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International Moon Day – A Leap Beyond Earth

Brought to you by Suryavanshi IAS – Your Partner in Civil Services Excellence

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Introduction: Why July 20?

Every year on July 20, the world observes International Moon Day, commemorating humankind’s first landing on the Moon through NASA’s Apollo 11 mission in 1969. This day, officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2021, is not only a celebration of that historic moment but also a symbol of international cooperation, peaceful space exploration, and sustainable use of outer space resources.

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🌌 Astronomical and Geographical Relevance

🪐 The Moon: Earth’s Only Natural Satellite

• Average Distance from Earth: ~384,400 km

• Orbital Period (Sidereal): 27.3 days

• Synodic Month (New Moon to New Moon): ~29.5 days

• Tidal Influence: The Moon affects ocean tides, Earth’s rotation, and even biological rhythms.

🌍 Geographical Impact of the Moon

• The Moon stabilizes the Earth's axial tilt, regulating seasons and climate over geological timescales.

• Tidal locking ensures we always see the same lunar hemisphere from Earth, enabling consistent observation.

• Mapping the Moon’s surface helps in understanding geological processes on other planetary bodies.

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🧭 Why It Matters for UPSC Aspirants

• Prelims: Important for Space & Technology, Geography, and Current Affairs

• Mains GS Paper III: Under Science and Technology developments and their applications

• Essay Paper: Relevant under topics like “Science for Peace and Development”, or “Global Cooperation in Space”

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🚀 Apollo 11: A Historical Milestone

• Mission Launch: July 16, 1969

• Landing: July 20, 1969 (UTC July 20 evening / July 21 in some time zones)

• Crew: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins

• First Step on the Moon: 2:56 AM UTC, July 21

• Significance: First human mission to land and return safely from another celestial body.

📝 Quote: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong

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🌍 UN Recognition & International Significance

• UNGA Resolution (2021): Recognised July 20 as International Moon Day following recommendations by COPUOS (Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space).

• Aims:

  • Encourage international cooperation.

  • Promote sustainable exploration.

  • Foster STEM interest among youth.

  • Ensure peaceful use of lunar and outer space resources.

🌐 Global Participation

Countries like India (ISRO), China (CNSA), Russia (Roscosmos), UAE, and European nations have all launched lunar missions – expanding Moon research beyond American dominance.

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🌗 India’s Lunar Missions – Relevance to International Moon Day

• Chandrayaan-1 (2008):

  • India’s first lunar mission.

  • Confirmed presence of water molecules on the Moon.

• Chandrayaan-2 (2019):

  • Orbiter still functional.

  • Attempted soft landing (Vikram Lander).

• Chandrayaan-3 (2023):

  • India became the first country to land near the lunar south pole.

  • Boosted India’s global space leadership.

🌟 UPSC Insight: Be ready to answer questions on Chandrayaan missions in both Prelims and Mains.

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🛸 Moon and Sustainable Exploration

• Lunar resources like Helium-3, water ice, and rare earth metals hold potential for future energy and colonization.

• Need for international regulations to prevent space exploitation.

• Moon is a testing ground for future Mars missions and deeper space exploration.

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🧪 Celebrations and Scientific Engagement

• Public Engagement: Science fairs, astronomy workshops, telescope viewing.

• Academic Outreach: UN and space agencies promote space science through webinars, competitions, and youth programs.

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⚖️ Debate Over July 20 vs July 21

• Some critics argue that Neil Armstrong’s first step occurred at 2:56 AM UTC on July 21, not July 20.

• Others question if celebrating a predominantly American success aligns with the global and inclusive spirit of the UN.

• Still, July 20 remains officially recognised, symbolising the collective achievement of humanity.

