Promotion of Hybrid and Round-the-Clock (RTC) renewable projects.
International Cooperation
India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce launched in 2026.
Cooperation with Belgium focuses on offshore wind and R&D.
Offshore wind partnership with Denmark, initiated in 2019, was renewed in 2025.
[2025] Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’: I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and upskilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Which of the statements given above are correct?
PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2022] The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment.Linkage: The PYQ examines the gap between statutory rights and actual social, administrative and economic inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. The proposed Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate (MUDPFR) represents the next step in translating legal rights into meaningful social protection and economic security for PwDs.
Mentor’s Comment
India’s welfare architecture has achieved remarkable success in digital inclusion and benefit delivery, yet disability pensions remain fragmented and dependent on State-level discretion. A Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate (MUDPFR) would establish a nationally guaranteed minimum social security entitlement for Persons with Disabilities, ensuring equality, dignity and portability of benefits while strengthening India’s transition towards a rights-based welfare state.
Why does India’s disability pension system remain inadequate despite a rights-based legal framework?
Large Beneficiary Base: Census 2011 recorded 2.68 crore PwDs; current estimates place the number at around 4.5-6 crore due to population growth and changing disease profiles.
Constitutional Recognition: Supreme Court has recognized the right to live with dignity as a fundamental right.
Legal Protection: Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 provides statutory protection and mandates social security support.
Fragmented Pension System: Disability benefits vary significantly across States.
Low Pension Amounts: Most States provide pensions ranging between ₹300 and ₹500 per month.
Limited Coverage: Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme covers only a small fraction of eligible beneficiaries.
Domicile-Based Inequality: Pension support often depends on place of residence rather than disability status.
How does India’s spending on disability welfare compare internationally?
Low Public Spending: India spends only about 0.02% of GDP on disability welfare, including pensions.
South Africa Comparison: Allocates approximately 0.12-0.15% of GDP.
Brazil Comparison: Allocates around 0.45-0.50% of GDP.
OECD Countries: Average spending around 2.2% of GDP.
Australia Comparison: Allocates approximately 0.35-0.40% of GDP.
Resource Gap: India’s spending remains multiple times lower than comparable welfare systems.
What are the economic and social costs of inadequate disability support?
GDP Loss: World Bank and UNDP estimates indicate low- and middle-income countries lose 3-7% of GDP from exclusion of PwDs.
Educational Exclusion: Limited support reduces access to education.
Employment Barriers: Inadequate social security weakens labour force participation.
Household Vulnerability: Disability income support improves household stability.
Consumption Multiplier: Studies indicate multipliers ranging between 1.4 and 1.6.
Disability pensions have a consumption multiplier of 1.4-1.6, meaning every ₹100 transferred to beneficiaries can generate approximately ₹140-₹160 in economic activity through increased spending on food, healthcare, transport and local services.
Economic Returns: Pro Bono Economics (2025) found socio-economic returns from disability pensions exceed costs by nearly 48%.
Investment Perspective: Disability pensions function as economic investments rather than welfare expenditures alone.
Why is a Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate (MUDPFR) being proposed?
Constitutional Obligation: Supports Article 41 directing public assistance in cases of disability.
Implementation of RPwD Act: Operationalises Section 24 guaranteeing social security measures.
Universal Minimum Guarantee: Ensures a baseline pension irrespective of State of residence.
Rights-Based Welfare: Shifts support from charity-based approaches to citizenship-based entitlements.
Portability: Ensures continuity of benefits across States.
Equity: Reduces interstate disparities in pension access and quantum.
Proposed Design
National Floor Rate: Central government guarantees a minimum pension.
State Top-Ups: States remain free to provide higher benefits.
Uniform Eligibility: Common eligibility standards across India.
Portability: Benefits remain accessible across State boundaries.
Is a universal disability pension financially feasible?
₹8,000 Monthly Pension Scenario: Cost estimated at approximately ₹38,400 crore annually.
GDP Share: Around 0.08% of GDP.
10 Lakh Beneficiaries Scenario: Cost around ₹65 lakh crore? (Article indicates cost projections for larger coverage; emphasis remains below 0.2% GDP even under expanded coverage assumptions.)
₹15,000 Monthly Pension Scenario: Public expenditure would still remain below 0.2% of GDP.
Comparative Fiscal Context:
Food Subsidy: ₹2.05 lakh crore.
Rural Development: ₹1.80 lakh crore.
Tax Concessions and Revenue Foregone: ₹1.72 lakh crore.
Infrastructure: ₹11.11 lakh crore.
How can India move from fragmented welfare to integrated disability support?
