2 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Breaking Barriers: First Women Graduates from the NDA

Source: Page 1, The Hindu, 2 June 2025

Topic: GS Paper 1 (Women Empowerment, Social Issues), GS Paper 2 (Government Policies, Gender Equality)

Context

The National Defence Academy (NDA) has, for the first time in its history, graduated a batch of 17 women cadets, marking a transformative moment in India’s journey towards gender inclusion in the armed forces.

Content:

Historical Significance

• Landmark Supreme Court judgment in 2021 mandated the NDA to admit women.

• NDA, established in 1954, had been exclusive to male cadets until then.

• The first 17 women graduated alongside over 300 men in May 2025.

Key Developments

• Training remains equally rigorous for women with adjustments for biological standards.

• Integration in squadrons aims to foster camaraderie and gender neutrality.

• Women cadets to join Army, Navy, and Air Force for further training in respective academies.

Structural and Social Impacts

• Facilitates broader gender representation in defence services.

• Encourages young women from rural and non-military backgrounds to aspire for uniformed services.

• Reinforces Article 14 (Equality) and 19(1)(g) (Right to profession).

Challenges Ahead

• Combat roles in Army (e.g., Infantry) still not open to women.

• Social stereotypes and infrastructural gaps in military units remain.

Way Forward

• Gradual expansion of women into combat roles.

• Gender-sensitization within military training.

• Policy reforms to normalize equal opportunity in strategic services.

Practice Question:

“Critically analyze the impact of the inclusion of women in the NDA on India’s defence policies and gender equality in armed forces.” (250 words / 15 marks)

2. India’s Growth Conundrum: Fast Enough for Whom?

Source: Page 6, The Hindu, 2 June 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Economy: Growth and Development)

Context

India’s GDP for FY 2024–25 registered at 6.5%, with a surprisingly high 7.4% in Q4, raising debates on whether this growth meets the needs of a transitioning economy aiming for developed status by 2047.

Content:

Economic Highlights

• Q4 GDP growth: 7.4% (boosted by tax revenue and construction/agriculture).

• FY 2024–25 overall growth: 6.5% (lowest post-COVID, yet highest among major economies).

• Manufacturing slowdown: 4.8% (down from 11.3% in previous Q4).

Concerns & Structural Issues

• Growth heavily supported by a 12.7% rise in net tax revenue.

• Consumption growth weak (6% in PFCE — slowest in five quarters).

• ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ demands consistent 8%+ growth, currently unmet.

Policy Takeaways

• Growth without broad-based employment and consumption risks becoming exclusionary.

• Need to stimulate manufacturing and private investment.

• Balance between stability and high-performance growth is vital.

Conclusion / Way Forward

• Holistic reforms across labour, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

• Foster entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems.

• Enhance productivity through skilling and formalization of the economy.

Practice Question:

“India’s economic growth is stable but insufficient to achieve its developmental aspirations. Examine the structural barriers and suggest strategies to attain higher sustained growth.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Arming the Margins: The Perils of Assam’s Civilian Firearm Policy

Source: Page 1, The Hindu, 2 June 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance and Policy), GS Paper 3 (Internal Security)

Context

The Assam government’s decision to grant firearm licences to certain “vulnerable” indigenous groups in border areas has drawn sharp criticism over fears of vigilantism and breakdown of state authority.

Content:

Policy Details

• Aim: To enhance local security in remote, border areas near Bangladesh.

• Licences granted selectively to “eligible indigenous groups.”

Constitutional & Legal Concerns

• Violates the principle of state monopoly on violence.

• Contradicts Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 2016 (which discourage group-based licensing).

Security Risks

• Potential for arms misuse and inter-community violence.

• Example: Salwa Judum (Chhattisgarh) led to human rights violations and was declared unconstitutional by SC.

Governance Issues

• Delegating coercive powers to civilians erodes state authority.

• Monitoring and accountability of civilian arms usage is unfeasible.

Way Forward

• Strengthen state policing and intelligence in border areas.

• Promote community policing under state supervision.

• Avoid populist measures that jeopardize legal norms and security integrity.

Practice Question:

“The decision to arm civilians in Assam’s border areas raises legal and security concerns. Critically examine the implications of this policy on law enforcement and internal security.” (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. First Women Cadets Graduate from NDA: A Milestone in Gender Integration in Defence

Source: Page 1, The Hindu (2 June 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 1 (Women Empowerment), GS Paper 2 (Government Policy & Governance)

Context

The National Defence Academy (NDA) has graduated its first-ever batch of 17 women cadets, three years after the Supreme Court ruling mandated gender equality in NDA admissions.

Prelims Facts:

• NDA established in 1954; first time in 70 years women cadets have graduated.

• Supreme Court judgment in 2021 enabled women’s entry into NDA.

• Women previously served via Short Service Commission (10 years + extension).

• Women fighter pilots were first inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2016.

• 11,414 women officers currently serve across defence forces.

• Training included route marches, obstacle courses, swimming, horse riding, and a 40 km endurance test called Josh Camp.

• Further training:

  • Army → Indian Military Academy (Dehradun)

  • Navy → Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala, Kerala)

  • Air Force → Air Force Academy (Dundigal, Telangana)

1. India’s Economic Growth 2024–25: A Reality Check on the Path to Viksit Bharat

Source: Page 6, The Hindu (2 june 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy)

Context

The government released data for FY 2024–25 showing 6.5% GDP growth, with a higher-than-expected Q4 figure of 7.4%. However, structural weaknesses continue to hinder sustained economic expansion.

Prelims Facts:

• FY 2024–25 GDP growth: 6.5% (lowest since pandemic).

• Q4 2024–25 GDP growth: 7.4% (boosted by construction and agriculture).

• Manufacturing sector growth slowed to 4.8% from 11.3%.

• Net taxes grew 12.7%, inflating overall GDP data.

• Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) grew at 6% (lowest in 5 quarters).

• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF): 9.4% growth, driven by government capex.

• Economic Survey target: 8% sustained growth for “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

• Services sector remains stable and strong.

• Chief Economic Advisor projects low inflation and stable growth ahead.

1. Civilian Armament in Assam: A Threat to Internal Security Framework

Source: Page 6, The Hindu (2 June 2025)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance), GS Paper 3 (Internal Security)

Context

The Assam government’s plan to issue firearm licences to “eligible” indigenous communities in border areas has sparked national debate over its legality, safety, and precedent.

Prelims Facts:

• Assam govt to issue arms licences to indigenous groups in vulnerable border areas.

• Border area cited: Adjacent to Bangladesh.

• Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 2016 regulate firearm possession in India.

• Supreme Court ruled in Nandini Sundar v. State of Chhattisgarh (2011) that arming civilian groups (e.g., Salwa Judum) is unconstitutional.

• Risks: Vigilantism, communal violence, grey-market arms circulation.

• Government cited “self-defence” but experts argue this is abdication of state responsibility.

• Better alternative: Strengthening state police and border infrastructure.

Check more: 31 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs