Linguistic Federalism and Diaspora Governance: UPSC Current Affairs Analysis & Study Strategy

In-Depth Analysis

The Big Picture

The period 2025-2026 marks a dual shift: internally, India is witnessing a reassertion of linguistic sub-nationalism as states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra resist the 'homogenization' of the Three-Language Formula. Externally, the Indian diaspora faces a 'protectionist squeeze' in the US (H-1B fee hikes) while finding 'strategic openings' in the UK (Young Professionals Scheme). Simultaneously, the Indian state is digitizing identity—from e-passports to OCI portals—to manage this global mobility and domestic diversity.

Cross-Theme Insight

Together, these threads reveal a 'Digital Sovereign' approach to identity and culture. While the Centre utilizes Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to streamline diaspora engagement (OCI portal, e-passports) and legal records (Birth/Death registration), it faces significant friction when trying to use the same administrative tools for linguistic standardization (NEP's three-language policy). The 'diaspora' is no longer just an emigrant group but a strategic vertical requiring legal protection against foreign protectionism (H-1B debates) and cultural anchoring (IKS and multi-language constitutions).

Textbook vs Reality Gap

While standard texts like 'Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language' emphasize the Centre's duty under Article 351 to 'promote the spread of Hindi,' the 2025-2026 reality shows a hardening of federal resistance, with Maharashtra scrapping the formula and Tamil Nadu opposing UGC mandates. Furthermore, while Laxmikanth notes 'OCI is not actually dual citizenship' (Chapter 7, p. 67), news item [2025-04-02] highlights a resurfacing national debate to move beyond OCI toward 'genuine dual citizenship' to align with global realities.

How This Theme Is Evolving

The theme has evolved from a 'language-only' debate into a 'rights-and-access' debate. In 2025, the focus shifted to financial barriers (US visa fees) and digital governance (RBD Act amendments), suggesting that citizenship and identity are now mediated by tech-enabled state capacity and global economic leverage.

UPSC Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Pattern

Recent years show a high frequency of questions on the Eighth Schedule (CDS-I 2016, nid 12283; IAS 2024, nid 6212) and the OCI category (CDS-I 2015, nid 12143; CDS-I 2016, nid 12292). The focus is shifting from simple language lists to the 'legal rights' of OCI cardholders and the 'procedural' aspects of citizenship amendments.

Probable Prelims Angles

• Article 351: Directive for development of Hindi language.
• Fast Track Immigration Facility: Validity (5 years) and eligibility criteria.
• Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act 2023: Online registration mandate and its link to NPR.
• 8th Schedule: Languages not included (e.g., English, Gondi) versus recently added ones like Maithili.
• OCI Cardholder restrictions: Specifically Art 16 (Public Employment) and Art 326 (Voting Rights).

Mains Answer Framework

• India's 'Linguistic Federalism' is currently facing a litmus test as the push for national educational standardization via the NEP 2020 meets the 'sub-national identity' aspirations of states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
• Linguistic Safeguards: Use Art 344 and 350A to explain the constitutional protection for mother-tongue education.. Diaspora Diplomacy: Contrast the 'protectionist' H-1B fee hike ($100,000) in the US with the 'facilitative' UK Young Professionals Scheme.. Administrative Modernization: Explain how the 2023 amendment to the RBD Act and e-passports serve as tools for internal security and global mobility.
• Concluding with the need for a 'Cooperative Federalism 2.0' where linguistic diversity is treated as a cultural asset rather than a hurdle to national integration.

Essay Connections

• Linguistic Diversity: The bedrock of Indian Unity or a stumbling block? (Use Tamil Nadu's opposition to UGC as a case study).
• The Global Indian: From Brain Drain to Brain Gain (Use the context of increased US visa fees leading to calls for return innovation).

Preparation Strategy

Reading Approach

Begin with Laxmikanth Chapter 7 and 73 to establish the constitutional baseline for citizenship and language. Then, map the 2025 news items regarding OCI portal updates and state-level language resistance to see how these static laws are being challenged by executive actions and regional politics.

Textbook Roadmap

• Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (7th ed.) > Chapter 73: Official Language. Threads 1, 2, 3, and 8. Read Articles 343-351 and the evolution of the 8th Schedule.
• Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth (7th ed.) > Chapter 7: Citizenship. Threads 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. Read Table 7.1 comparing NRI, PIO, and OCI cardholders.

