4 April 2025 Current Affairs

Creamy Layer Income Limit For OBC’s

A parliamentary committee has proposed raising the ₹8 lakh income limit for determining the “creamy layer” among Other Backward Classes (OBCs), arguing that the current threshold is outdated and excludes many deserving individuals. The committee, chaired by BJP MP Ganesh Singh, suggested that the government should consult stakeholders before implementing a substantial increase. Additionally, it called for greater transparency in job quota data and improvements in scholarship schemes for OBC students.

Background on Creamy Layer & Reservation in India

• The Indra Sawhney judgment (1992) introduced the “creamy layer” concept to exclude economically advanced OBCs from reservation benefits.
• The income limit was first set at ₹1 lakh in 1993 and was last revised to ₹8 lakh in 2017.
• Reservations in India provide quotas in education and jobs for SCs, STs, and OBCs, but the creamy layer rule applies only to OBCs, not SCs/STs.

Key Recommendations & Observations

1. Increase in Creamy Layer Income Limit: The ₹8 lakh threshold should be substantially raised to ensure wider coverage of OBCs.

2. Uniformity Across States: Different states follow varied methods for creamy layer calculations; the Centre should standardize this.

3. Transparency in Job Quota Data: The government should publish reservation data on a public portal for better accountability.

4. Equivalence of Posts: Defining equivalence between autonomous bodies and government services would help OBC candidates in civil service allocations.

5. Scholarship Revisions:

• Double the income limit for OBC scholarships (currently ₹2.5 lakh).
• Extend pre-matric scholarships to students from Class V onwards (currently only for Class IX and X).
• Increase the number of top-class school education scholarships to match demand.

These recommendations aim to make reservations more effective and inclusive for the OBC population.

75th Anniversary Of India-China Diplomatic Ties

On the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for a "dragon-elephant tango," symbolizing peaceful cooperation between the two nations. In a congratulatory message to President Droupadi Murmu, Xi called for a long-term strategic approach to bilateral relations, promoting mutual trust, economic cooperation, and peaceful coexistence. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of fostering a stable relationship, with Xi advocating for joint efforts in global governance, and Murmu echoing the need for a predictable and friendly bilateral dynamic. Recent diplomatic engagements, including border de-escalation efforts, reflect ongoing attempts to reset ties after the 2020 Ladakh standoff.

Key Takeaways from Xi Jinping’s Message & Recent Developments

1. Strengthening Bilateral Ties:

• Xi and Murmu emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence, mutual trust, and long-term cooperation in various fields.

2. Multipolar World Advocacy:

• Xi urged India and China to work together for a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations.

3. Border Stability & De-escalation:

• India and China have made progress in disengaging at key friction points like Demchok and Depsang.
• The Galwan Valley clash in 2020 heightened tensions, but dialogue mechanisms are being revived.
• The latest de-escalation talks between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took place in December 2024.

4. Diplomatic Engagements:

• PM Modi and Xi met in Russia (October 2024) for the first time in five years to discuss diplomatic normalcy.
• Jaishankar and Wang Yi met in South Africa (February 2025) to discuss geopolitical challenges.
• The India-China de-escalation plan is proceeding as per schedule, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Background on India-China Relations

1. Historical Ties: India and China, both ancient civilizations, share deep-rooted cultural and trade exchanges.

2. Border Conflicts & 1962 War: Relations were strained by the 1962 war over territorial disputes, leading to prolonged mistrust.

3. Modern Diplomatic Efforts:

• 1993 & 1996 agreements established confidence-building measures along the border.
• Economic cooperation grew significantly in the 2000s, with China becoming India’s largest trading partner.
• The 2020 Galwan clash caused another diplomatic setback, leading to military stand-offs.

4. Current Outlook: While tensions persist, both countries are engaging in diplomatic dialogue and economic discussions to stabilize relations.

INSV Tarini’s Global Circumnavigation

INSV Tarini, part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, reached Cape Town, South Africa, marking the completion of the fourth leg of its global journey. Led by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, the expedition was flagged off from Goa on October 2, 2024, and has covered 23,400 nautical miles so far. The vessel was warmly received by Indian and South African officials, with planned interactions between the crew and the South African Navy. This mission not only showcases India’s naval capabilities but also promotes women’s empowerment, scientific research, and maritime cooperation between India and South Africa.

