India Trade Deficit and Current Account – UPSC Prelims Concepts Explained

Key Prelims Question (2023)

Statements:

1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports
2. Imports of iron & steel, chemicals, fertilisers, machinery decreased
3. Exports of services > imports of services
4. India suffers overall trade/current account deficit

Correct Answer: D (1, 3 and 4 only)
(As shown on Page 12 answer key)

Explanation:

• India runs merchandise trade deficit
• Services exports exceed services imports
• India usually runs current account deficit

HPV Vaccination Programme – Government Plan for Girls Under 14

Context

Government preparing national HPV vaccination programme for girls under 14. (Page 8)

What is HPV?

• Human Papillomavirus
• Spread through skin-to-skin contact
• Some “high-risk types” cause cervical cancer
• Often asymptomatic

HPV & Cervical Cancer

• Persistent high-risk infection → abnormal cervical cell changes
• Over years → Cervical cancer

Why Vaccinate Under 14?

• Strongest immune response at this age
• Protection before exposure
• Will significantly reduce future cervical cancer burden

C Rajagopalachari – Freedom Struggle Role and Governor-General of India

Context

A statue of C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) has been installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing Edwin Lutyens’ statue. (Page 4)

Who Was Rajagopalachari?

• Freedom fighter, statesman, writer
• Close associate of Mahatma Gandhi
• Last Governor-General of India (1948–50)
• Founder of Swatantra Party (pro-market, anti-license raj)

Role in Freedom Struggle

Civil Disobedience Movement

• Led Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha (1930)
• Southern counterpart of Gandhi’s Dandi March

Non-Cooperation & Khilafat

• Active organiser in South India

Quit India

• Initially opposed; later supported national consensus

Administrative Roles

• Premier (CM) of Madras Presidency (1937–39)
• Governor of Bengal (1947)
• Governor-General of India
• Chief Minister of Madras (1952–54)

Rajagopalachari Formula (1944)

Proposal to resolve Congress–Muslim League deadlock:

• Muslim League to support independence movement
• After independence, Muslim-majority districts could opt out via plebiscite
• Safeguards for minorities

Kerala Renaming under Article 3 – Constitutional Process and First Schedule Amendment

Context

The Union Cabinet approved the Kerala government’s proposal to rename the State from “Kerala” to “Keralam”, reflecting the Malayalam pronunciation. (Page 2)

Constitutional Process (Article 3)

1. President Refers Bill to State Legislature
   Under Article 3 proviso, the President sends the Alteration of Name Bill to the concerned State Legislature for its views.
   
2. State Legislature Gives Views
   • Legislature expresses opinion within specified time.
   • Its opinion is not binding on Parliament.
3. Presidential Recommendation
   Mandatory before introducing an Article 3 Bill in Parliament.
   
4. Passage in Parliament
   Passed by simple majority.
   
5. Amendment of First Schedule
   Since state names are listed in the First Schedule, the entry is amended to “Keralam”.
   

President’s Assent
After assent → Name becomes official.