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🌠 Key Takeaways for UPSC

Topic	Importance
Geography	Tidal impacts, Earth's axial stability, Lunar geography
Science & Tech	ISRO's role, space diplomacy, sustainable space exploration
IR & UN	COPUOS, UNGA resolutions, international space cooperation
Ethics	Peaceful use of outer space, equity in space resources
Current Affairs	Relevance of Chandrayaan-3, UN declarations, global events

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📚 UPSC Questions Practice

Prelims Style:

1. Which of the following statements is correct about International Moon Day?
   a) It is observed on the anniversary of the first Indian lunar mission.
   b) It is recognised by the UN General Assembly in 2021.
   c) It commemorates the launch of Apollo 11.
   d) It is celebrated on July 21 worldwide.
   ✅ Correct Answer: b)

Mains Style:

• “Space exploration is no longer a race among nations but a shared responsibility.” Discuss in the context of International Moon Day. (GS Paper III)

• Explain the significance of the Moon in shaping Earth's geographical and climatic conditions. (GS Paper I)

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🌞 Conclusion

International Moon Day reminds us that outer space is a shared frontier, not owned by any one nation. As India carves its place among spacefaring nations, events like this serve as a reminder for ethical, inclusive, and scientific advancement. UPSC aspirants must see beyond headlines and understand the multi-disciplinary dimensions – from science to diplomacy, geography to ethics.

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India-China Relations: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to Strategic Diplomacy

By: Suryavanshi IAS | Best Coaching for UPSC Foundation Course
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🗺️ Contextual Background:

India-China relations have seen recurring cycles of cooperation and tension. In recent months, there has been a notable shift in soft diplomacy with the resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY). The blog analyses this in light of:

• Ongoing border standoffs,

• SCO Summit diplomacy,

• Trade and FDI frictions,

• The Tibet issue,

• China's South Asia engagement model,

• Bilateral and multilateral tensions.

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🛕 1. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Cultural Diplomacy as Strategic Gesture

Topic: India’s relations with neighbours (GS Paper II)

Significance:

• Mount Kailash (Kangrínboqê Fēng) and Lake Mansarovar (Mapam Yumco) are sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.

• China allowed 8–9 batches of Indian pilgrims to travel via Tibet (Xizang) in 2025, showcasing an act of religious diplomacy.

• Seen as a gesture to improve people-to-people ties, enhance cultural exchange, and show goodwill.

UPSC Linkage:

• GS II: Bilateral Relations, Cultural Exchange

• GS IV: Ethics – Respect for beliefs, pluralism

📌 PYQ – UPSC Mains (2013):
"The growing closeness between India and China is reflected in their mutual interest in cultural and religious tourism like Kailash Mansarovar. Discuss the potential and limits of such soft diplomacy."

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✈️ 2. Direct Flights & Trade Diplomacy: The Road to Normalisation?

Topic: Bilateral & Multilateral Trade (GS Paper II + GS Paper III)

Highlights:

• India and China are negotiating the resumption of direct flights, aimed at boosting tourism, education exchange, and business.

• The trade relationship, although significant (~$135 billion in 2023), suffers due to:

  • FDI restrictions on Chinese companies,

  • India's national security concerns,

  • China’s informal curbs on Indian exports (like fertilizers and rare earths).

UPSC Linkage:

• GS III: Economic Development – FDI, Trade Agreements

• GS II: India-China Trade

📌 PYQ – UPSC Mains (2020):
"How far is India's decision to restrict Chinese investments post-Galwan justified in light of WTO norms and national interest?"

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🧭 3. SCO Summit 2025 and Regional Cooperation

Topic: Regional and Global Groupings (GS Paper II)

Details:

• Tianjin SCO Summit (Aug 31–Sep 1, 2025)

• India’s support seen via participation of NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar.

• However, absence of joint declaration on terrorism over Kashmir-related wording highlights deep divides.

UPSC Linkage:

• GS II: International Organisations – SCO, BRICS

• GS IV: Ethics in international conduct

📌 PYQ – UPSC Mains (2019):
"The SCO is not just a security alliance but a platform for regional trust-building. Discuss in the context of India’s participation."

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🔥 4. Border Tensions and LAC Progress

Topic: Security Challenges & Border Management (GS Paper III)

Facts:

• Post-Galwan, tensions have eased in some friction points.

• Dec 2024: Six-point consensus at Kazan

• March 2025: 33rd WMCC meeting agreed to maintain peace along the LAC.

• However, demobilisation is incomplete, and mutual distrust persists.