Institutional Fragmentation: Pension administration is divided between the Ministry of Rural Development and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
Administrative Delays: Multiple authorities create duplication and accountability gaps.
International Practice: Several countries operate through unified disability-support institutions.
Proposed Institutional Reforms
National Disability Pension Authority: Oversees eligibility, portability and grievance redress.
National Registry: Creates integrated beneficiary database.
Digital Integration: Links welfare databases through interoperable platforms.
Performance Monitoring: Enables State-wise accountability and benchmarking.
Single Governance Framework: One standard, one system, one nation.
What lessons can India learn from international experience?
South Africa
National Disability Grant: Uniform eligibility and nationwide coverage.
Centralized Standards: Ensures portability and consistency.
Brazil
BPC Programme: Guarantees a national minimum income for persons with disabilities.
Australia
Nationwide Disability Pension: Central administration with State coordination.
Employment Incentives: Combines social security with labour participation.
New Zealand
Universal Framework: Nationwide disability support system.
Other Developing Countries
Kenya, Rwanda, Thailand and Indonesia: National disability income support mechanisms demonstrate feasibility even in developing economies.
Why should disability pensions be linked with employment and economic participation?
Inclusive Growth: Moves beneficiaries from survival support to productive participation.
MUDPFR Advantage: Creates financial security necessary for skill development and employment.
Employer Incentives: Encourages hiring of persons with disabilities.
Singapore: Integrates disability support with skills training and workforce participation programmes.
South Korea: Combines income support with vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance.
South Africa: Provides a nationwide Disability Grant ensuring minimum income security for PwDs.
Brazil: Guarantees income support through the Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) programme.
Nigeria: Offers tax incentives to employers hiring persons with disabilities, encouraging workplace inclusion.
United Kingdom (Access to Work): Provides financial assistance for workplace accommodations and support services.
Australia (Wage Subsidies): Offers wage subsidies to employers to improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Existing Indian Base: PM-DAKSH, NAPS and State-level incentives provide foundations for expansion.
How does a universal disability pension strengthen constitutional morality?
Equality: Reduces domicile-based discrimination.
Dignity: Recognises persons with disabilities as rights-bearing citizens.
Citizenship: Moves welfare from discretionary charity to guaranteed entitlement.
Article 14: Advances equality before law.
Article 21: Supports dignified living.
Social Justice: Aligns welfare architecture with constitutional commitments.
Federal Balance: Preserves State flexibility while guaranteeing minimum national standards.
Conclusion
A Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate (MUDPFR) would mark a shift from fragmented welfare to rights-based social protection by ensuring that disability support is determined by citizenship and need rather than geography. As India aspires to become a developed nation, guaranteeing a minimum income floor for Persons with Disabilities is not merely a welfare measure but a constitutional imperative that advances equality, dignity, inclusion and human capital development.
India has unveiled the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, marking a major structural reform in the coal sector. For the first time, coal will be traded through regulated exchange platforms similar to power exchanges
What are the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026?
The Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, notified by the Ministry of Coal, establish a legally binding framework for transparent, electronic “many-to-many” spot mineral trading. Regulated by the Coal Controller Organisation, the rules aim to improve price discovery and market access for consumers.
Key Features of the Rules
Electronic Trading: The system transitions coal marketing from the traditional “one-to-many” bilateral model to an efficient, competitive digital trading platform where multiple buyers and sellers can transact.
Mandatory Physical Delivery: All transactions must culminate in physical delivery of the coal. These are supported by independent quality verification to ensure contractual compliance.
Regulatory Oversight: The Coal Controller Organisation acts as the central market regulator, handling the registration, supervision, and auditing of exchanges, as well as enforcing safeguards against market manipulation.
Registration Validity: Eligible entities (incorporated as companies under the Companies Act, 2013) are granted authorizations to establish and operate exchanges for 25 years.
Financial Obligations: Operators pay a ₹50 Lakh one-time registration fee, a ₹3 Lakh application fee, and an annual fee calculated as either ₹30 Lakh or 0.02% of the total trading volume, capped at ₹5 Crore.
How can coal exchanges transform India’s coal market structure?
Market-Based Trading: Establishes regulated platforms for buying and selling coal through transparent mechanisms.
Price Discovery: Creates market-driven price signals instead of relying primarily on bilateral negotiations.
Transparency: Reduces opacity associated with traditional contractual arrangements.
Competition: Enables broader participation by producers and consumers.
Secondary Markets: Facilitates development of coal trading beyond primary allocation channels.
Why is the existing coal allocation mechanism considered inadequate?
Long-Term Contracts: Most coal transactions currently occur through long-duration agreements, particularly for the power sector.
Auction Dependence: Significant volumes are allocated through auctions where prices may rise substantially.