Revision Bullets

• Eighth Schedule currently recognizes 22 languages; English is notably absent.
• Registration of Births and Deaths Act (1969) was amended in 2023 to mandate online portals.
• H-1B visa fees: Proposed spike to $100,000 for certain new petitions in late 2025.
• EB-5 Visa: Surge in Indian applications, peaking at 1,428 in 2024 due to H-1B restrictions.
• Fast-track immigration program: Valid for 5 years or until passport expiry.
• Section 7D of Citizenship Act 1955: Allows cancellation of OCI cards for serious convictions.
• Article 351: Imposes duty on the Centre to promote Hindi; often cited in 3-language formula debates.

Sub-Themes and News Coverage (9 themes, 31 news items)

Resistance to the Three-Language Formula

Focus: Political and administrative actions by Tamil Nadu and other states specifically opposing the imposition of Hindi or the three-language policy.

UPSC Value: Useful for analyzing the linguistic dimension of Centre-State relations and the challenges in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP).

5 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-21 [Polity & Governance] — Tamil Nadu Opposes UGC's Third Language Policy
  The Tamil Nadu government has strongly opposed the UGC's circular mandating the teaching of a third language in higher education. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 retains the three-language formula but offers flexibility, not making Hindi compulsory and allowing children to choose three languages, with at least two being Indian languages.
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  UPSC Angle: Tamil Nadu opposes UGC's third language policy.

  Key Facts:

  • Tamil Nadu opposes UGC's circular mandating a third language
  • NEP 2020 retains three-language formula with flexibility
  • Hindi is not compulsory
  • Children choose three languages, at least two being Indian languages
• 2025-09-21 [Polity & Governance] — Centre Clarifies Language Policy
  Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the central government is not imposing any language on any state. He dismissed claims that the Centre is imposing the three-language policy as politically motivated. The minister made this statement on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
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  UPSC Angle: Centre clarifies no imposition of language policy on states.

  Key Facts:

  • The Centre is not imposing any language on any State.
• 2025-06-30 [Polity & Governance] — Maharashtra's Stance on Three-Language Policy
  Maharashtra government has decided to scrap the three-language formula proposed under the National Education Policy, leading to political discussions, especially concerning education funds for Tamil Nadu. The decision impacts education and reflects federal challenges in implementing national policies.
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  UPSC Angle: Maharashtra scraps three-language formula under National Education Policy.

  Key Facts:

  • State: Maharashtra
  • Policy: Scrapping the three-language formula
  • National Education Policy: Contains the three-language formula
  • Political Implication: led to debates over education funds for Tamil Nadu
  • Maharashtra scrapped the three-language policy for Classes 1 to 5
  • Policy was opposed by academics, activists, and political parties
  • Three-language formula first proposed by the Kothari Commission (1964–66)
  • Formally adopted in the 1968 National Policy on Education (NPE)
  • National Education Policy (NEP, 2020) retains the formula with greater flexibility
• 2025-03-13 [Polity & Governance] — Tamil Nadu Replaces Rupee Symbol in Budget Logo
  The Tamil Nadu government has replaced the Devanagari rupee symbol '₹' with the Tamil letter 'roo' in its State Budget 2025-26 logo, prioritizing Tamil and promoting the Tamil word for currency, 'roobai'. The logo also features the slogan "Ellorkkum Ellaam" (Everything for Everyone) and was unveiled by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin's office. DMK spokesperson Savaranan Annadurai emphasized the importance of promoting Tamil, especially amid ongoing tensions over the Centre's three-language policy.
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  UPSC Angle: Tamil Nadu replaces rupee symbol in budget logo with Tamil letter.

  Key Facts:

  • Tamil Nadu replaces '₹' with Tamil letter 'roo' in budget logo
  • Budget logo features slogan "Ellorkkum Ellaam"
  • Chief Minister: M. K. Stalin
  • DMK spokesperson: Savaranan Annadurai
• 2025-03-03 [Polity & Governance] — TN CM Stalin: DMK Will Not Allow Hindi Imposition
  Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated that the DMK would not allow the imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu, even if it meant losing power, facing jail terms, and sacrificing lives. He refuted claims that Hindi is India's national language and Sanskrit is the country's ancient language.
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  UPSC Angle: DMK opposes Hindi imposition in Tamil Nadu.