UPSC Linkage:

• GS III: Security – LAC, China policy

• GS II: India’s Neighbours

📌 PYQ – UPSC Mains (2022):
"India-China border tensions reflect a deeper geopolitical struggle. Evaluate the effectiveness of current confidence-building mechanisms."

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🕊️ 5. China-Pakistan Equation: A Thorn in India-China Relations

Topic: Triangular Diplomacy (GS II)

Details:

• Accusations by Indian Army over Chinese tech/military assistance to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

• China reiterated neutrality and promoted dialogue.

• India perceives China-Pakistan nexus as a security threat, especially in PoK and CPEC areas.

UPSC Linkage:

• GS II: International Relations

• GS III: Internal Security Threats

📌 PYQ – UPSC Mains (2020):
"Explain the strategic significance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and India’s concerns over it."

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🕉️ 6. The Tibet Issue & Dalai Lama Factor

Topic: Ethics, Religion, Foreign Policy (GS II + GS IV)

China’s Stand:

• Tibet is an “internal matter”.

• Opposes Dalai Lama’s birthday greetings, sees him as a separatist.

• Reincarnation issue viewed as state-controlled.

• Open to talks only if Dalai Lama renounces separatism.

India’s Position:

• MEA maintains “no position” on reincarnation.

• China's reaction indicates how religious figures influence diplomacy.

UPSC Linkage:

• GS II: Foreign Policy, Tibet Issue

• GS IV: Religion, Sovereignty, Ethics

📌 PYQ – UPSC Mains (2011):
"Discuss India’s handling of the Dalai Lama issue in light of China’s sensitivities. What should be India’s long-term approach?"

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🌍 7. “SAARC Minus India”? China's South Asia Moves

Topic: India’s neighbourhood policy (GS II)

Current Scenario:

• China holds parallel forums (e.g., China-South Asia Expo, China-Bangladesh-Pakistan meet).

• India excluded from several of these.

• China argues these are inclusive platforms, but India perceives marginalisation.

China's PIE Approach:

• Political Trust

• Inclusive Cooperation

• Economic Empowerment

UPSC Linkage:

• GS II: Regional Diplomacy – South Asia

• GS III: Trade and Economy

📌 PYQ – UPSC Mains (2017):
"What are the implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for India’s neighbourhood policy?"

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🔍 Conclusion: Way Forward for UPSC Aspirants

“Geopolitics is not just about power, but about perception and people.”

• For Prelims: Focus on SCO, KMY routes, Map-based questions (Tibet, Xinjiang, Indian borders)

• For Mains: Practice answer writing around strategic trust, cultural diplomacy, trade frictions.

• For Essay/Ethics: Use themes of soft power, mutual respect, regional cooperation, religious diplomacy.

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📘 Additional Resources for UPSC Preparation

• NCERTs: Geography (Class 9-12), Contemporary World Politics

• MEA & MHA Websites

• Suryavanshi IAS Study Material

• The Hindu, Indian Express Editorials

• Yojana/Kurukshetra – Border Management, Religious Harmony

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PM Modi’s Visit to the UK & Maldives (July 23–26, 2025)

 PM Modi’s Visit to the UK & Maldives (July 23–26, 2025)

“Reasserting India’s Global Voice, Reinforcing its Regional Commitments”

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🔷 INTRODUCTION

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a strategic visit to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Maldives from July 23 to 26, 2025. This bilateral tour comes at a time when India's international profile is rising, and the regional dynamics of South Asia and the Indian Ocean are undergoing significant transformations.

This blog analyses the visit’s objectives, bilateral contexts, and relevance for India’s foreign policy, strategic interests, and UPSC aspirants.

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🇬🇧 LEG 1: UNITED KINGDOM – A Global Partnership in Transition

📌 Context

• PM Modi's visit is at the invitation of British PM Keir Starmer.

• The visit signifies a renewed push in India-UK ties, especially after political transitions in the UK and Brexit.

• A likely meeting with King Charles III adds ceremonial and symbolic weight to the diplomatic outreach.

Suryavanshi IAS

🧩 Agenda & Focus Areas

• Review of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)
   Established in 2021, this is now entering a mature phase.

