R2R SSB BATCHES START EVERY 1ST & 15TH of month. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.
1. India's University: A Challenge to Freedom and Quality
Background - Universities in India are facing an unprecedented challenge, mirroring the situation in the United States three decades ago.
- In 1965, Donald Trump's policies impacted the academic landscape, hindering intellectual freedom and human capital exchange.
- The decline in quality is evident in the inadequate reforms by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education.
- India's higher education system is often viewed as a model, but it struggles with quality and social relevance.
The Situation Now - There is a tension between the social role of universities and their focus on knowledge creation.
- Universities are expected to reproduce existing social structures, hindering autonomy and innovation.
- To foster creativity, academic freedom is essential.
- The growth of higher education in India prioritizes enrolment over quality, leading to a decline in standards.
- Universities are becoming targets of political interference, undermining academic freedom and quality.
- India needs to implement reforms to produce excellent academics and foster innovation.
- Autonomy is crucial for academics to develop their own views and guide their research.
- Higher education in India often faces political interference, with decisions made by external authorities rather than academic merit.
- This undermines the autonomy of universities and makes them vulnerable to political agendas.
- The focus on "bureaucrat-oriented" research discourages innovative thinking.
- Creating truly creative roles requires autonomy, and the system needs to allow academics to challenge the norm.
- Autonomy as impediment is a new argument stating that academia is an impediment to progress.
- The argument that the current system is not suited for innovation leads to new policies that will limit academic freedom.
- Funding for academic excellence is being pressured, with government funding reduced and universities facing political pressure.
- The government has reduced funding for public universities, with 1994 data showing a significant decline.
- The decline in funding affects research, innovation, and global competitiveness.
- The U.S. and China have developed a long-term agenda for global leadership in education and research.
- India needs to learn from these countries and create a system of independent universities and research institutes.
- The leadership of key institutions is limiting innovation due to adherence to old ideologies.
- Academic freedom is being undermined through political interference and insufficient funding.
- The traditional focus on rote learning continues to hinder the development of critical thinking.
- The existing short-term mindset suppresses innovation and growth.
- Many institutions are not moving forward with new ideas, leading to a decline in quality.
Way Forward - Academic freedom and autonomy are essential for fostering quality education and research.
- India needs to increase funding for research and development in universities.
- The government should prioritize quality over quantity in higher education.
- Universities must be allowed to challenge existing norms and foster innovation.
- India should learn from successful models like the U.S. and China to develop a robust and independent higher education system.
2. A Eurocentric Reset, a Gateway for India: Strengthening Ties with the UK and EU Background - In a diplomatic move, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer's new agreement with the European Union (EU) signals a powerful "reset" of relations, resuming cooperation on food standards, fishing rights, defense, and border checks.
- This development may appear Eurocentric, but it opens a gateway to possibilities and challenges for India.
- The UK and the EU are among India's most important trade and diplomatic partners, and their renewed alignment could redraw India's global strategy map.
- For Indian exporters, this could simplify compliance and revive supply chain fluidity.
- For policymakers, this presents an opportunity to strengthen strategic alliances.
- For the diaspora, this could reshape education and migration prospects.
- In short, the UK-EU reset is not just a regional recalibration; it is a moment that could redefine India's trade corridors, diplomatic engagements, and soft power leverage in the West.
The Situation Now - A reshaping of India's export dynamics: The renewed collaboration in areas such as food safety, customs coordination, and fisheries is poised to significantly influence Indian exports.
- In 2024, India's exports to the EU totaled $86 billion, while exports to the U.S. totaled $12 billion, highlighting their strategic role in India's external trade.
- Post-Brexit, Indian exporters have grappled with navigating two separate regulatory regimes, especially in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, seafood, and agro-based products.
- A harmonized UK-EU regulatory framework could simplify compliance, reduce redundancy, and lower operational costs.
- India, a significant supplier of generic medicines to the U.K., fulfilling over 25% of its pharmaceutical needs, would benefit from a unified approval mechanism that accelerates clearances and enhances cost efficiency.
- Similarly, Indian seafood exports, valued at ₹60,523.89 crore (approximately $7.38 billion) in FY2024, could face fewer trade barriers if the food standards and fishing policies are aligned.
- However, tighter common standards might challenge Indian Small and Medium Enterprises, which often lack the capital and technical know-how.
- To remain competitive, India must strengthen its export ecosystem through initiatives such as the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
- A stronger voice in global diplomacy: Beyond trade, the geopolitical dimensions are significant for India.
- A more harmonized U.K.-EU foreign policy, particularly in defense and the Indo-Pacific, offers India an avenue to enhance its multilateral coordination with the EU.