  Key Facts:

  • Tamil Nadu
  • Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
  • DMK will not allow imposition of Hindi
  • Ready to lose power, face jail, sacrifice lives
  • Hindi is not India's national language
  • Sanskrit is not the country's ancient language

Modernization and Regulatory Reform of Indian Identity and Civil Documentation

Focus: Executive actions and policy updates aimed at digitizing application processes and tightening the legal requirements for foundational identity and travel documents, including passports, OCI cards, and birth/death records.

UPSC Value: Highlights the intersection of e-governance, digital public infrastructure, and national security in the management of citizen and diaspora records.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-12-16 [Polity & Governance] — Consulate Notice: Mandatory Uploading of Documents
  The Consulate General of India in Milan issued a notice regarding the mandatory uploading of ICAO photograph, signature, and documents to be made at applicants' level.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • Consulate General of India, Milan
  • Mandatory uploading of ICAO photograph
  • Mandatory uploading of signature
  • Mandatory uploading of documents
• 2025-08-23 [Polity & Governance] — RGI Asks States to Achieve Universal Registration of Births and Deaths
  The Registrar General of India (RGI) has directed states to take steps towards achieving universal registration of births and deaths. Following Supreme Court directives, all government hospitals have been declared 'registrars' of births and deaths. The RBD Act, 1969, amended in 2023, mandates online registration of births and deaths on the RGI portal.
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  UPSC Angle: RGI asks states to achieve universal registration of births/deaths.

  Key Facts:

  • RGI asking states to take steps towards achieving universal registration of births and deaths
  • All government hospitals declared 'registrars' of births and deaths
  • Medical officer in charge required to report events under Section 8 (1) (B) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 if the event has taken place in a hospital
  • Hospitals have to report the event within 21 days
  • The RBD Act, 1969, amended in 2023, makes online registration compulsory on the RGI portal
• 2025-08-13 [Polity & Governance] — Union Government Tightens Rules for OCI Card
  The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a notification under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955, tightening rules for OCI cards for serious charges or convictions.
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  UPSC Angle: Government tightens rules for OCI cards under Citizenship Act.

  Key Facts:

  • Notification issued under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955
• 2025-05-09 [Science & Technology] — Chip-based e-passports Introduced
  The Government of India has introduced chip-based e-passports across the country to ensure the security of travellers and enhance international travel. These e-passports are equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and an embedded antenna.
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  UPSC Angle: India introduces chip-based e-passports for enhanced security.

  Key Facts:

  • Chip-based e-passports introduced in India.
  • E-passports are equipped with RFID and an embedded antenna.

Constitutional Status and Legal Recognition of Languages

Focus: Developments concerning the legal standing, constitutional scheduling, and official public usage of Indian languages, including judicial rulings and extinction risks.

UPSC Value: Highlights the interplay between constitutional mandates (Eighth Schedule), judicial interpretation (SC on signage), and the existential challenges facing non-scheduled languages.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-30 [Polity & Governance] — President Releases Digital Constitution in Multiple Languages
  President Droupadi Murmu released the digital version of the Constitution of India in nine languages during Constitution Day celebrations at Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi. The theme for this year was “Hamara Samvidhan–Hamara Swabhiman”. This is the first time that the Bodo and Kashmiri editions of the Constitution are being introduced in the history of India.
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  UPSC Angle: President releases digital Constitution in nine languages.

  Key Facts:

  • Digital Constitution Release: Released in nine languages
  • Languages: Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bodo, Kashmiri, Telugu, Odia, and Assamese
  • First Editions: Bodo and Kashmiri editions introduced for the first time
  • Theme: “Hamara Samvidhan–Hamara Swabhiman”
• 2025-05-31 [Society & Culture] — India's Linguistic Diversity Crisis
  India is facing a silent crisis with 197 mature languages on the verge of extinction, which leads to erasing cultural identity, emotional depth and centuries of knowledge.
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  UPSC Angle: India is facing a silent crisis with 197 mature languages endangered.

  Key Facts:

  • 197 mature languages in India on the verge of extinction
• 2025-04-16 [Polity & Governance] — Supreme Court Upholds Urdu Signage in Maharashtra
  The Supreme Court has upheld the use of Urdu signage in Maharashtra, referring to it as the 'finest specimen of Hindustani culture'.
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  UPSC Angle: Supreme Court upholds Urdu signage in Maharashtra.