• Key Domains:

  • Trade & Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations

  • Defence cooperation

  • AI and technology collaboration

  • Climate action

  • Education exchange

  • Counter-terrorism

🔍 Current Relevance

• India is the fifth-largest economy; the UK is seeking post-Brexit global partners.

• A free trade agreement, under discussion since 2022, could significantly boost bilateral trade beyond £35 billion.

• In the context of China's technological and economic rise, this alliance supports a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

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🇲🇻 LEG 2: MALDIVES – Anchoring the Neighbourhood First Policy

📌 Context

• PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the 60th Independence Day of Maldives on July 26.

• The visit follows the October 2024 visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to India, where both nations adopted the India-Maldives Joint Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

🧩 Agenda & Focus Areas

• High-level discussions with President Muizzu

• Review of bilateral projects in:

  • Maritime security

  • Infrastructure

  • Connectivity

  • Capacity building

• Engagement in developmental diplomacy (ports, hospitals, water supply

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🔍 Current Relevance

• China’s growing influence via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has made Maldives a geopolitical hotspot.

• India, through Vision MAHASAGAR, seeks to ensure that Indian Ocean remains a zone of peace, stability, and cooperation.

• Maldives is crucial to India’s SAGAR Doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

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🌐 FOREIGN POLICY ALIGNMENTS IN FOCUS

Policy / Strategy	Role in the Visit
Neighbourhood First	Deepens India's ties with its maritime neighbour, Maldives
Vision MAHASAGAR	Enhances India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean
Act East Policy	Complements outreach to global partners like the UK
Indo-Pacific Strategy	Strengthens regional cooperation with like-minded democracies

📊 WHY THIS VISIT MATTERS FOR INDIA

✅ Economic Diplomacy:

India eyes newer markets, tech collaborations, and investment pipelines through the UK.

✅ Strategic Signalling:

India is reinforcing its regional leadership in South Asia and the Indian Ocean amidst Chinese assertiveness.

✅ Soft Power & Leadership:

The Guest of Honour status in Maldives' national event signals India’s goodwill and cultural diplomacy.

✅ Global Image:

The visit reinforces India’s identity as a responsible global actor, aligned with the Global South and the UN reform agenda.

Suryavanshi IAS

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📘 UPSC RELEVANCE: HIGH

🔹 GS Paper 2 – International Relations

• Bilateral ties (India-UK, India-Maldives)

• Strategic partnerships and foreign policy doctrines

• International organisations, regional groupings (e.g., Commonwealth, BIMSTEC)

🔹 GS Paper 3 – Internal Security & Maritime Challenges

• Indian Ocean security

• Blue economy

• Maritime diplomacy

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📌 POTENTIAL MAINS QUESTIONS

1. Discuss the significance of the India-Maldives relationship in India’s maritime security strategy.

2. “India-UK ties have evolved from colonial legacy to strategic convergence.” Explain with reference to recent developments.

3. Critically evaluate Vision MAHASAGAR and its importance in India’s regional maritime policy.

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🧠 SURYAVANSHI IAS QUICK RECALL POINTS

• CSP = Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

• Vision MAHASAGAR = Maritime diplomacy + Indian Ocean strategic depth

• SAGAR = Security and Growth for All in the Region

• FTA = Free Trade Agreement under negotiation with UK

• Maldives = Key partner in India’s regional defence and development architecture

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🏁 CONCLUSION

This visit is more than ceremonial — it’s a strategic step in reshaping India’s global posture and reinforcing its regional leadership. For UPSC aspirants, it offers rich insights into diplomacy, geopolitics, and India’s evolving role on the global stage.

