The Supreme Court of India flagged serious lapses by trial courts and police in protecting the identity of sexual assault survivors and warned about general indifference towards statutory safeguards.
What Did the Supreme Court Observe?
• General indifference by trial courts and police • Disclosure of survivors’ identity in court records and affidavits • Violation of legal safeguards protecting survivors • Court intervened twice in one week • Directed redaction of names and identity details
What Were the Recent Cases Highlighted?
Gurugram Case
• 3.8 year old survivor case • Police affidavits disclosed identity details • School records attached with personal details • Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant • Supreme Court Registry ordered to redact identity
Himachal Pradesh Case
• Nine year old survivor • Identity disclosed in court documents • Bench headed by Justice Sanjay Karol • Court termed disclosure disturbing
Which Law Protects Survivor Identity?
Section 228A IPC Now Section 72 BNS
• Section 228A IPC now Section 72 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) • Prohibits disclosure of sexual assault survivor identity • Applies to Police, Courts, Media, Public • Violation is a Criminal Offence
[2024] Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy? (a) Article 15 (b) Article 16 (c) Article 19 (d) Article 21
A new butterfly species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Leparada district has been named Euthalia zubeengargi in honour of Zubeen Garg, a cultural icon of Assam, whose death on September 19, 2025 triggered widespread public reaction.
What Is the Newly Discovered Butterfly Species?
• Scientific Name: Euthalia zubeengargi • Common Name Proposed: Basar Duke • Genus: Euthalia • Habitat: Semi evergreen forests • Elevation Range: 600 to 750 metres • Location: Leparada district, Arunachal Pradesh
Why Is the Discovery Important?
• Only Two Male Individuals recorded • One Collected Specimen • One Photographed in Wild • Indicates Rare or Highly Localised Species • Found in Forest Ecosystem of Eastern Himalayas
[2016] Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’? (a) Arunachal Pradesh (b) Himachal Pradesh (c) Karnataka (d) Maharashtra
The Union Government reduced Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre each. However, fuel prices at petrol pumps remained unchanged because the benefit was not passed on to consumers.
Why Did Fuel Prices Not Decrease Despite Excise Duty Cut?
• Government reduced Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) • Diesel duty reduced to Zero • Petrol duty reduced to ₹3 per litre • Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) absorbed benefit instead of consumers • Objective was to reduce losses faced by OMCs • Government clarified cut not meant to lower retail prices
Why Are Oil Marketing Companies Facing Losses?
• Global crude oil prices surged above $111 per barrel • Public sector OMCs selling fuel below cost • Under recovery around ₹24 per litre petrol • Under recovery around ₹30 per litre diesel • Total losses around ₹2,400 crore per day
Why Did Government Increase Export Duties?
• Export duty on diesel increased to ₹21.5 per litre • Export duty on ATF increased to ₹29.5 per litre • Expected additional revenue ₹1,500 crore • Helps offset fiscal loss from excise duty cut
What Is the Fiscal Impact of the Decision?
• Excise duty cut cost around ₹7,000 crore • Export duty increase adds ₹1,500 crore • Net revenue loss around ₹5,500 crore per 15 days • Review every fortnight by government
What Other Measures Were Announced?
• Commercial LPG allocation increased by 20% • Total LPG allocation raised to 70% of pre crisis levels • Priority sectors where Piped Natural Gas (PNG) unavailable
[2025] Suppose the revenue expenditure is ₹80,000 crores and the revenue receipts of the Government are ₹60,000 crores. The Government budget also shows borrowings of ₹10,000 crores and interest payments of ₹6,000 crores. Which of the following statements are correct? I Revenue deficit is ₹20,000 crores. II Fiscal deficit is ₹10,000 crores. III Primary deficit is ₹4,000 crores. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III
PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2017] China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.Linkage: The PYQ tests understanding of how economic strength and industrial capacity translate into military power and regional dominance, especially in the China context. It directly aligns with the article’s argument that China’s strong defence-industrial base enables multi-domain deterrence, while India’s weakness lies in converting capability into scalable military power.