- India already operates under the EU-India Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025, and in 2022, it renewed its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the U.K., covering cyber security, climate action, and maritime security.
- As the U.K. realigns its policies with the EU, India could benefit from cohesive Western support on global platforms, such as the United Nations, the G20, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- Strategic ties with France, Germany, and the U.K. are vital to India's defence modernisation and technological ambitions, especially regarding naval power.
- Notably, India-France bilateral trade reached $15.1 billion in 2024-25.
- India's leadership in the Global South highlighted during its G20 presidency in 2023 can be amplified by leveraging the UK-EU thaw to drive collective action on climate finance, digital infrastructure, and global governance reforms.
- A unified West could become a more dependable ally for India if it engages with India strategically and assertively.
- Enhancing trade and talent power: On mobility, India has the largest diaspora globally, including large communities in the U.K. and across the EU.
- In 2024, the U.K. issued more than 110,000 student visas to Indian nationals, placing India among the top sources of international students.
- While Post-Brexit restrictions limited access for Indian professionals to EU markets, renewed U.K.-EU border coordination could enable partial mobility, creating a semi-integrated talent corridor.
- This could also bolster India's migration pacts with Germany, France, and Portugal.
- These converging shifts – trade liberalisation, mobility reintegration, and foreign policy alignment – present rare diplomatic and economic opportunities.
- To seize these opportunities, India must accelerate reforms, modernise its export infrastructure, and assert its role in global governance.
Way Forward - India should accelerate reforms and modernize its export infrastructure to capitalize on opportunities from the UK-EU reset.
- Strategic engagement with the UK and EU on issues like defense, cybersecurity, and climate action is crucial for enhancing India's global influence.
- Facilitating talent mobility and leveraging the Indian diaspora can further strengthen economic and cultural ties.
3. Should India Amend Its Nuclear Energy Laws? Background - India faces challenges in amending its nuclear energy laws, particularly the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act (CLNDA), 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act (AEA), 1962.
- These laws aim to develop private sector participation in nuclear facilities.
- This move is part of a broader strategy to expand India's nuclear energy capacity from the current 7 GW to 22 GW by 2031-32, to boost the country's clean energy goals.
- Ashley Tellis and D. Raghunandan discuss the issue in an interview conducted by Ramal Shankar.
The Situation Now - Proposed amendments to India's nuclear energy laws: Ashley Tellis argues that India has set itself a goal of expanding nuclear energy, but it cannot reach that goal without expanding domestic capacity.
- It is important to know if that is true, as 20 years from now, the U.S. is facing a road-block in its domestic nuclear sector.
- India signed a civil nuclear deal in 2008 that foreign companies could participate in India's nuclear renaissance.
- That deal is facing legal issues due to liability regulations.
- India has since 2000 been trying to reform the nuclear energy law, but has not yet succeeded.
- D. Raghunandan argues that the idea of amending the CLNDA and AEA to repeal India's nuclear power generation capacity is based on two flawed arguments or assumptions.
- The first is the roadblock to expansion of nuclear energy due to civil liability laws.
- The second is that no major nuclear supplier country has shown domestic capacity expansion at the rate India has seen.
- Currently, France and the U.S. do not have capabilities.
- India does not have much capacity anyway.
- Japan is so far a major nuclear supplier, but it has yet to come to scale.
- China, as a major nuclear supplier, has yet to come to scale.
- If it is assumed that once laws are made and Indian companies are established, India will enable fresh investments.
- Is it acceptable to assume that any major American company or corporation has that kind of capacity?
- Westinghouse has filed for bankruptcy, and GE Hitachi is also bankrupt.
- Further, Russia has asked for a change in Indian law.
- This seems to be a purely American problem.
- The regulatory and legal framework in India is not a major obstacle.
- Most countries still allow private companies to invest in nuclear energy.
- Taking liabilities leaves open the suspicion that one wants to come in and leave everything else to the operator and the host nation.
- The Atomic Energy Authority proposed to amend the nuclear liability law in 2012.
- That had objected the grounds that it was not based on international law.
- This led to a legal challenge, going to the Supreme Court.
- AT: Indian nuclear liability law is a genuine impediment to foreign participation in the sector.
- Companies from France, Japan, and the U.S. have said they cannot enter the market if the liability law is not amended.
- India signed a contract for 2008 but the liability law was passed in 2010.
- That is not now available to the government.
- The government's defense is that a new contract would violate parliamentary intention.
- The Atomic Energy Act allows private sector participation only under government ownership.
- The Indian Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) allows private suppliers through contractual agreements.
- The problem is that domestic suppliers cannot be liable.
- The civil liability legislation is based on domestic suppliers for nuclear components.