Coal India Dominance: Non-regulated consumers often depend on Coal India auctions.
Premium Pricing: Coal is frequently sold at premiums to the highest bidder.
Limited Market Signals: Existing mechanisms provide inadequate real-time information regarding shortages and surpluses.
What lessons can be drawn from India’s power exchange experience?
Market Signalling: Power exchanges evolved into indicators of scarcity and surplus conditions.
What institutional safeguards are required for successful implementation?
Volatility Management: Ensures protection against excessive price fluctuations.
Dispute Resolution: Provides mechanisms for conflict settlement.
Logistics Integration: Strengthens transportation and delivery systems.
Regulatory Oversight: Ensures compliance and market integrity.
Settlement Systems: Facilitates efficient trading and delivery.
Conclusion
The Coal Exchange Rules, 2026 represent a shift from administrative allocation towards market-based coal governance. Their success will depend on quality standardisation, liquidity creation, Coal India’s participation, efficient logistics, and strong regulatory oversight. If implemented effectively, coal exchanges can become an important mechanism for balancing regional shortages, improving transparency, and strengthening India’s energy security.
Value Addition
Coal Sector at a Glance
Coal accounts for around 70% of India’s electricity generation.
India is the second-largest coal producer globally.
Coal India Limited produces roughly 80% of India’s domestic coal output.
Major coal-producing states: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.
About the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO)
The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) is a subordinate office under the Ministry of Coal. Established in 1916 during World War I, it is one of the oldest regulatory bodies in India’s energy sector.
Headquartered in Kolkata, the CCO operates field offices across major mining hubs including Delhi, Dhanbad, Ranchi, Bilaspur, Nagpur, Sambalpur, and Kothagudem.
Core Regulatory Functions: The CCO derives its executive powers from various statutes, including the Colliery Control Rules, 2004, the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, and the Coal Bearing Areas Act, 1957. Its primary responsibilities include:
Production and Grade Surveillance: The CCO inspects collieries to verify the correctness of declared coal classes, grades, and sizes. It establishes and enforces strict coal grading and quality standards.
Dispute Resolution: It serves as the official appellate authority to resolve quality and grade conflicts between coal producers and consumers.
Mine Approvals: No coal mine, seam, or section can be opened, reopened, or sub-divided without formal opening/reopening permissions from the CCO. It also approves Mining and Mine Closure Plans.
Captive Mine Monitoring: The organization tracks and monitors the development and progress of captive coal and lignite blocks allocated to various companies.
Statistical Authority: The CCO acts as the primary source for national coal statistics. It collects monthly production data and publishes the Provisional Coal Statistics and Coal Directory of India.
Land Acquisition Hearing Authority: Under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition & Development) Act, the Coal Controller hears legal objections regarding the government’s acquisition of coal-bearing land.
New Role Under the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026: Following the notification of the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, the CCO’s regulatory footprint has significantly expanded:
Central Market Regulator: The government designated the CCO as the apex statutory body to register, regulate, and audit electronic Coal Exchanges in India.
Platform Authorization: The CCO processes registrations for eligible entities, granting them 25-year operational licenses to run digital spot trading platforms.
Market Surveillance: It monitors exchange activities to prevent market manipulation, ensure fair price discovery, and resolve stakeholder grievances.
Coal India Limited (CIL)
Coal India Limited (CIL) is a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) that serves as the backbone of India’s energy security infrastructure.
Production Volume: World’s largest coal-producing company, accounting for roughly 80% of India’s total domestic coal output.
Operates under the Ministry of Coal.
Plays a central role in India’s energy security architecture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France in June 2026 for a bilateral visit and participation in the G7 Summit, marking his seventh visit to France since 2014. The relationship has evolved from a traditional diplomatic partnership into a Special Global Strategic Partnership, spanning defence, nuclear energy, space cooperation, emerging technologies, and Indo-Pacific security.
Timeline of India-France Relations
Year
Development
1947
Establishment of diplomatic relations
1998
Strategic Partnership launched
1998
France refrains from sanctions after Pokhran-II
2018
International Solar Alliance deepened cooperation
2023
Special Global Strategic Partnership announced
2024
Macron attends Republic Day as Chief Guest
2026
PM Modi’s seventh visit to France
Why Is India-France Partnership Considered Unique in Contemporary Diplomacy?
Strategic Trust
Consistency: Maintains stable engagement irrespective of changes in domestic political leadership.
Reliability: Supports long-term cooperation without transactional conditions.
Strategic Autonomy: Respects each other’s independent foreign policy choices.
Political Continuity
Leadership Engagement: PM Modi’s June 2026 visit marks his seventh visit to France since 2014.