Key Highlights of the Expedition

1. Global Circumnavigation Route:

• Departed from Goa (October 2024).
• Stopovers: Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falklands, UK).
• Currently docked in Cape Town, South Africa; will depart on April 15, 2025.
• Final return to Goa by May 2025.

2. Challenges Faced by the Crew:

• Navigated through rough seas, stormy weather.
• Encountered winds over 50 knots (93 kmph).
• Waves reached heights of 7 meters (23 feet).

3. Significance of the Stopover in Cape Town:

• Vessel Maintenance & Repairs at Royal Cape Yacht Club.
• Engagements with South African Navy at Simon’s Town Naval Base & Gordon’s Bay Naval College.
• Community outreach programs to strengthen India-South Africa ties.

4. Maritime Collaboration with South Africa:

• INS Talwar participated in Exercise IBSAMAR (October 2024).
• INS Tushil made a port call at Durban (January 2025).
• INSV Tarini’s visit reinforces bilateral naval cooperation.

Background on INSV Tarini & the Indian Navy

1. INSV Tarini:

• A 56-foot sailing vessel, inducted into the Indian Navy in 2018.
• Built under ‘Make in India’ & Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
• Previously used in Navika Sagar Parikrama I (2017-18), the first all-women global circumnavigation by the Indian Navy.

2. Indian Navy Overview:

• One of the world’s leading naval forces, ensuring maritime security and blue-water capabilities.
• Engages in strategic partnerships, military exercises, and humanitarian missions.
• Promotes women’s empowerment, with increasing roles for women in operational tasks like sailing and combat.

INSV Tarini’s mission is a symbol of India’s naval strength, women’s leadership, and global maritime engagement, inspiring future generations to explore careers in the armed forces.

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) Reduction in India

The red corridor, historically plagued by left-wing extremism (LWE), has seen a significant decline in Maoist-affected districts due to government efforts in security and development. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the number of most-affected districts has reduced to six from 12, and the total number of LWE-affected districts has dropped from 38 to 18. The government's strategic deployment of security forces, expansion of infrastructure, and economic assistance has played a crucial role in combating Naxalism. With a target to eliminate LWE by March 31, 2026, the government is intensifying efforts to completely uproot Maoist insurgency.

Key Highlights of LWE Reduction

1. Decline in Maoist-Affected Districts:

• Earlier: 38 districts affected by Maoism.
• Now: Reduced to 18 districts.
• Most-affected districts: Decreased from 12 to 6.
• Districts of concern: Reduced from 9 to 6.
• Other affected districts: Dropped from 17 to 6.

2. Most-Affected Districts (High Maoist Activity):

• Chhattisgarh: Bijapur, Kanker, Narayanpur, Sukma.
• Jharkhand: West Singhbhum.
• Maharashtra: Gadchiroli.

3. Districts of Concern (Need Intensive Resources):

• Andhra Pradesh: Alluri Sitarama Raju.
• Madhya Pradesh: Balaghat.
• Odisha: Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Malkangiri.
• Telangana: Bhadradri Kothagudem.

4. Other LWE-Affected Districts:

• Chhattisgarh: Dantewada, Gariaband, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki.
• Jharkhand: Latehar.
• Odisha: Nuapada.
• Telangana: Mulugu.

5. Government Initiatives to Combat LWE:

a. Financial Assistance:

• ₹30 crore for most-affected districts.
• ₹10 crore for districts of concern under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme.
• Additional funds for special development projects as required.

b. Security Measures: Establishment of new security camps in Maoist-affected areas.

c. Developmental Programs: Expansion of roads, transport, water, electricity, and welfare schemes.

Background of Naxalism in India

1. Origins:

• Emerged in 1967 in Naxalbari, West Bengal, as a peasant uprising led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) [CPI-ML].

2. Evolution:

• Spread across Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Naxalites aimed to overthrow the government through armed rebellion.

3. Government Response:

• Operation Green Hunt (2009): Coordinated military offensive against Maoists.
• SAMADHAN Strategy (2017): Focused on security, development, and community engagement.

4. Current Status:

• Drastic decline in Maoist insurgency due to military operations, development, and weakening recruitment.

With a multi-pronged approach of security and development, the government is making significant strides in dismantling Naxal strongholds, aiming for a Maoist-free India by 2026.

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