Mentor’s Comment
India’s evolving security environment, marked by the rise of China’s integrated military capabilities, is forcing a shift from fragmented preparedness to multi-domain deterrence. The article highlights a critical structural gap, not in intent, but in India’s defence-industrial capacity, doctrinal coherence, and enabling layers (C4ISR), making this a decisive moment for long-term national security planning.
What is Multi-Domain Deterrence (MDD) of India?
It is a strategic approach designed to maintain peace and coerce adversaries by integrating military and non-military capabilities across six distinct domains: land, sea, air, cyber, space, and cognitive (information).
Moving beyond traditional, single-service defense, this strategy aims to impose “unacceptable costs” on adversaries simultaneously across multiple fronts, ensuring escalation control below the threshold of full-scale war.
The Core Components & Domains
Integrated Operations (Tri-Service Jointness): A move from “jointmanship” to integrated theatre commands, where land, air, and naval forces operate as a cohesive unit, coordinated by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Cyber and Electromagnetic Warfare: The Defence Cyber Agency and electronic warfare suites are used to disrupt adversary communications, disable logistics, and protect critical infrastructure.
Space-Based Intelligence: The Defence Space Agency leverages satellites for real-time surveillance (ISR), navigation, and targeting, providing “space-enabled” advantages on the battlefield.
Cognitive and Information Warfare: This domain focuses on controlling the narrative, engaging in psychological operations, and countering disinformation to shape regional perceptions.
Technological Integration: The use of AI, unmanned swarm drones, robotics, and precision-guided munitions (PGMs) to enhance strike capabilities
Key Examples & Developments (2025-2026)
Operation Sindoor (April 2025): A significant watershed operation that demonstrated India’s capability to orchestrate a multi-day, multi-domain response to cross-border terrorism, combining airstrikes, cyber disruption, and space-based intelligence.
Exercise Trishul (2025): Validated the “sensor-to-shooter” network, which connects satellites, drones, and radars across all three services to allow for rapid decision-making.
Defence Forces Vision 2047: A long-term roadmap integrating AI, unmanned combat systems, and the creation of specialized “drone” and “data” forces
Why is India’s multi-domain deterrence significant?
Strategic asymmetry: Highlights widening capability gap with China, especially in integrated warfare systems.
Doctrinal shift: Signals transition from platform-centric warfare to multi-domain operations (MDO).
Industrial limitation: Identifies inability to convert military demand into production at scale.
First-order concern: Emphasises lack of structured defence-industrial base despite technological competence.
Private sector underutilisation: Restricts efficiency gains due to dominance of public sector production.
Procurement rigidity: Slows adaptation to evolving battlefield needs.
Budgetary constraints: Limits long-term capability development and scaling.
What strategic pathways are available for India to address capability gaps?
Bold technological leap:
Innovation focus: Invests in emerging warfighting technologies.
Risk exposure: Creates vulnerabilities if implementation fails.
Incremental modernisation:
Integration strategy: Combines emerging technologies with existing platforms.
Limited impact: Does not significantly alter balance of power.
Middle-path approach:
Enabling layers: Builds C2, ISR, logistics, and infrastructure systems.
Operational feasibility: Strengthens deterrence without over-reliance on new platforms.
How critical are enabling layers like C4ISR in modern warfare?
Enabling layers, such as C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), are the foundational technological and organizational frameworks that integrate sensors, shooters, and decision-makers in modern warfare. They transform raw data from the battlefield into actionable intelligence, ensuring information superiority, enhanced situational awareness, and faster decision-making
Battlefield awareness: Enables continuous surveillance and real-time intelligence.
Decision superiority: Strengthens command and control systems (C2).
Operational integration: Connects land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.
Attrition tolerance: Requires affordable ISR platforms deployable in large numbers.
Cyber-electronic edge: Supports degradation of adversary ISR capabilities.
What role do logistics, strike capabilities, and nuclear deterrence play?
Deep-strike capability: Integrates missiles, aircraft, and drones for depth targeting.
Close-combat strength: Enhances frontline capabilities via tanks, guns, and infantry systems.