Reciprocity: French President Emmanuel Macron attended India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2024.
How Are Innovation and Emerging Technologies Deepening Bilateral Ties?
India-France Year of Innovation: The India-France Year of Innovation is designated for 2026.
Core Goal: To accelerate cooperation across deep tech, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, sustainable development, and advanced research networks.
Flagship Event: The landmark event “Bharat Innovates 2026” is hosted in Nice, France, connecting prominent Indian deep tech startups with global investors.
Strategic Roadmap: The program aligns with the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, which outlines the future of the India-France strategic partnership.
AI Cooperation: The global AI Action Summit hosted in Paris took place in 2025
Co-Chairs: The high-level summit was jointly co-chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
India-France Declaration on AI: The two nations signed a comprehensive India-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence to advance sovereign computing capacity, open-source language models, and digital public infrastructure.
Responsible Governance: Ahead of the summit, India and France co-led an international working group on AI governance consisting of 29 states to establish frameworks for trustworthy and ethical AI deployment.
Official AI Country Partner: India serves as the official AI Country Partner under the theme “Tech for Humanity,” establishing one of the largest national pavilions in the event’s history to showcase over 80 Indian deep tech startups.
Entrepreneurship Networks: Facilitates startup investments and technology transfer. Active entrepreneurship pipelines include the ongoing Station F-HEC Paris International Launchpad programme, which regularly scales cohorts of Indian startups into the European market.
Bilateral Incubation hubs: The launch of dedicated platforms like the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health and the Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology continues to facilitate technology transfers and research networks.
Digital Collaboration: Joint research partnerships include, Indo-French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, Indo-French Centre for AI in Health and Joint Ph.D. & Exchange Frameworks
Emerging Technologies: Cooperation in AI, quantum technologies, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Research Partnerships: Encourages joint innovation projects.
How Do India and France Cooperate in the Indo-Pacific?
Maritime Security
Indian Ocean Presence: France’s territories give it a direct stake in the region, allowing India and France to act as mutual logistical hubs to monitor crucial sea lanes.
Naval Coordination: The two navies conduct highly complex joint maneuvers like the annual Varuna naval exercise to improve interoperability.
Logistics Sharing: A reciprocal logistics support agreement allows Indian warships to access French naval bases in Djibouti, Réunion, and the UAE, and vice versa.
Regional Stability
Rules-Based Order: Supports freedom of navigation and international law.
Strategic Balancing: Contributes to regional stability amid rising geopolitical competition.
Information Fusion: India’s Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) hosts a permanent French liaison officer to coordinate maritime domain awareness and counter piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.
Connectivity and Blue Economy
Infrastructure Cooperation: They partner through initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation Fund to bankroll sustainable, green infrastructure projects in Pacific and Indian Ocean island nations.
Blue Economy: The two countries work together under the Indo-French Roadmap on the Blue Economy and Ocean Governance to scientifically map marine biodiversity, manage fisheries, and prevent ocean pollution.
Resilient Networks: They cooperate under the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to help vulnerable coastal states adapt to climate change and rising sea levels.
What Opportunities Exist for Future Expansion?
Defence Manufacturing
Co-Production: Supports Make in India objectives.
Supply Chains: Integrates Indian MSMEs and aerospace vendors into the global supply chains of French giants like Safran, Dassault, and Thales, strengthening domestic defence industrial ecosystems.
Green Transition
Renewable Energy: Expands the scope of the co-founded International Solar Alliance (ISA) to roll out large-scale grid storage solutions and cross-border solar networks.
Climate Technology: Facilitates clean technology deployment through joint ventures in carbon capture, smart grid management, and climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
Multilateral Coordination: Aligns positions on major international issues.
Strategic Dialogue: Deepens coordination in G20, UN and Indo-Pacific forums.
Energy Security Concerns: India seeks international cooperation to ensure stability of critical sea lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Maritime Trade Protection: Disruptions affect India’s energy imports and trade flows.
Conclusion
India-France relations demonstrate how strategic partnerships endure when built on trust, strategic autonomy, and long-term convergence rather than short-term geopolitical calculations. From France’s support during the 1998 nuclear tests to cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, innovation, and the Indo-Pacific, the partnership has steadily expanded into a comprehensive and future-oriented relationship. As global uncertainties deepen, the India-France partnership is increasingly emerging as a model of reliable diplomacy, capable of advancing not only bilateral interests but also a stable, multipolar, and rules-based international order.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2019] “The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.” Comment.
Linkage: The question examines the significance of strategic partnerships in advancing India’s geopolitical, economic, and security interests in an evolving global order. Similar to India-Japan relations, the India-France partnership has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership based on trust, strategic autonomy, defence cooperation, technology collaboration, and Indo-Pacific convergence.
