8th FEBRUARY, 2025 A.) Potash Mining in Punjab Why in News Punjab Mining Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal announced the government's plan to explore potash mining in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts, where surveys have identified significant mineral reserves. Background • The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified potash reserves in Punjab and Rajasthan. • These reserves have the potential to reduce India's dependence on potash imports, strengthening the domestic fertilizer industry. Details What is Potash? • Potash refers to potassium-bearing minerals primarily used in fertilizers. • It is one of the three essential agricultural nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). • Over 90% of potash is used in fertilizers to enhance crop yield and soil health. Types of Potash Fertilizers 1. Sulphate of Potash (SOP): A premium, chloride-free fertilizer used for high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and leafy plants. 2. Muriate of Potash (MOP): Contains some chloride and is commonly used for carbohydrate-rich crops like wheat. Potash Reserves in India • Punjab becomes the second state after Rajasthan to have major potash reserves. • In Rajasthan, potash deposits are found in the Nagaur-Ganganagar basin. • According to the National Mineral Inventory (NMI) 2020, India has an estimated 23,091 million tonnes of potash resources, with Rajasthan contributing 89% of the total reserves. Challenges & Way Forward • India has not engaged in potash mining despite vast reserves due to delays in exploration and extraction. • Currently, India is entirely dependent on imports for its potash needs. • Exploring and utilizing domestic reserves can enhance self-sufficiency and boost the agricultural sector.   B.) RBI’s MPC Cuts Policy Repo Rate Why in News The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has cut the policy repo rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) after nearly five years. Background • The RBI has maintained a neutral monetary policy stance, allowing flexibility in adjusting interest rates based on economic conditions. • GDP growth for FY 2025-26 is projected at 6.7%. • Food inflation pressures are expected to ease significantly, while core inflation may rise but remain moderate. Details Rationale for MPC’s Decision • Inflation has declined, and growth is expected to recover from the low seen in Q2: 2024-25. • Global financial markets remain volatile due to uncertainties in trade policies and adverse weather events. What is Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)? • A monetary policy tool used by central banks to manage liquidity in the banking system. • Includes repo rate (rate at which RBI lends money to banks) and reverse repo rate (rate at which banks park surplus funds with RBI). About the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) • Established under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, 1934 (amended in 2016). • Consists of six members: o Three from RBI, including the Governor. o Three appointed by the Central Government (hold office for four years or until further orders). • Determines the policy rate to achieve the inflation target of 4% within a band of ±2%. C.) US Deports 104 Indian Nationals Why in News A US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed at Amritsar airport on 5th February 2025. These individuals had attempted to enter the US through the "dunki route" (illegal migration route), spending between ₹30 lakh and ₹1 crore in agent fees. Background • The Trump administration has identified 20,000 Indian illegal immigrants as part of its mass deportation plan. • Indians form the largest group of illegal migrants outside Central and Latin America, with an estimated 725,000 individuals. Details What is the "Dunki Route"? • "Dunki" or "donkey journey" refers to the hazardous, long-winding routes used by people worldwide to enter countries illegally. • These journeys are undertaken due to lack of legal permits or financial constraints. • The US authorities have deported individuals who used this illegal route. What is Deportation? • Deportation is the legal removal of a non-citizen from a country for violating immigration laws. • According to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Fiscal Year 2024 Report, India ranks above China and nearly equals Brazil in deportation numbers. • Top deportation destinations: Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador. India’s Response • The Indian government is considering a new law, tentatively titled "Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024", aimed at ensuring safe, orderly, and legal migration for employment abroad. • There is a pressing need to replace the outdated Emigration Act, 1983 with a comprehensive legislative framework. • Indian missions and consulates actively spread awareness among emigrants, issuing advisories on: o Safe migration practices o Registered recruiting agents o Genuine foreign job opportunities o Ways to avoid fraudulent recruitment agencies. This incident highlights India’s growing illegal migration challenge and the need for better migration policies and stricter enforcement measures.   D.) Illegal Immigration from India: Key Aspects Why in News • India’s illegal immigration issue has gained attention after 104 Indians were deported from the US on 5th February 2025. • States like Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana are major hotspots for illegal migration. Background • Many Indians use the “dunki route” (illegal migration path) to reach the US through Latin American countries. • Countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Guyana offer visa-on-arrival for Indians, while Brazil and Venezuela grant tourist visas easily. • Migrants’ routes often depend on human trafficking networks linked to their agents. Details Reasons for Illegal Migration 1. Better Opportunities: o Low wages in India push people to seek higher incomes in the US. 2. Limited Legal Routes: o Slow visa processing and uncertainty force many to opt for illegal migration. 