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✍️ Prepared by:

SURYAVANSHI IAS – Where Vision Meets Precision

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Fact-Sheet: PSU Dividends to Centre (2020–2025)

🧾 For UPSC Prelims, Mains (GS-2 & GS-3), and Interview

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📌 Topic: PSU Dividends to the Central Government

Period: FY 2020–21 to 2024–25
Source: DIPAM data analysed by The Hindu
Excludes: RBI & Nationalised Bank dividends

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🔢 Key Data Points

Year	Total PSU Dividends (₹ crore)
2020–21	₹39,558 crore
2021–22	₹48,173 crore
2022–23	₹57,492 crore
2023–24	₹68,999 crore
2024–25	₹74,017 crore
Total	₹2.88 lakh crore

📈 Growth: ~87% increase in 5 years

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🛢️ Top 5 Fuel PSUs (2020–25)

👉 Contributed ₹1.27 lakh crore out of ₹3 lakh crore (~42.3%)

PSU Name	Sector	Notes
Coal India Ltd	Coal & Mining	High volume & stable dividend giver
ONGC	Oil Exploration	Owns HPCL; regular payouts
IOC	Oil Marketing	↑255% dividend since 2022–23
BPCL	Oil Marketing	Significant growth in dividend
GAIL	Natural Gas	Consistent contributor

💹 Oil Price vs Retail Price vs Dividend

• Crude Oil Prices ↓ 65%

• IOC & BPCL Dividends ↑ 255%

• Petrol Prices to Public ↓ only 2%
  ⚠️ Raises concern on price asymmetry & public interest

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🏛️ Fiscal Strategy Shift

Parameter	Observation
Disinvestment	Target underachieved in most years
Dividend Strategy	Calibrated shift to fill revenue gap
Non-Tax Revenue	Growing reliance on PSU profits

📚 UPSC Exam Relevance

🔹 Prelims

• Non-Tax Revenue

• Role of DIPAM

• Key PSUs: IOC, BPCL, ONGC, GAIL, Coal India

🔹 GS Paper 2

• Role of PSUs in governance and public welfare

• Ethics of fuel pricing and public service delivery

• Centre-PSU relationship

🔹 GS Paper 3

• Fiscal deficit management

• Public Sector reforms

• Disinvestment vs Dividend strategy

🔹 Ethics/Essay

• “Should PSUs serve people or profit?”

• “Public good vs Revenue needs – The governance dilemma”

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⚖️ Issues & Challenges

Issue	Concern
Over-reliance on fossil PSUs	Conflicts with climate goals
High fuel prices to citizens	Public burden while Govt profits rise
Dividend-focused governance	May neglect service delivery or reinvestment
Transparency	Less debate over dividend policy

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✅ Way Forward

• Link PSU performance with ESG (Environment-Social-Governance) metrics

• Rationalise pricing to reflect global oil trends

• Strengthen disinvestment planning

• Improve transparency in dividend usage for social sectors

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📘 Remember: Dividends are not just about finance — they reflect the State’s relationship with its economic instruments and citizens.

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📍 Prepared by: Suryavanshi IAS – Expert Insights for UPSC Excellence
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PSU Dividends to Centre Almost Double Since 2020

📊 A Deep Dive into Fiscal Management, Energy PSUs, and Public Interest | By Suryavanshi IAS

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🔍 Headline Insight: Why This News Matters

The Centre has nearly doubled the dividends it receives from Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) since 2020 — collecting ₹74,017 crore in 2024–25 compared to ₹39,558 crore in 2020–21.

🔎 This growth comes from a concentrated group of oil, gas, and coal PSUs — raising key questions about India's fiscal dependency on fossil fuel firms and the ethics of public pricing.

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🏛️ Understanding Dividends: PSU Contribution to Union Budget

What are Dividends?

• A dividend is a share of a company’s profit paid to its shareholders.

• For PSUs, the Government of India is the majority shareholder, and thus receives a portion of the profits through dividends.

Role in Budgeting:

• Dividends form a key part of Non-Tax Revenue in the Union Budget.

• They help contain the fiscal deficit without increasing taxes or borrowing.

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🛢️ Key Fuel PSUs: The Real Cash Cows

According to DIPAM data (2020–2025), 5 major PSUs have together contributed ₹1.27 lakh crore in dividends — a staggering 42.3% of the total ₹3 lakh crore collected by the government from non-banking PSUs.