  Key Facts:

  • Supreme Court: Upholds Urdu signage in Maharashtra.
  • Court's description: 'Finest specimen of Hindustani culture'.
• 2025-03-18 [Polity & Governance] — Proposals to equally promote all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule
  An Indian Express editorial proposes to give all 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule equal official status. It also proposes renaming September 14 (Hindi Diwas) to Bhasha Diwas to celebrate linguistic diversity.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • All 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule should receive equal official status.
  • September 14 (Hindi Diwas) should be renamed Bhasha Diwas.

Linguistic Policy and the Promotion of Indian Knowledge Systems

Focus: State actions and public discourse regarding the official status of Hindi, academic scholarship on Indian languages, and the institutional promotion of traditional Indian knowledge.

UPSC Value: Relevant for analyzing the intersection of cultural identity, language policy, and academic freedom within the context of Indian federalism and education (GS Paper I and II).

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-30 [Schemes & Programs] — IKS, MoE: Competition Deadline
  The deadline for the pilot competition by IKS, MoE to create educational videos on Bharatiya Gyan Parampara is November 30, 2025. The competition focuses on producing 6-minute videos on Krishishastra & Indian Mathematics, with prizes up to ₹40K.
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  UPSC Angle: IKS competition deadline for educational videos on Bharatiya Gyan Parampara.

  Key Facts:

  • IKS, MoE
  • Gyānaghoshā
  • Bharatiya Gyān Paramparā
  • 6-min videos on Krishishastra & Indian Mathematics
  • Prizes: ₹40K, ₹25K, ₹20K
  • Deadline: Nov 30, 2025
• 2025-10-21 [International Relations] — India Denies Entry to SOAS Hindi Scholar
  On October 21, 2025, India denied entry to a top SOAS Hindi scholar, Francesca Orsini. The reasons for the denial are not specified in the provided context.
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  UPSC Angle: India denies entry to SOAS Hindi scholar.

  Key Facts:

  • Francesca Orsini: SOAS Hindi scholar
  • SOAS: School of Oriental and African Studies
• 2025-03-18 [Polity & Governance] — Rethinking Hindi's Role as Rajbhasha
  An Indian Express editorial challenges the idea of Hindi as India's official language, arguing it hasn't strengthened Hindi or benefited the country. It suggests removing Hindi's privileged status to help it reconnect with other Indian languages and address English dominance, potentially leading to intellectual independence.
  More details

  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • Hindi has over 60 crore speakers, or 42% of the population.

Increased Regulatory and Financial Scrutiny of the US H-1B Visa Program

Focus: Developments in late 2025 regarding the tightening of H-1B visa rules, including new fees, legal challenges, and political rhetoric targeting Indian professionals.

UPSC Value: Crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of international labor migration, US-India bilateral relations, and the impact of protectionist policies on the global tech workforce.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-10-21 [International Relations] — USCIS Clarifies H-1B Visa Fee Rule
  The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that the $100,000 fee imposed by the Trump administration on new H-1B visa petitions will not apply to applicants seeking a “change of status” or “extension of stay”. This clarifies exemptions to President Trump's September 19 proclamation, which raises the fee for new H1-B visas.
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  UPSC Angle: USCIS clarifies H-1B visa fee rule.

  Key Facts:

  • $100,000: Fee on new H-1B visa petitions
  • USCIS: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • September 19: Date of President Trump's proclamation
  • H-1B visa: US visa for skilled workers
• 2025-10-18 [International Relations] — Discussion of H1B Visa
  The discussion includes that the US trade body is in court because of H1B visas and that 60% of Indians working in the US earn less than $100,000 annually.
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  UPSC Angle: H1B visa issues affect Indian workers in the US.

  Key Facts:

  • H1B visa
  • US
  • 100K
• 2025-08-28 [Economy] — H-1B Visa Program Debate
  The H-1B visa program, crucial for Indian professionals in specialized fields, is under scrutiny in the US, with some labeling it a 'scam'. While industry leaders defend its role in addressing skills gaps, critics argue it undercuts domestic workers. Indians accounted for over 72% of approved H-1B petitions in 2023.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called H-1B visa program a “scam”
  • Indians accounted for over 72% of approved H-1B petitions in 2023
  • Annual cap of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 for individuals holding advanced degrees from US universities
  • In FY 2023, US Citizenship and Immigration Services approved 118,948 initial employment petitions and 267,370 for continuing employment, totalling 386,318.

Visa Policy Shifts Affecting Indian Professionals in Western Markets

Focus: Recent changes in US and UK immigration frameworks specifically impacting the mobility of Indian skilled workers and investors.