3. Success Culture: o In communities like the Patels of Gujarat, social pressure leads families to sell land or take loans to fund migration. Consequences of Illegal Migration • Migrants face robbery, assault, and even sexual violence on the journey, often going unreported. • If successful, the journey takes 8-10 days; if migrants die, their bodies cannot be repatriated. • Human smuggling networks thrive due to strong demand. • Agents and traffickers charge high fees, promising jobs and legal status abroad. This issue highlights the need for stronger migration policies, stricter enforcement, and awareness campaigns to prevent exploitation.   E.) Governor’s Role in Assent to Bills: Supreme Court Questions Tamil Nadu Governor Why in News • The Supreme Court criticized Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi for withholding assent to Bills passed by the state legislature, stating that he seemed to have adopted his own procedure. Background • On November 13, 2023, Governor R N Ravi withheld assent on 10 Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. • In response, the state assembly reconvened on November 18, 2023, and re-enacted the same Bills. • The Governor then referred all 10 Bills to the President of India. o Outcome:  1 Bill received Presidential assent.  7 Bills were rejected.  2 Bills remained under consideration. • The Tamil Nadu government accused the Governor of acting like a political opponent rather than a constitutional authority. Key Constitutional Provisions 1. Role of the Governor in Assent to Bills (Article 200) • When a Bill is passed by the State Legislature, the Governor has four options: 1. Grant assent to the Bill. 2. Withhold assent (reject the Bill). 3. Return the Bill for reconsideration (except Money Bills). 4. Reserve the Bill for the President’s consideration. • However, Article 200 states that if the Legislative Assembly re-passes a Bill, the Governor must give assent and cannot withhold it. 2. Governor’s Discretion under Article 163 • The Governor must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers unless the Constitution explicitly provides discretion. • While the Governor has some discretion, it cannot be exercised arbitrarily or based on personal preference. 3. Supreme Court’s 2016 Judgment (Nabam Rebia Case) • The SC, in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly case (2016), reaffirmed that the Governor cannot indefinitely delay or reject a Bill without constitutional justification. • The word "shall" in Article 200 indicates a mandatory obligation on the Governor to act within a reasonable timeframe. Implications of Indefinite Delay in Assent to Bills • Paralysis of the elected government: A Governor stalling Bills can obstruct governance. • Undermining federalism: Delayed assent weakens state autonomy and affects legislative functions. • Political misuse: The discretionary powers of the Governor should not be used for political gains. Conclusion • The Supreme Court’s intervention signals the need for Governors to act within constitutional limits. • Indefinite delays in granting assent must be avoided to ensure the smooth functioning of state governments. F.) India’s Solar Energy Push: A Key Step Towards 500 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity Why in News? • India’s latest achievements in solar energy contribute significantly to its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030. Significance of Solar Energy for India 1. Future Energy Needs o India's energy consumption is three times the global average. o Over the next two decades, India will drive 25% of global energy demand growth. o Solar energy enhances self-sufficiency and reduces environmental impact. 2. Emission Reduction Targets o Under the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), India aims to:  Cut emissions intensity by 45% by 2030.  Achieve 50% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. 3. Water Security o Unlike coal-based power plants, solar energy does not require water for cooling, aiding in water conservation. 4. Rural Electrification o Off-grid solar solutions help provide electricity to remote and underserved areas. o Solar energy ensures faster power expansion in rural regions. Government Initiatives to Promote Solar Energy 1. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana o Aims to provide solar power to 1 crore households by March 2027. 2. Solar Parks Scheme o Offers ready infrastructure for solar developers with statutory clearances. 3. 100% FDI in Solar Energy o Full foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed under the automatic route, boosting investment in the sector. 4. Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) o Facilitates solar energy trading through power exchanges, ensuring market-driven pricing. Challenges in Solar Energy Expansion • High Installation Costs: Upfront costs for solar panels and infrastructure remain expensive. • Land Acquisition Issues: Large-scale solar farms require vast land, leading to disputes. • Grid Instability: Intermittency in solar power supply poses challenges for grid management. • Heatwave Impact: Excessive heat can reduce solar panel efficiency. • Dependence on Imports: India still imports a significant portion of its solar panels from countries like China. Conclusion • While India is making significant progress in solar energy, addressing challenges like costs, grid stability, and domestic manufacturing is crucial. • Strengthening policies and investments will help achieve India's clean energy goals by 2030.