Logistics integration: Ensures sustained operations through supply chains and infrastructure.
Nuclear deterrence: Compensates for conventional gaps; deters escalation against nuclear adversaries like China.
Why is defence production and inventory building a critical concern?
Inventory gap: China possesses large missile stockpiles and production capacity.
Sustainability risk: India risks depletion in prolonged conflict scenarios.
Surge capacity deficit: Limited ability to scale production during war.
Budget prioritisation: Requires targeted one-off allocations for critical capabilities.
Deterrence credibility: Depends on sustained production capability, not just initial stock.
What reforms are required in procurement and governance systems?
Procurement reform: Enables faster adaptation to evolving military needs.
Regulatory simplification: Reduces red tape and accelerates industrial processes.
Private sector integration: Enhances efficiency and innovation in defence manufacturing.
Political-military synergy: Aligns strategic objectives with operational capabilities.
Conclusion
India’s deterrence credibility depends on integrating industrial capacity, enabling layers, and doctrinal clarity. Platform acquisition alone is insufficient; focus must shift to system-level integration and production scalability.
A Los Angeles jury verdict holding Meta and YouTube liable for addictive design harming minors marks a decisive shift from platform immunity to accountability. This challenged the long-standing safe harbour regime. The ruling, awarding ~$6 million damages (Meta ~70%, YouTube ~30%), explicitly identifies infinite scroll and algorithmic recommendation loops as engineered addiction tools, a first in judicial recognition.
Why has addictive social media design become a global regulatory concern?
Judicial Recognition of Harm: Establishes causal link between platform design and mental health; US case identifies “engineered addiction” via infinite scroll and engagement loops.
Scale of Impact: WHO estimates 1 in 7 adolescents globally suffer mental health conditions; social media identified as a major contributing factor in multiple OECD reports.
Policy Shift Globally: Australia proposes ban for under-16s (2024); EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes stricter obligations on platforms regarding minors.
What are the core elements of India’s regulatory approach toward minors?
How does the global verdict reshape platform accountability norms?
Erosion of Safe Harbour: Platforms may face direct liability for design choices, not just hosted content.
Precedent for Litigation: Opens door for mass tort claims globally, involving thousands of affected users.
Shift to Design Regulation: Moves discourse from what content is shown to how how platforms are designed.
Conclusion
India’s approach remains regulatory but not transformative, as it addresses data and content but not platform design incentives. Future reforms must integrate technology, law, and behavioural insights to ensure effective child protection.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2024] Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest remedies.
Linkage: This question is important as it reflects the expanding scope of social media from a security issue to a governance and regulatory challenge. The theme extends to ethics (manipulation, corporate responsibility), student behaviour (addiction, mental health), and emerging social challenges, making it highly relevant for GS-4 (Ethics) and Essay (technology & society).
India officially approved its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) for the 2031-2035 period. This comes at a time when global climate leadership is weakening, especially with the US stepping back from clean energy financing and multilateral commitments. This is significant because India, despite being the third-largest emitter, is signalling continuity in climate commitment while many developed countries are retreating.
What are the exact targets under India’s NDC-3?
Emissions Intensity Reduction: Ensures 47% reduction by 2035 (from 2005 levels); builds on 45% target for 2030 and 36% already achieved by 2020.
Non-Fossil Electricity Capacity: Ensures 60% installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035; compared to 40% (Paris target) and ~52% achieved by Feb 2026.
Carbon Sink Expansion: Ensures 3.5-4 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent sink, up from 2.5-3 billion tonnes target; 2.3 billion tonnes already created by 2021.
What were India’s early achievements under previous NDCs?
Early Target Achievement: Ensures fulfillment of 33-35% emissions intensity reduction (2005–2030 target) by 2020 itself, achieving a 36% reduction, i.e., 11 years ahead of schedule, demonstrating policy credibility and implementation capacity.
Renewable Energy Transition: Ensures achievement of 40% non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity capacity well before the 2030 deadline (achieved ~2021-22), reflecting accelerated deployment of solar, wind, and other clean energy sources.