- The NPCIL, through contractual agreements, will handle all damages.
- The bigger problems are financial impediments to the specifications.
- The NPCIL has a "foolish" clause in contracts regarding the price.
- India's driving this process is geopolitical and economic.
- India needs to accept that it is not about the liability law; it is about political will.
- AT: Indian nuclear liability law is a genuine impediment to foreign participation in the sector.
- India is overdue on long horizons.
- Western suppliers are responsive to market signals and will build up capacity if demand presents itself.
- One of the reservations with private companies' participation has been about technology transfer.
- If technology is not available to the government, there are risks.
- Even if India were to amend the AEA, would the level of technology and the commitments of companies in the past between Russia and India take place in future?
- Is it acceptable to assume that private sector players will be gaining ground to offer alternative to large nuclear reactors?
- AT: This is a commercial question. If your suppliers are private entities, their technology transfer decision is based on profitability.
- India has to choose between a public or private entity for technology transfer.
- The U.S. will have a role through its licensing process for what technologies can be transferred to India.
- The U.S. government is unwilling to transfer certain reactor design technologies to China, a decision Westinghouse probably runs.
- The U.S. will not transfer certain reactor design technologies to China, a decision Westinghouse probably runs counter to the Chinese.
- My expectation is that India will seek technology transfer and will probably get some.
- But the key question is what they want and what the U.S. government will want to protect for national security or proliferation reasons.
- Even if private players do not transfer nuclear or VVER-1000 technology, India will still be allowed to build sub-components from Indian companies.
- India's advanced materials and chemistry are crucial.
- India has a potential for a low-cost nuclear program.
- India can choose to transfer ownership and old nuclear reactors to the market.
- India's nuclear industry will be able to invest.
- DR: A lot of this debate is based on hypotheticals, and we cannot frame policies based on that.
- For years, India has been chasing technology transfer, including in defence, increasing FDI from 25% to 100%, yet no major foreign company invested or transferred technology.
- This is not in their interest, as they do not have a robust nuclear program.
- India's economic efficiency is lower than in the U.S.
- The current nuclear power plants are small, between 200 MW and 500 MW.
- The next generation of reactors, 70 MW, is smaller.
- The small size may be a distraction.
- Telltis considers India as a developing country.
- Is it true that BESS will not be able to be transferred?
- D. Raghunandan: No, I don't think so.
- The Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC) is an international law.
- It is a prerequisite for expanding nuclear power.
- The CSC's purpose is to indemnify nuclear risks.
- Its production is not accurate due to human error and deliberate miscalculation.
- Three key principles are faulty.
- It is a three-tiered fund.
- The Convention has a three-tiered fund.
- If there is a delay in the Convention, it is due to an over-risking principle of supplier liability.
- The nuclear program is a political program.
- The government sets a level for nuclear damage that is too low to stand in court.
- If a nuclear incident occurs, the operator or supplier is not liable.
- The government guarantees protection.
- The system needs to be reformed.
- Problems with small SMRs are not accurate.
- They are designed for large scale production.
- The real problems are not economic; they are political.
- The SMRs are too small for the industry.
- The SMRs have flaws in their manufacturing.
- They are manufactured in an assembly line.
- The SMRs have flaws in their manufacturing.
- The SMRs have flaws in their manufacturing.
- The SMRs have flaws in their manufacturing.
Way Forward - India needs to reform its nuclear energy laws to attract private sector participation and expand its nuclear capacity.
- Addressing liability concerns and ensuring a level playing field for domestic and foreign companies are crucial.
- The government must prioritize the development of indigenous nuclear technology while fostering international collaboration.
- A clear and consistent policy framework is essential for the growth of India's nuclear energy sector.
4. What is New in Ladakh's Govt. Job Reservation Policy? Background - On June 3, President Droupadi Murmu notified four Regulations for the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, defining new policies on reservation, languages, domicile, and composition of hill councils.
- This comes after the 2019 bifurcation of J&K into UTs.
- The notified regulations were the Ladakh Official Languages Regulation, 2025; the Ladakh Civil Services Decentralisation and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025; the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2025; and The Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025.
The Situation Now - What did the policies entail?: The Regulations give the way for 85% reservation for resident Ladakhis in government jobs.
- The rules notified empower the tehsildar to issue the domicile certificates.
- To be considered "domiciles" and thus eligible for the 5% quota in government jobs in the UT, non-local residents must prove a continuous 15-year stay in the UT starting from October 31, 2019.
- With the 10% quota for the Economically Weaker Sections, the total government job reservation in the UT now stands at 95%, one of the highest in the country.
- According to the 2011 Census, Ladakh's population is 2,74,289, and nearly 80% are tribals.
