings of institutions range from A++ to C. If an institution is graded D, it means it is not accredited.
Process for Accreditation:
- Input Based: NAAC relies heavily on self-assessment reports of applicant institutions.The first step is for an applicant institution to submit a self-study report of information related to quantitative and qualitative metrics.The data is then validated by NAAC expert teams, followed by peer team visits to the institutions.
- Future Perspective: Outcome-based approach, The NAAC is planning to adopt an outcome-based approach, according to it the emphasis would be given to finding out if students are equipped with relevant skills and academic abilities.

University Grants Commission (UGC)

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India is a statutory body set up in 1956, and is charged with coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of higher education.
Previously, UGC was formed in 1946 to oversee the work of the three Central Universities of Aligarh, Banaras and, Delhi. In 1947, a committee was entrusted with the responsibility of dealing with all the then existing Universities.
After independence, the University Education Commission was set up in 1948 under the Chairmanship of S. Radhakrishnan and it recommended that the UGC be reconstituted on the general model of the University Grants Commission of the United Kingdom.
The UGC was however, formally established in November 1956, by an Act of Parliament as a statutory body of the Government of India.

Important functions performed by the commission:

It provides recognition to universities in India.
It oversees distribution of grants to universities and colleges in India.
It provides scholarships/fellowships to beneficiaries.
It monitors conformity to its regulations by universities and colleges.