The emergence of Super El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean has become a major concern because it coincides with India’s crucial southwest monsoon season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially confirmed the development of El Niño and warned that it is expected to strengthen further during the monsoon months. This
How Has El Niño Developed During the Current Monsoon Season?
IMD Confirmation: El Niño conditions have officially emerged in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Strengthening Trend: IMD expects the phenomenon to intensify further during the ongoing southwest monsoon season.
NOAA Assessment: The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) earlier confirmed El Niño emergence.
Peak Projection: NOAA projects the event to peak during November-January.
Intensity Forecast: The event may approach the “very strong” category.
ENSO Threshold
Niño 3.4 Region: El Niño is declared when sea surface temperature anomalies exceed +0.5°C in the Niño 3.4 region.
The Niño 3.4 region (5°N-5°S, 170°W-120°W) is the primary equatorial Pacific area used by scientists to monitor, define, and predict the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
Current Reading: Weekly Niño 3.4 Index reached +0.7°C.
Eastern Pacific Warming: Temperature anomalies reached +2.1°C in the easternmost Pacific region.
What Makes the Current El Niño Different from Previous Events?
Emerging “Super El Niño” Concerns
NOAA Forecast: El Niño has officially formed in the tropical Pacific Ocean and is likely to strengthen significantly in the coming months.
Historical Significance: Scientists have projected that the current event could rank among the strongest El Niño episodes recorded since 1950.
Probability Estimate: NOAA estimates a 63% probability that the event will intensify into one of the largest El Niño events in the historical record.
Transition Phase: The current event follows the end of La Niña conditions earlier in 2026.
Global Warning: The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the phenomenon as an “urgent climate warning.”
What Lessons Can Be Drawn from the 2015-16 Super El Niño?
India’s Experience
Rainfall Deficit: India received only 86% of Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall.
Agricultural Stress: Several states experienced drought-like conditions.
Water Scarcity: Reservoir levels and groundwater recharge declined.
Key Lesson
ENSO Alone is Not Deterministic: Strong El Niño events do not always produce identical outcomes.
Role of Other Drivers: Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), Eurasian snow cover and regional ocean temperatures also influence monsoon performance.
Conclusion
The emerging El Niño highlights the growing interaction between natural climate variability and global warming. With risks of weaker monsoons, heatwaves, food insecurity and extreme weather events, India must strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, early warning systems, water management and disaster preparedness to reduce vulnerability and build long-term resilience.
Value Addition
Year
Characteristics
Global Impact
1982-83
One of strongest recorded
Droughts, floods, crop losses
1997-98
Extreme warming
Major global weather disruptions
2015-16
Strongest of recent decades
Global temperature records broken
2026-27*
Potential Super El Niño
Risk of hottest year in recorded history
Positive vs Negative IOD
Positive IOD
Negative IOD
Warmer western Indian Ocean
Warmer eastern Indian Ocean
Supports Indian monsoon
Weakens monsoon
Can offset El Niño impact
Can worsen El Niño impact
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2015] How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss.
Linkage: The PYQ examines changing monsoon patterns and the factors affecting rainfall variability in India. The article discusses how the emerging Super El Niño could weaken the southwest monsoon, alter rainfall distribution, intensify heatwaves and interact with climate change to reshape India’s monsoon behaviour.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Project Kusha as a “game changer” for India’s security architecture and stated that its significance had been demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.
What is Project Kusha?
An indigenous long-range air defence missile system being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Intended to provide a multi-layered air defence shield against diverse aerial threats.
Often viewed as India’s indigenous counterpart to advanced systems like the Russian S-400 Triumf.
Objectives
Protect military assets and strategic installations.
Defend critical infrastructure and civilian areas.
Enhance India’s indigenous air defence capabilities.
Strengthen strategic autonomy under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Threats It Is Expected to Counter
Fighter aircraft, Cruise missiles, Ballistic missiles, Drones and UAVs, Precision-guided munitions, and Stand-off weapons
Mission Sudarshan Chakra
Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2025 Independence Day address.
Envisages a nationwide multi-layered missile defence shield.
Aims to protect: Military establishments, Critical infrastructure, and Civilian population centres.
Project Kusha is expected to be an important component of this vision.
[2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
[A] An Israeli radar system
[B] India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
[C] An American anti-missile system
[D] A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, India’s first bullet train corridor, has achieved major construction milestones in 2026 and is expected to commence operations from August 2027.
About MAHSR
India’s first High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridor.
Foundation stone laid in September 2017.
Corridor Length: 508 km.