- The UT has a majority Buddhist population in Leh and a sizeable Muslim population in Kargil.
- Another recently notified policy stated that at least one-third of the seats in the hill councils of Leh will be reserved for women, on a rotational basis across jurisdictions, and the official languages of the UT will be English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi.
- Why were the policies notified?: After the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution was read down on August 5, 2019, the former State was split into two Union Territories – J&K and Ladakh, and the latter without a legislative Assembly.
- After initial euphoria, the Ladakh civil society groups began protests demanding protection of land, resources, and employment.
- Concerns arose out of big businesses and outsiders acquiring land and jobs.
- People resorted to peaceful demonstrations, leading to cutting across party lines, locals and a former BJP MP demanding restoration of protection as granted under Article 35A of the Constitution, which was revoked with Article 370 in 2019.
- Article 35A lets the J&K legislature decide the "permanent residents" in the former State, prohibits a non-J&K resident from buying property, and ensures job reservation for its residents.
- In 2020, the People's Movement for Constitutional Safeguard or the Leh Apex Body (LAB) was formed, backed by the powerful Ladakh Buddhist Association.
- In 2021, the LAB and the Kargil Democratic Alliance came together to fight for constitutional safeguards for the region.
- They came up with four key demands: inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (giving tribal status and autonomy over land), Statehood, separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts, and filling of existing government vacancies.
Way Forward - What is next?: Chering Dorjay Lakruk, the president of Ladakh Buddhist Association and co-convenor of the LAB, stated that they will continue to demand Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- "Only one chapter, that of government jobs, is closed. The talks with the government will continue over issues such as the protection of land and constitutional safeguards. So far, we have not raised the issue of land with the government," Mr. Lakruk said.
- "Before the policies were notified, the high-powered committee members were invited by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for a tea party at the latter's residence. "The Home Minister assured us that all other issues will remain under discussion," Mr. Lakruk said.
- The government needs to engage in dialogue with civil society groups in Ladakh to address their demands for land protection, constitutional safeguards, and political representation.
- Ensuring equitable job opportunities for local residents is crucial for addressing grievances and promoting stability in the region.
Bengaluru's Police Commissioner was removed from his post, and an FIR was registered against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) following a stampede at a cup celebration that killed 11 people. An inquiry will investigate alleged negligence and crowd management failures.
Maoist leader Sudhakar killed in Bijapur encounter
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Trump revives controversial travel ban against 12 nations
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Trampled over: Poor communication and bad policing led to the Stampede in Bengaluru
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Injustice in the delay: The announcement of the Census is welcome, but the delay is unjust
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Modi to inaugurate Kashmir’s first all-weather rail link with Delhi today
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Dassault Aviation ties up with Tata for Rafale fighter fuselage production in India
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As Lavrov plans India visit, Putin aide ruffles feathers on mediation
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Multi-party team emphasis on India’s fight against terrorism
A multi-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor visited Washington to emphasize India's fight against terrorism. They highlighted Pakistan's alleged role in sponsoring cross-border terrorism and sought U.S. support for India's efforts to counter terror financing.
India, U.S. will need persuading to stop the conflict, Tharoor says in U.S. on Trump claims
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that India and the U.S. need to persuade each other to stop the conflict, responding to Trump's claims of mediation. He emphasized the importance of dialogue to resolve disputes and enhance a stable partnership.
Jaishankar stresses need to boost India-Central Asia links
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need to strengthen India's connectivity with Central Asia, particularly through Chabahar Port. He stressed increasing trade, technology, and energy links to foster mutual development and regional stability.
RSS chief lauds unity of political parties amid border tension
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat praised the unity among political parties amid border tensions, urging cooperation for national security. He stressed the importance of cohesive efforts to address challenges and support the armed forces.
Digital Census to speed up enumeration, aid policies with timely and accurate data: Centre
The Centre plans to conduct a digital Census using mobile applications for data collection, aiming for timely and accurate data. This initiative is expected to streamline the process, enhance data analysis, and inform policy formulation.
Trump holds ‘positive’ talks with Xi, to resume U.S.-China talks over trade
President Donald Trump held "very positive" talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, agreeing to resume trade negotiations. Xi urged the U.S. to withdraw "negative measures," while Trump welcomed Chinese students, aiming to resolve trade imbalances and global supply issues.
NEWS IN NUMBERS
Floods in Arunachal Pradesh affected 33,000 people. Pakistan approved ₹4,224 billion for its National Development Budget. A study found droughts have increased 40% in severity over 40 years. Nations spend less than 10% of what's needed for marine conservation. U.S. jobless claims rose to 2.4 lakh last week.