UPSC Value: Useful for analyzing the push-pull factors in Indian skilled migration and the impact of protectionist policies in the US versus opening opportunities in the UK.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-09-22 [Economy] — India's IT Sector Reacts to Potential Impact of Increased US Visa Fees
  Following President Trump's imposition of higher visa fees, potentially costing $100,000 per visa, for new H1B visas, India's Commerce Minister Goyel urged Indian nationals abroad to return home for innovation. The new rule primarily targets companies employing foreign workers, mainly impacting Indian nationals who receive a large proportion of H-1B visas. Smaller IT firms believe that it is going to be business as usual for them and they do not see any material or very little impact on their financials going forward. Kofa Securities is seeing an earnings per share EPS risk of 7 to 17%. over the next 3 years but they also say that this will be mitigated over a 3 to 5 year period jeffre is saying that this talent supply crunch could drive down profits of these IT companies by 4 to 13%.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • President Donald Trump raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 for new applicants.
  • Annual H-1B visa cap is 85,000 visas since 2004.
  • Indian nationals account for 71% of H-1B visa recipients.
  • New H1B visa fees could cost $100,000.
  • Commerce Minister Goyel is calling on Indian nationals to return home to innovate.
  • The new visa fees will apply to fresh petitions from today onwards.
  • The new visa fees will be applicable for those who will be part of the February 2026 lottery.
  • Kofa Securities is seeing an earnings per share EPS risk of 7 to 17%.
  • Jeffre is saying that this talent supply crunch could drive down profits of these IT companies by 4 to 13%.
• 2025-08-04 [International Relations] — Increased EB-5 Visa Applications from India
  Due to increased restrictions on H-1B and student visas, more Indians are turning to the EB-5 investment visa route, with applications surging in 2023 and 2024, peaking at 1,428 in 2024. In early 2025 (Jan–Feb), 649 applications have already been filed, and in FY2025 (Oct 2024–Jan 2025), Indian applicants filed more than 1,200 I-526E petitions. The new “Gold Card” program requires a $5 million investment for U.S. residency.
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  UPSC Angle: Increased EB-5 visa applications from India.

  Key Facts:

  • EB-5 visa applications from India peaked at 1,428 in 2024
  • 649 applications filed in Jan–Feb 2025
  • More than 1,200 I-526E petitions filed in FY2025 (Oct 2024–Jan 2025)
  • New “Gold Card” program requires a $5 million investment
• 2025-07-24 [International Relations] — UK-India Young Professionals Scheme
  The UK recently opened its final 2025 visa ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme, offering Indians aged 18–30 a chance to live, work, or study in the UK for two years. The visa cannot be extended, and applicants are not eligible for most public benefits.
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  UPSC Angle: UK-India Young Professionals Scheme; opportunities for work/study in UK.

  Key Facts:

  • Indians aged 18–30 can live, work, or study in the UK for two years
  • Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or above
  • Applicants must have 2,530 pounds in savings
  • Family members cannot be included in the application
  • Working in the sports category, including coaching, is not permitted
  • Cannot apply if already been in the UK under this scheme or the Youth Mobility Scheme visa

Modernization of India's Immigration and Diaspora Infrastructure

Focus: A series of legislative and administrative actions by the Indian government in 2025 to overhaul immigration laws, digitalize diaspora services, and streamline airport clearance.

UPSC Value: Relevant for Governance and Internal Security, highlighting the shift toward technology-driven border management and legal consolidation of colonial-era acts.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-09-12 [Polity & Governance] — Fast Track Immigration Facility Launched at Airports
  A fast-track immigration facility was launched at five airports by the Union Home Minister, aiming to facilitate international mobility with faster and smoother immigration clearance. The program's validity is for five years or until the expiration of the passport, whichever is earlier.
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  UPSC Angle: Fast-track immigration facility launched at five airports.

  Key Facts:

  • Fast-track immigration facility
  • Launched at five airports
  • Validity: five years or until passport expiration
  • Aims for faster, smoother immigration clearance
• 2025-05-20 [Polity & Governance] — Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Services Portal Launched
  A recently revamped OCI services portal was launched. The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme was introduced by the Government of India through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, in 2005. This initiative was designed to strengthen India's engagement with the global Indian diaspora by granting certain privileges to foreign nationals of Indian origin, enabling them to maintain close ties with India.
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  UPSC Angle: Revamped OCI services portal launched.