PSU	Sector	Observations
Coal India Ltd	Coal & Mining	World's largest coal producer, consistently profitable
ONGC	Oil & Gas Exploration	Owns HPCL; major dividend contributor
IOC	Oil Marketing	Saw a 255% increase in dividend payouts
BPCL	Oil Marketing	Dividends surged, despite drop in crude prices
GAIL (India)	Natural Gas Distribution	Maintains strong fiscal performance

🧾 What the Numbers Show (2020–2025):

Year	Total Dividend (₹ crore)
2020–21	₹39,558 crore
2021–22	₹48,173 crore
2022–23	₹57,492 crore
2023–24	₹68,999 crore
2024–25	₹74,017 crore

➡️ Total: ~₹3 lakh crore

➡️ Growth: Nearly 87% increase in 5 years

⚠️ Note: These figures exclude dividends from RBI and nationalised banks.

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⛽ Price vs Profit: Are OMCs Profiting Too Much?

IOC & BPCL:

• 📈 Dividend to Govt ↑ 255%

• 🛢️ Crude oil prices ↓ 65%

• ⛽ Petrol prices for citizens ↓ only 2%

This mismatch raises public policy concerns:

• Should OMCs prioritize profit for government revenue or price relief for consumers?

• Is the government indirectly profiting from citizens’ fuel payments?

🧩 Ethical Governance Question: Are PSUs fulfilling their social contract?

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🧮 Disinvestment vs Dividends: A Calibrated Fiscal Strategy

Background:

• Post-2020, the Centre’s disinvestment targets consistently fell short (e.g., LIC IPO delays, BPCL sale stalled).

• In response, the government strategically shifted to increasing dividend collections from profitable PSUs.

What Government Sources Say:

“We’re taking a calibrated approach between dividend and disinvestment to maintain fiscal stability in a volatile global environment.”

This has:

• ✅ Reduced immediate reliance on asset sales

• ✅ Helped manage the fiscal deficit amid pandemic and global slowdown

• ⚠️ But also increased dependence on non-renewable energy companies

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🧠 UPSC Relevance: Holistic Coverage

🔷 Prelims Focus:

• Key economic terms: Dividend, Non-Tax Revenue, OMC, Disinvestment

• Know major energy PSUs and their roles

• Budget data sources: DIPAM, Economic Survey

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🔷 Mains GS Paper 3 (Economy):

📝 Sample Question:
Q. The rising share of PSU dividends in Union Budget revenues indicates a shift in non-tax revenue strategy. Critically examine this trend and its implications.

Answer Points:

• Data-backed growth in dividends

• Over-reliance on fossil fuel PSUs

• Ethical conflict between profit vs public service

• Sustainability & ESG considerations

• Need for diversification in public asset management

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🔷 Mains GS Paper 2 (Governance):

• Role of PSUs in delivering public service vs profit

• Balancing welfare with fiscal management

• Accountability in public pricing and dividends

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🔷 Ethics & Essay Topics:

• “Public Institutions must serve both the state and society — not just one.”

• “Fiscal prudence vs social justice — navigating the Indian economic dilemma.”

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📌 Criticism & Challenges

1. Overdependence on fossil fuels
   → Conflicts with India’s net-zero ambitions

2. Inequity in pricing
   → Common man pays high fuel prices while government profits rise

3. Disinvestment delays
   → Reduces capital infusion and private efficiency in PSUs

4. Limited public scrutiny
   → Dividend strategies aren’t debated like budget allocations

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✅ Way Forward

Challenge	Policy Suggestion
Pricing mismatch	Transparent pricing linked to global markets
Fossil dependency	Diversify dividends to include renewables & tech PSUs
PSU inefficiencies	Strategic disinvestment with citizen safeguards
Revenue transparency	Parliamentary discussion on dividend usage

📝 Conclusion: Profits, People & Policy – Striking the Balance

The Centre’s increasing dependence on PSU dividends reflects a smart but short-term solution to fiscal gaps. But the government must ensure that:

• Citizens benefit, not just the exchequer,

• Long-term sustainability isn’t sacrificed for annual revenue,

• And dividend strategies are aligned with public welfare.

Aspirants must critically evaluate how India’s fiscal policies shape governance and citizen outcomes — because policy is not just about money, it's about people.

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