19 Nov, 2025

UNSC Gaza Plan UPSC | UNSC Approves Trump’s Proposal – International Relations

Context

UNSC has approved a U.S.-sponsored resolution backing Donald Trump’s 20-point framework for Gaza’s stabilisation.

Key Provisions

  • Authorises an international stabilisation force
  • Creates a transitional authority overseen by the U.S. President
  • Vote result: 13 in favour, Russia & China abstained

Impact

The resolution gives international legitimacy to the U.S. initiative for Gaza’s governance and hints at a future pathway towards a Palestinian state.

SC Retrospective Green Clearances UPSC | Supreme Court Recalls Verdict – Daily Current Affairs

Context

The Supreme Court has recalled its 16 May 2025 judgment in Vanashakti vs Union of India, where retrospective (ex-post facto) environmental clearances were declared illegal.

Current Judgment

Majority (CJI Gavai + Justice Chandran):

  • Earlier ruling was too rigid.
  • Would have caused massive economic losses.
  • Delayed development projects.
  • Against public interest.
    → Hence, the previous verdict is withdrawn.

India Cereal Economy UPSC | Understanding India’s Cereal Mess – Daily Analysis

Core Problem

India over-procures rice & wheat due to MSP bias, but under-produces pulses & oilseeds → cereal surplus + huge import dependency.

Key Data

  • Paddy procurement 2025: 119.86 lt (vs 82.08 lt)
  • Wheat opening stock: 356.1 lt (norm: 102.5 lt)
  • Edible oil imports: 112 lt (2024–25)
  • Pulse imports: 30 lt
  • Edible oil output stagnant: 13 lt for 6 years
  • Import bill (edible oils): ₹82,000 crore
  • Oilseed area stagnant for 25 years

Why Distortions Exist

  • MSP system favours rice & wheat.
  • Farmers avoid pulses/oilseeds due to no assured procurement.
  • Weak market + storage + processing systems.
  • Cheap imports hurt domestic producers.
  • Procurement ignores nutritional needs.

Impacts

  • Economic: High subsidy + rising imports
  • Agricultural: Monocropping
  • Environmental: Paddy → groundwater depletion, methane
  • Social: Low diversification traps farmers

Reforms Needed

  • Shift procurement & MSP towards pulses/oilseeds.
  • Promote diversification & climate-resilient crops.
  • Stronger markets, storage, processing, FPO linkages.
  • Price deficiency payments; better risk management.

16th Finance Commission UPSC | What Local Bodies Can Expect – Governance Analysis

Constitutional Mandate

  • 73rd & 74th Amendments → SFCs every 5 years.
  • Finance Commission (Art 280) must devolve funds to PRIs/ULBs.

Core Issue

  • Large functions but tiny finances for PRIs/ULBs → dependence on states.

Past FC Problems

  • Didn’t assess actual expenditure needs.
  • Switching between % based and lump-sum grants.
  • Inconsistent performance grants.
  • No stable formula for autonomy.

Key Problems

  • Heavy vertical dependence on states.
  • No predictable transfers.
  • FCs not integrating SFC reports.
  • Conditional grants → no long-term structural reform.

What the 16th FC May Do

  • Clear formula for basic + performance grants.
  • Estimate expenditure needs of 2.7 lakh Panchayats + 5000 ULBs.
  • Ensure stable devolution.
  • Strengthen capacity for development & social justice.

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