Enhanced Ambition: Strengthens climate commitment by revising emissions intensity reduction target from 45% (2030) to 47% (2035), building on early success and improved capacity.
Carbon Sink Creation: Ensures creation of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent carbon sink by 2021, progressing steadily towards the earlier target of 2.5-3 billion tonnes, through afforestation and ecosystem restoration initiatives.
Afforestation and Livelihood Linkage: Supports rural livelihoods alongside climate mitigation through forest expansion, integrating environmental sustainability with socio-economic development.
Global Recognition: Secures international validation, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ranking India 3rd globally in net gain in forest area and 9th in total forest area, highlighting effectiveness of conservation policies.
Why are the targets termed ‘modest’ despite progress?
Marginal Increase: Expands clean energy share from 52% to only 60% by 2035, indicating slow incrementalism.
Under-commitment Strategy: Avoids overpromising due to uncertainty in finance and technology access.
Comparison with Capability: Existing trajectory suggests India could achieve higher targets without formal commitment.
Deliberate Caution: Prevents binding commitments that may constrain future policy flexibility
How has India overachieved its previous climate commitments?
Early Emissions Reduction: Achieved 36% reduction by 2020, exceeding 33-35% target for 2030.
Renewable Expansion: Rapid increase in solar and wind capacity pushed non-fossil share to ~52% by 2026.
Domestic Financing Shift: Increasing reliance on internal resources due to global finance gaps.
Adaptation Focus: Expected emphasis in COP30 (Brazil) on resilience and adaptation strategies.
Conclusion
India’s NDC-3 reflects a calibrated realism shaped by global uncertainty and domestic priorities. Sustained credibility through overachievement strengthens India’s position, but enhanced ambition depends on resolving finance and technology constraints.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2021] Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?
Linkage: This PYQ tests understanding of global climate governance (COP26) and India’s NDC commitments, core to GS3 environment and international relations. It is directly linked to the article as India’s 2035 NDC targets (NDC-3) build upon and extend the COP26 commitments (Panchamrit), reflecting continuity and calibrated ambition.
Union Cabinet approved extension of Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration and Tracking Scheme (IVFRT) for five years till 2031 with ₹1800 crore budget outlay to modernise India’s immigration system and strengthen security.
What is IVFRT Scheme
• Centralised immigration management system • Integrates visa issuance, immigration clearance and foreigner registration • Implemented by Ministry of Home Affairs • Managed by Bureau of Immigration • Covers airports, seaports and land immigration posts
Background
• Approved in 2010 • Initial budget ₹1011 crore • Aims to digitise immigration and visa processes • Now extended to strengthen new immigration framework
Why Extension is Needed
1. New Immigration Law 2025
• Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 enacted • Need for modernised immigration tracking • Strengthening foreigner monitoring system
2. Rising Illegal Migration
• Tracking overstaying foreigners • Monitoring visa misuse • Addressing human trafficking networks • Strengthening border management
3. Increasing International Travel
• Growth in tourism and business travel • Need for faster immigration clearance • Efficient passenger management
Key Features of IVFRT
• Online visa application system • Biometric based identification • Real time tracking of foreigners • Integrated immigration database • Automated alerts and risk assessment • Contactless visa and immigration process
[2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1 There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 2 A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State. 3 A foreigner, once granted citizenship, cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia (2026) found that antibiotic resistant typhoid infections accounted for 87 percent of India’s typhoid economic burden in 2023.
Key Findings
• Total economic burden of typhoid in India: ₹123 billion • Antibiotic resistant typhoid share: 87 percent • Children under 10 years contributed to over 50 percent of costs • Households bore 91 percent of total expenses • Around 70,000 families faced catastrophic health expenditure
High Burden States
Five states accounted for 51 percent of national burden
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh including Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal
What is Typhoid
• Bacterial infectious disease • Caused by Salmonella Typhi • Spread through contaminated food and water • Linked to poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water
What is Antibiotic Resistance
• Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics • Medicines become less effective • Treatment becomes longer and more expensive • Higher risk of complications
[2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? 1 Genetic predisposition of some people. 2 Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases. 3 Using antibiotics in livestock farming. 4 Multiple chronic diseases in some people. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
India recorded highest electricity demand in five years during January February 2026, driven by unusual winter weather patterns, cold spells and early heat conditions.
