Current Affairs — June 2024
14 articles analyzed
Executive Summary
June 2024 was marked by a significant political transition in India as the National Democratic Alliance returned to power for a third consecutive term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the conclusion of the 18th General Elections. The formation of the new Council of Ministers, appointment of Cabinet committees — particularly the Cabinet Committee on Security — and the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt dominated governance discourse. Parliamentary processes were in sharp focus with the appointment of a pro-tem Speaker ahead of the first session of the newly constituted 18th Lok Sabha, raising important constitutional questions about parliamentary procedures and conventions. Economic governance received attention through a detailed examination of the GST Council — its constitutional basis under Article 279A, composition, voting procedures, and role in cooperative federalism. This is a recurring area in UPSC examinations, particularly in the context of centre-state fiscal relations. On the infrastructure and safety front, the Kanchanjunga Express collision in West Bengal reignited debate on railway safety mechanisms, automatic protection systems, and the Kavach anti-collision technology. International affairs saw substantive engagement with China's Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel), originally articulated in 1954 and their contemporary relevance to India-China relations. The month also observed International Yoga Day (June 21) under UN recognition, the historical and cultural dimensions of Santhal Hul (tribal uprising of 1855 and land tenancy laws), and the solstice phenomenon. The rediscovery of Sucheta Kripalani as India's first woman Chief Minister offered a window into women's contribution to post-Independence governance.
Subject Breakdown
Key Themes
Monthly CA Journal — June 2024
Executive Summary
June 2024 was marked by a significant political transition in India as the National Democratic Alliance returned to power for a third consecutive term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the conclusion of the 18th General Elections. The formation of the new Council of Ministers, appointment of Cabinet committees — particularly the Cabinet Committee on Security — and the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt dominated governance discourse. Parliamentary processes were in sharp focus with the appointment of a pro-tem Speaker ahead of the first session of the newly constituted 18th Lok Sabha, raising important constitutional questions about parliamentary procedures and conventions.
Economic governance received attention through a detailed examination of the GST Council — its constitutional basis under Article 279A, composition, voting procedures, and role in cooperative federalism. This is a recurring area in UPSC examinations, particularly in the context of centre-state fiscal relations. On the infrastructure and safety front, the Kanchanjunga Express collision in West Bengal reignited debate on railway safety mechanisms, automatic protection systems, and the Kavach anti-collision technology.
International affairs saw substantive engagement with China's Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel), originally articulated in 1954 and their contemporary relevance to India-China relations. The month also observed International Yoga Day (June 21) under UN recognition, the historical and cultural dimensions of Santhal Hul (tribal uprising of 1855 and land tenancy laws), and the solstice phenomenon. The rediscovery of Sucheta Kripalani as India's first woman Chief Minister offered a window into women's contribution to post-Independence governance.
Subject-wise Highlights
GS-2: Indian Polity, Governance and International Relations
Cabinet System and Council of Ministers The swearing-in of the Modi 3.0 government brought renewed focus on constitutional provisions governing the Council of Ministers (Articles 74–75). The distinction between Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State (MoS), and MoS (Independent Charge) is a standard examination topic. Cabinet committees such as the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), and Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) are executive bodies not mentioned in the Constitution but deriving power from the Rules of Business.
Pro-tem Speaker When a new Lok Sabha is constituted, a pro-tem Speaker is appointed by the President (on the advice of the Prime Minister) to administer the oath of office to newly elected Members of Parliament. The pro-tem Speaker is typically the seniormost member of the House. This appointment lasts only until the regular Speaker is elected by the House under Article 93.
GST Council The GST Council, established under Article 279A inserted by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016, is a joint forum of the Centre and States. It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and includes state Finance Ministers. Voting: Centre has 1/3 of votes; States collectively have 2/3. A decision requires a 3/4 majority. The Council's recommendations are advisory in nature — a fact affirmed by the Supreme Court in the Mohit Minerals case (2022).
Sucheta Kripalani — Women in Governance Sucheta Kripalani served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (1963–1967), making her India's first woman Chief Minister. She was also a freedom fighter who played a role in the Quit India Movement. Her legacy is relevant to UPSC questions on women in public life and post-Independence governance.
China's Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel) Articulated in the 1954 India-China Agreement on Tibet, the Five Principles are: (1) Mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty; (2) Mutual non-aggression; (3) Mutual non-interference in internal affairs; (4) Equality and mutual benefit; (5) Peaceful co-existence. China frequently invokes these principles in multilateral diplomacy, though their application remains contested by neighbouring states.