Connects: Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Implemented by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).
The corridor comprises 12 stations
Sabarmati Station: Planned as a multimodal transport hub.
Integrates: Bullet Train, Metro, BRTS, and Conventional Railways.
Speed and Travel Time
Design Speed: 350 km/h
Operational Speed: 320 km/h
Mumbai-Ahmedabad journey time: Around 1 hour 58 minutes
High-Speed Rail refers to rail systems operating at more than 250 km/h.
Technology Used
Developed using Japanese Shinkansen technology.
Introduces India’s first domestic high-speed rail ecosystem.
Major Technical Features
J-Slab ballastless track technology.
2×25 kV overhead traction system.
More than 20,000 OHE masts (Overhead Equipment Mast) is a vital vertical steel support used in railway electrification
12 traction substations (electrical substation that converts power from the public electricity grid into the specific voltage, current, and frequency required to power railways, trams, or trolleybuses)
16 distribution substations(electrical facility that receives high-voltage power from transmission or sub-transmission systems and “steps down” the voltage to medium levels).
Rolling stock depots at: Sabarmati, Surat, and Thane.
Engineering Highlights
Elevated Corridor
Around 90% of the corridor is elevated.
Uses Full Span Launching Method (FSLM).
FSLM is about 10 times faster than conventional segmental construction.
River Bridges: Total: 25 river bridges: Gujarat: 21. Maharashtra: 4.
Steel Bridges: 28 steel bridges over highways, canals, rivers and railway lines.
India’s First Undersea Rail Tunnel
Located beneath Thane Creek.
Tunnel Length: 21 km.
Undersea Stretch: 7 km.
Uses: Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM).
TBM cutter head diameter: 13.6 metres (largest in an Indian railway project).
Safety Systems
Early Earthquake Detection System:28 seismometers. Detects primary waves and triggers automatic power shutdown.
Rainfall Monitoring System: 6 rain gauge stations. Provides real-time rainfall data to the Operation Control Centre (OCC).
Wind Speed Monitoring System:14 anemometer stations. Monitors wind speed and direction. Speed restrictions imposed when wind speeds exceed prescribed thresholds.
Economic Significance
Expected to generate: Around 4,000 direct jobs. 35,000 to 40,000 indirect jobs.
Supports Make in India through technology transfer and domestic manufacturing.
Dedicated High-Speed Rail Training Institute established at Vadodara.
Union Budget 2026-27: Proposed High-Speed Rail Corridors
Delhi-Varanasi, Varanasi-Patna-Siliguri, Chennai-Bengaluru, Bengaluru-Hyderabad, Chennai-Hyderabad, Mumbai-Pune, and Pune-Hyderabad
[2023] Consider the following statements : 1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves. 2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation, whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Government highlighted the progress of welfare initiatives implemented under the Antyodaya approach aimed at ensuring inclusive development of deprived communities.
Antyodaya
Means “rise of the last person”.
Inspired by the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Focuses on bringing the poorest and most marginalised sections to the forefront of development.
Key Schemes and Initiatives
PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan)
Launched: November 2023
Targets 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 States and 1 UT.
Budget Outlay: ₹24,104 crore.
Implemented through 11 interventions by 9 Ministries.
Interventions include: Housing, Road connectivity, Piped water supply, Mobile medical units, Anganwadi centres, Hostels, Electrification, Mobile towers, Multipurpose centres, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and Vocational skilling
Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs)
Promote value addition and marketing of forest produce.
Covers SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, sanitation workers and waste pickers.
Over 2.08 lakh beneficiaries trained.
VISVAS(Vanchit Ikai Samooh aur Vargon ko Aarthik Sahaita)Yojana
Provides interest subsidy up to 5% on loans.
Promotes entrepreneurship and self-employment.
SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs)
Launched in February 2022.
Components: Free coaching, Health insurance, Livelihood assistance, and Housing support.
Minority Welfare
PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan)
Launched in 2025.
Integrates five previous minority welfare schemes.
Focuses on skill development and entrepreneurship.
Sanitation Workers
NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem)Scheme
Launched in FY 2023-24.
Replaces hazardous manual cleaning with mechanised sanitation.
Since June 2024, also covers waste pickers.
Regional Development
Aspirational Districts Programme
Launched in 2018.
Covers 112 districts.
Focuses on: Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture, Financial Inclusion, and Basic Infrastructure
Aspirational Blocks Programme
Launched in 2023.
Covers 500 blocks across 329 districts.
[2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: 1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. 2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status. 3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. 4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. Which of the statements given above are correct?
The Supreme Court dismissed Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s plea challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh, reiterating that courts should not ordinarily interfere in an ongoing electoral process.