Key Data
January 2026
• Electricity demand: 143 Billion Units • January 2025: 136 Billion Units • Peak demand: 245.4 GW • January 2022 peak: 193 GW • Five year increase: Nearly 28 percent
February 2026
• Electricity demand: 133 Billion Units • Peak demand: 244 GW • Highest February demand in five years • Nearly equal to summer demand
Long Term Trend
• January demand increased 28 percent since 2022 • February demand increased 23 percent since 2022 • Peak load increased 26 to 27 percent • Indicates structural growth in electricity demand
[2025] Consider the following statements: 1 Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO 2 /capita. 2 In terms of CO 2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region. 3 Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO 2 emissions in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2022] Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain.Linkage: The PYQ tests understanding of energy transition feasibility, subsidy rationalisation, and policy-driven decarbonisation in India. It reflects the article’s core theme of fossil vs renewable trade-off and economic constraints, highlighting how pricing and subsidies influence the pace of transition.
Mentor’s Comment
The article critically examines the ethical foundations of the global energy transition, arguing that the shift from fossil fuels to renewables is not merely technological or economic but deeply geopolitical and moral. It highlights how fossil fuel dependence threatens sovereignty, while renewable energy introduces new vulnerabilities through mineral dependencies, especially on China, raising questions of justice, timing, and strategic autonomy for countries like India.
Why does fossil fuel dependence threaten national sovereignty?
Energy Vulnerability: Exposes economies to geopolitical shocks such as Strait of Hormuz disruptions, affecting supply continuity.
Import Dependence: India relies on ~60% crude imports from West Asia, increasing external vulnerability.
Economic Instability: Supply disruptions lead to price volatility and fiscal stress.
Industrial Risk: Abrupt transition without alternatives risks industrial slowdown or collapse.
Are renewables truly immune to geopolitical risks?
Non-Embargoable Energy: Solar and wind energy cannot be blockaded once infrastructure is installed.
Dependence Shift: Reliance shifts from fuels to critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, rare earths.
Supply Chain Concentration: China processes ~60% lithium, 70% cobalt, 90% rare earth elements, creating new vulnerabilities.
Industrial Linkages: Minerals required across sectors, from consumer electronics to defence systems.
How do critical minerals reshape global power dynamics?
Resource Concentration: Mining concentrated in DR Congo (cobalt), Australia (lithium), Chile (lithium).
Processing Monopoly: China dominates global refining and processing capacity.
Strategic Competition: Potential for conflicts over mineral-processing hubs.
Trade Realignment: Countries may reshore mining and processing capacities to reduce dependence.
Does the energy transition involve economic trade-offs?
High Capital Cost: Renewables require significant upfront investment.
Payback Period: Offshore wind projects may take ~15 years, reduced to 4–5 years if fossil prices rise by 50%.
Oil Price Effect: Cheap oil reduces incentives for renewable adoption.
Transition Timing: Premature fossil exit without alternatives risks economic instability.
What are the implications for India’s energy strategy?
Gradual Transition: Allows continued use of domestic coal and affordable gas during transition.
Energy Security: Stable fossil supply can ensure industrial growth continuity.
Forced Acceleration: Supply shocks like Hormuz blockade could compel rapid renewable investment.
Balanced Approach: Combines energy access, affordability, and sustainability.
Is the energy transition ultimately an ethical question?
Moral Imperative: Transition should prioritize planetary sustainability over short-term economics.
Environmental Costs: Mining impacts, lithium extraction damage, Congo cobalt human rights issues.
Equity Concerns: Developing nations face disproportionate transition burdens.
Fear vs Ethics: Policy decisions should not be driven by fear narratives but ethical commitments.
Conclusion
The energy transition is not a linear shift from fossil fuels to renewables but a complex restructuring of global power, economics, and ethics. A balanced approach integrating energy security, mineral strategy, and ethical considerations is essential for sustainable and sovereign development.