  Key Facts:

  • The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme was introduced by the Government of India through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, in 2005
• 2025-03-12 [Polity & Governance] — Immigration Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha
  An Immigration Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha to consolidate and modernize existing immigration laws in India. The bill seeks to replace four existing laws: The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, The Foreigners Act, 1946, and The Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act, 2000.
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  UPSC Angle: Immigration Bill introduced in Lok Sabha to modernize immigration laws.

  Key Facts:

  • Foreigners can be denied entry if deemed a threat to national security, sovereignty, public health, or foreign relations.
  • Institutions such as educational establishments, hospitals, and nursing homes will be required to report foreign nationals to immigration authorities.

Linguistic Federalism and Regional Identity

Focus: Debates surrounding linguistic diversity, the imposition of Hindi, and the political implications of population-based delimitation.

UPSC Value: Illustrates the tension between national standardization and federal principles protecting linguistic and regional diversity.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-07-16 [Polity & Governance] — Linguistic Secularism and National Unity
  Amid rising language-based tensions, there is a need to reaffirm India's constitutional commitment to linguistic secularism to protect national unity and cultural diversity. The Indian Constitution provides safeguards to preserve linguistic diversity, including Article 343, the Eighth Schedule, and Article 29.
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  UPSC Angle: Need to reaffirm India's commitment to linguistic secularism.

  Key Facts:

  • Article 343: Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union
  • Eighth Schedule: Lists 22 scheduled languages with recognition and development support
  • Article 29: Grants citizens the right to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture
• 2025-03-17 [Polity & Governance] — Linguistic Secularism Debate in India
  The Supreme Court's 2014 judgment on linguistic secularism has resurfaced amidst debates over the National Education Policy and its three-language formula. Linguistic secularism ensures linguistic diversity and plurality, preventing the meddling of religion and state to allow space for individual exploration and development. The Tamil Nadu government and other states are protesting against the three language formula to preserve linguistic diversity.
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  UPSC Angle: Supreme Court's 2014 judgment on linguistic secularism resurfaces.

  Key Facts:

  • Concept: Linguistic secularism promotes linguistic diversity and plurality
  • Context: Debate over National Education Policy and three-language formula
  • Supreme Court: Favored 'linguistic secularism' in 2014 order
• 2025-03-11 [Polity & Governance] — Delimitation threatens India's unity and federal balance
  Delimitation, which would change the number of parliamentary seats based on population, could increase political dominance by Hindi-speaking states, weaken national unity, and create new divisions, suggesting permanently freezing seat allocation to maintain balance.
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  UPSC Angle: Delimitation concerns: potential impact on federal balance and representation.

  Key Facts:

  • Delimitation would change the number of parliamentary seats based on population
  • Could increase political dominance by Hindi-speaking states
  • May weaken national unity and create new divisions

Legal and Policy Frameworks of Indian Citizenship

Focus: Legislative developments and policy debates concerning the legal status, rights, and registration of Indian citizens and the overseas diaspora.

UPSC Value: Essential for understanding the constitutional and legislative provisions regarding citizenship and the government's evolving engagement with the global Indian diaspora under the Citizenship Act.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-06-04 [Polity & Governance] — OCI Cardholder Benefits
  OCI cardholders are exempt from FRRO registration, regardless of their duration of stay in India, and any OCI cardholder can voluntarily renounce their OCI status, which also applies to their minor children registered under the scheme.
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  UPSC Angle: OCI cardholders exempt from FRRO registration.

  Key Facts:

  • OCI cardholders are exempt from FRRO registration.
  • OCI cardholders can voluntarily renounce their OCI status.
• 2025-04-03 [Polity & Governance] — CAA Gave Citizenship to Thousands
  According to Rai, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has given citizenship to thousands, and the Immigration and Foreigners Bill received approval from the Rajya Sabha. This relates to citizenship and immigration policies.
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  UPSC Angle: CAA gave citizenship to thousands; Immigration and Foreigners Bill approved.

  Key Facts:

  • The CAA has given citizenship to thousands.
  • The Immigration and Foreigners Bill received nod from the Rajya Sabha.
• 2025-04-02 [Polity & Governance] — Discussion on Dual Citizenship for Indians Resurfaces
  The debate on dual citizenship for Indians has resurfaced, with discussions focusing on whether genuine dual citizenship would better align with India's evolving diaspora policy and global realities, going beyond the current Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI).
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  UPSC Angle: Discussion on dual citizenship for Indians has resurfaced.

  Key Facts:

  • Debate on dual citizenship has resurfaced.