Background
Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan was the party’s sole candidate for one of the three Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh.
The Returning Officer (RO) rejected her nomination on 9 June 2026 for allegedly failing to disclose a pending criminal proceeding in Hyderabad in Form 26 (election affidavit).
Subsequently, BJP candidates Tarun Chugh, Rajneesh Agrawal, and Mahesh Kewat were elected unopposed.
Key Constitutional Principle
Article 329(b) of the Constitution: Bars judicial interference in electoral matters during the election process.
Provides that elections to Parliament or State Legislatures can be challenged only through an election petition in the manner prescribed by law.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
The Court held that it had no jurisdiction under Articles 32 or 226 to interfere with the RO’s decision during an ongoing election.
Recognising exceptions for “patent” or “glaring” errors would amount to adding principles not envisaged under Article 329(b).
The appropriate remedy available to Ms. Natarajan is to file an election petition before the competent High Court.
Reliance on Precedent
N.P. Ponnuswami v. Returning Officer: Established the principle of non-interference during the electoral process.
Election-related disputes arising before completion of elections must ordinarily be resolved through election petitions.
Arguments by Meenakshi Natarajan
Senior Advocate A.M. Singhvi argued that: The RO committed a “patent error”.
Under Section 33A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, disclosure is required only in cases where charges have been framed.
Allowing her candidature would facilitate, rather than obstruct, free and fair elections.
Counter Arguments
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that:
The right to contest elections is a statutory right, not a fundamental right.
Therefore, an Article 32 petition is not maintainable.
The Election Commission of India contended that:
All pending criminal proceedings must be disclosed, irrespective of the stage of the case.
The proper remedy is an election petition.
Court’s Clarification
The dismissal of the writ petition will not prejudice any election petition that Ms. Natarajan may file before the concerned High Court.
Prelims Pointers
Article 329(b): Election disputes can be challenged only through election petitions.
Article 32: Remedy for enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
Article 226: High Courts’ writ jurisdiction.
Section 33A, Representation of the People Act, 1951: Disclosure of criminal antecedents by candidates.
Form 26: Affidavit containing details relating to assets, liabilities, educational qualifications, and criminal cases.
Returning Officer (RO): Scrutinises nomination papers and conducts the election process.
PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2024] Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. Linkage: The PYQ examines the role of charitable institutions and NGOs in welfare delivery and inclusive development. The FCRA Amendment Bill directly affects charitable trusts, NGOs, educational and welfare institutions that rely on foreign contributions, raising questions about their autonomy, functioning and developmental role.
Mentor’s Comment
The proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 marks one of the most consequential changes to India’s regulatory framework governing civil society organisations since the FCRA amendments of 2020. The Bill shifts the FCRA regime from regulatory oversight towards direct state control over the assets, administration and functioning of NGOs, charitable institutions, educational bodies and religious organisations receiving foreign contributions.
What is the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010?
It regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and organisations in India.
The Act seeks to ensure that foreign funding does not adversely affect national interests, public order, sovereignty or democratic processes.
The proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 introduces new provisions relating to cancellation of registration, asset management, investigations and government control over institutions receiving foreign contributions.
How Does the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 Expand Executive Powers?
Removal of Existing Safeguards
Deletion of Section 15: Removes the existing mechanism governing management of assets after cancellation of FCRA registration.
Expanded Executive Authority: Enables greater government discretion over organisational assets and administration.
Introduction of New Chapter IIIA
Asset Vesting Framework: Creates a mechanism through which organisational assets may come under government-appointed authorities.
State-Controlled Administration: Facilitates direct intervention in institutional management.
Broader Regulatory Reach
Affected Institutions: Covers NGOs, charitable trusts, educational institutions, hospitals, orphanages and religious bodies receiving foreign contributions.
Why Is Proposed Section 14B Considered Controversial?
It outlines the automatic “deemed cessation” of an organization’s FCRA registration.
Automatic Cessation of Registration: Under this provision, an organization’s FCRA registration automatically ceases and becomes invalid under the following three circumstances:
Failure to apply: No renewal application has been submitted before the expiration of the certificate’s validity.
Rejection: The organization applied for renewal, but the Central Government formally refused or rejected it.
Pending or lapsed status: The certificate is not renewed prior to the end of its designated validity period, regardless of whether a renewal application is pending.
Administrative Paralysis
Operational Disruption: Delays in processing renewals can affect institutional functioning.
Reduced Due Process Protection: Procedural issues may trigger severe penalties.
Increased Executive Discretion
Broader State Powers: Expands government authority without requiring substantive findings of wrongdoing.
How Does Section 16A Alter Control over NGO Assets?