GS-1: History, Culture and Society
Santhal Hul (1855) The Santhal Hul was an armed uprising of the Santhal people against oppressive moneylenders, zamindars, and British colonial authority. It was led by Sidho and Kanhu Murmu. The uprising led to the creation of the Santhal Parganas and the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, which restricts alienation of tribal land. This is directly relevant to questions on tribal uprisings and land rights legislation in colonial India.
International Yoga Day June 21 is observed as International Yoga Day, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2014 following a proposal by India. Yoga was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. Its role in India's soft power diplomacy makes it a recurring examination angle.
Summer Solstice The summer solstice (around June 21) marks the day when the Sun reaches its northernmost point (Tropic of Cancer), resulting in the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the astronomical beginning of summer. This phenomenon is relevant to GS-1 Physical Geography — Earth's movements, seasons, and solstices.
GS-3: Economy and Infrastructure
Railway Safety — Kanchanjunga Express Accident The collision involving the Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal reignited debate on railway safety. Key issues include: the Kavach Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system (limited deployment), Commissioners of Railway Safety (CRS), the National Rail Safety Fund, and India's track record on major rail accidents (Odisha Balasore 2023, etc.).
GST Council — Economic Dimension The GST Council's role in determining tax slabs (nil, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%), managing the Compensation Cess, and resolving Centre-State fiscal disputes is central to GS-3 Economy questions on indirect taxation and cooperative federalism.
GS-4: Ethics and Society
Gender Representation in Executive Positions Sucheta Kripalani's governance legacy raises questions on gender representation in executive positions, challenges faced by women in political leadership, and constitutional provisions enabling equal participation in governance. UPSC essays and ethics papers frequently feature such themes.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pro-tem Speaker | Temporary presiding officer of the Lok Sabha appointed by the President to administer oaths to new MPs until a regular Speaker is elected under Article 93 |
| Article 279A | Constitutional provision inserted by the 101st CAA, 2016, establishing the GST Council as a joint forum of Centre and States |
| Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) | Most powerful Cabinet committee; decides on national security, defence acquisition, nuclear matters, atomic energy policy |
| Panchsheel | Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence articulated in the 1954 India-China Agreement on Tibet |
| Kavach (ATP) | Automatic Train Protection system developed by RDSO; prevents Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) and rear-end collisions |
| Santhal Hul | 1855 tribal uprising led by Sidho and Kanhu Murmu against British colonial authority and exploitative zamindars |
| Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act | Restricts transfer of tribal land to non-tribals in the Santhal Parganas region; a key tribal land protection law |
| Rashtrapati Bhavan Forecourt | Open ceremonial area in front of the President's official residence; venue for swearing-in of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers |
| International Yoga Day | June 21; declared by UNGA in December 2014 on India's proposal; first observed June 21, 2015 |
| Summer Solstice | Day when the Sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer (~June 21), giving the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere |
| GST Compensation Cess | Cess on luxury and demerit goods levied to compensate states for revenue loss during GST transition period |
| Mohit Minerals Case (2022) | Supreme Court ruling affirming that GST Council recommendations are not binding on the Union or State governments |
Practice Topics for UPSC Aspirants
Constitutional provisions for Cabinet formation — Articles 74, 75, 77, 78; collective responsibility; distinction between Cabinet Ministers, MoS, and MoS (Independent Charge)
GST Council — structure, voting, and cooperative federalism — Article 279A, Centre-State fiscal relations, Mohit Minerals judgment (2022)
Parliamentary procedures at the start of a new Lok Sabha — Pro-tem Speaker, oath administration, election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker (Articles 93–94)
Railway safety mechanisms in India — Kavach ATP system, Commissioners of Railway Safety, National Rail Safety Fund, lessons from major accidents
China's Five Principles and India-China relations — Panchsheel Agreement 1954, current strategic friction points, China's position in multilateral forums (SCO, BRICS, UN)
Tribal uprisings in colonial India — Santhal Hul (1855), Birsa Munda (Ulgulan, 1899–1900), Rampa Rebellion; land alienation legislation and its legacy
Women in governance — post-independence India — First woman PM (Indira Gandhi), CM (Sucheta Kripalani), President (Pratibha Patil); constitutional equality provisions
Soft power and cultural diplomacy — International Yoga Day, UNESCO ICH list, India's cultural exports as an instrument of foreign policy
Physical Geography — Earth's movements — Solstices, equinoxes, Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, seasons, day-length variation
Cabinet committees — composition and functions — CCS, CCEA, CCPA; rules-based vs constitutional basis; role in executive decision-making