Proposed Section 16A of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, creates a statutory framework that allows a government-appointed Designated Authority to seize and manage all foreign funds and physical assets of an organization whose registration is lost. It functions as the direct enforcement mechanism for the automatic “deemed cessation” mentioned in Section 14B.
Automatic Asset Transfer
Asset Vesting: Assets may automatically transfer to a government-designated authority when registration is cancelled, surrendered, lapses or is deemed cancelled.
No Prior Judicial Review: Transfer can occur before independent adjudication.
Provisional Vesting
Temporary State Control: Designated authority may assume management before final resolution of disputes.
Expanded Government Reach: Enables intervention in institutional properties and finances.
Scope of Assets Covered
Physical Assets: Includes land, buildings, vehicles and equipment.
Financial Assets: Includes unspent foreign contribution funds.
Consolidated Fund Transfer
Sale Proceeds: Disposal proceeds may be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.
The “Mixed Funding” Trap: Under Section 16A(2), if a physical asset (like a school or hospital building) was built using pooled funds, partly from foreign donations and partly from local Indian donations, the government takes over the entire asset. The burden of proof shifts completely to the NGO to legally isolate and claim back the exact “distinct or ascertainable portion” funded locally.
What Could Be the Impact on Welfare and Community Institutions?
Service Delivery Risks
Healthcare Services: Hospitals dependent on foreign contributions may face operational uncertainty.
Educational Services: Schools and colleges may face disruption.
Impact on Social Welfare
Child Welfare: Affects orphanages and child protection initiatives.
Community Development: Influences tribal welfare, nutrition and youth development programmes.
Religious and Charitable Institutions
Places of Worship: Churches, mosques and temples built through foreign donations may be affected.
Charitable Trusts: Institutions serving vulnerable groups may face uncertainty regarding property and funds.
How Does the Bill Affect Minority Institutions?
Disproportionate Exposure
Christian Institutions: Many schools, colleges, hospitals and welfare bodies rely on foreign contributions from churches, diaspora groups and humanitarian agencies.
Regional Concentration: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya contain large numbers of such institutions.
Property Control Concerns
Institutional Assets: Educational and welfare institutions may face government control if registrations lapse or are cancelled.
Continuity of Services: Long-established institutions may experience administrative disruptions.
Community Impact
Minority Welfare: Concerns arise regarding implications for community-run social service infrastructure.
How Does the Bill Strengthen Government Control During Investigations?
Asset Management Limits: Amended Section 13 restricts organisations from managing assets without prior approval during suspension.
Centralisation of Enforcement/Union Government Approval: State agencies require approval before initiating action on FCRA violations.
Expanded Liability of office Bearers: Broader definitions increase accountability and legal exposure of functionaries.
Deterrent Effect due to fear of Enforcement: Increased regulatory scrutiny may discourage voluntary participation.
Does the Bill Reduce Transparency and Accountability?
Abolition of Section 22 and Removal of Disposal Mechanism: Eliminates the existing framework governing assets of defunct organisations.
Absence of Timelines leading to administrative Delays: No clear deadlines for approval or rejection of licences, permissions, registrations or renewals.
Limited Disclosure of cancellation Reasons: Grounds for cancellation may not be publicly disclosed due to national security considerations.
Restricted Legal Remedies: Organisations may find it difficult to contest cancellations or suspensions.
What Are the Economic and Social Implications?
Employment Impact
Civil Society Employment: Sector generates approximately 27 lakh jobs.
Volunteer Participation: Around 34 lakh full-time volunteers contribute to service delivery.
Contribution to Economy: Civil society organisations contribute nearly 2% of GDP.
Local Dependence/Primary Employer Role: Survey of 515 NGOs found that 47% are the principal source of employment in more than half of their operational localities.
Service Disruption Risks: Revocation of licences may affect nutrition, education, immunisation, healthcare and skill-development initiatives.
What Constitutional Concerns Does the Bill Raise?
Freedom of Association(Article 19(1)(c)): Raises concerns regarding autonomy of associations and voluntary organisations.
Religious Freedom (Articles 25-28): May affect religious institutions dependent on foreign contributions.
Minority Rights (Article 30): Concerns regarding administration of minority educational institutions.
Property Rights (Article 300A): Questions arise regarding deprivation of property without adequate safeguards.
Public Interest Standard: Vague definition may permit extensive administrative discretion.
Conclusion
The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 marks a shift from regulating foreign funding to expanding state oversight over civil society institutions. While strengthening accountability and national security objectives, the Bill raises concerns regarding due process, institutional autonomy and constitutional freedoms. A balanced framework must ensure transparency without undermining the democratic role of civil society organisations.
