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Cooperatives at crossroads

Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

Introduction

The National Cooperative Policy, 2025 has triggered a sharp Centre–State tussle, with Kerala at the forefront of resistance. Beyond a policy dispute, it reflects deeper tensions around cooperative federalism, involving constitutional authority, political stakes, and nearly ₹3 lakh crore in deposits, making the issue both high-stakes and nationally significant.

The Current Tussle between Centre and Kerala

  1. Policy provokes backlash: Kerala describes the National Cooperative Policy as “unconstitutional”, asserting that it violates the State’s exclusive authority over cooperatives.
  2. Political dimension: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government accuses the BJP of attempting to capture Kerala’s cooperative network for political consolidation.
  3. Financial stakes: Kerala’s cooperatives manage deposits worth ₹2.94 lakh crore, making them critical financial entities in the State’s economy.

The Contentious Nature of the National Cooperative Policy

  1. Federalism at stake: Cooperative societies are a State List subject, yet the Centre is asserting influence, reviving concerns first raised during the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023.
  2. Kerala’s historical legacy: Cooperative institutions date back to early 20th century Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar, and evolved through the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act, 1969, making them central to socio-economic life.
  3. Grassroots importance: Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) serve as the credit backbone of Kerala’s rural economy.

Kerala’s Political and Institutional Response

  1. Political opposition: State Cooperation Minister V.N. Vasavan termed the policy “harmful to cooperatives.”
  2. Organised resistance: The Kerala Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society association passed a resolution against the policy.
  3. Workers’ unions’ concerns: The Kerala Cooperative Employees Union (KCEU) alleged that the Centre seeks to hand over the cooperative sector to corporates.

Existing Challenges in the Cooperative Sector

  1. Credibility crisis: Several cooperative banks face embezzlement scandals and non-refund of depositors’ money.
  2. Case in point: The Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank scam in Thrissur dented public confidence and put the State government on the defensive.
  3. State reforms: In 2023, Kerala amended its Cooperative Societies Act to plug loopholes and strengthen safeguards.

Structural Reforms in Kerala’s Cooperative System

  1. Bank consolidation: Merging of district cooperative banks into the Kerala State Cooperative Bank (Kerala Bank) reduced the traditional three-tier credit structure into a two-tier system.
  2. Policy rationale: Streamlining was aimed at improving efficiency and financial stability in the sector.

Future Trajectory of Kerala’s Cooperatives

  1. New crossroads: Accelerated urbanisation, youth aspirations, and sectoral shifts in energy, shipping, technology, and health present opportunities for cooperative diversification.
  2. Future trajectory: The ability of cooperatives to adapt and modernise will shape Kerala’s economic resilience in the coming decades.

Conclusion

Kerala’s cooperative movement, historically a pillar of rural credit and grassroots empowerment, stands at a critical juncture. The National Cooperative Policy, 2025, while framed in the language of reform, has exposed fault lines in India’s federal structure and deepened Centre–State tensions. For Kerala, the challenge lies in balancing its rich cooperative legacy with the demands of modernisation and transparency. For the Union, respecting constitutional boundaries while ensuring financial discipline will be key to sustaining trust in the cooperative model.

Value Addition

Overview of the National Cooperative Policy 2025

The National Cooperative Policy, 2025—officially unveiled on July 24, 2025 —replaces the 2002 framework with a visionary 20-year roadmap (2025–2045) centered on “Sahkar se

Policy Goals:

  • Tripling cooperative sector’s GDP contribution by 2034 through expanded outreach and growth-boosting measures
  • Establish one cooperative unit in every village, and set up 5 model cooperative villages per tehsil, with active creation of 2 lakh new multipurpose PACS by 2026
  • Bring 50 crore more people into the fold, increasing cooperative membership and societal participation

Core Pillars of the Policy: Outlined across six strategic pillars designed to transform cooperatives:

  • Strengthening Foundations
  • Promoting Vibrancy
  • Preparing Cooperatives for the Future (e.g., digitalisation)
  • Enhancing Inclusivity & Reach
  • Expanding into Emerging Sectors
  • Engaging the Younger Generation

Institutional and Structural Measures:

  • Legal & governance revamp: Updated model bye‐laws, regular review mechanisms (every 10 years), and cluster-based monitoring systems for accountability and responsiveness
  • Tribhuvan Cooperative University: A first-of-its-kind cooperative education hub aimed at professionalising the sector and reducing nepotism
  • National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL): To enhance global market integration for cooperatives, especially in staples like wheat and rice
  • Leveraging existing schemes: Integration with programs like DIDF, PMMSY, NPDD to establish infrastructure and functional PACS

Sectoral Diversification & Modernisation:

  • New sectors for cooperatives: Including green energy, insurance, tourism, taxi services (“Sahkar Taxi”), Jan Aushadhi Kendras, LPG outlets, CSCs, and more
  • Model Cooperative Villages: Combining dairy, fisheries, floriculture, agri-services, and focused inclusion of women and tribal groups as excellence center

Why It Matters:

  • Policy Revitalisation: First major overhaul in 23 years, indicating the renewed importance given to cooperatives by the government
  • Aligning with National Vision: Anchored in the larger goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, positioning cooperatives as engines of inclusive, rural-led development
  • Digital and Professional Transformation: Emphasises tech adoption, capacity building, and modern governance—crucial in restoring public trust and efficiency
  • Inclusivity at Core: Explicit focus on increasing participation of women, Dalits, Adivasis, and youth—building on the ethos of cooperative empowerment
  • Decentralized Growth Strategy: Village and tehsil-level expansion ensures economic decentralisation and rural integration—a critical tool for grassroots development

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2014] “In the villages itself no form of credit organisation will be suitable except the cooperative society.” – All India Rural Credit Survey. Discuss this statement in the background of agricultural finance in India. What constraints and challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finance face? How can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients?”

Linkage: The 2014 question emphasised cooperatives as the most suitable form of rural credit, highlighting their role in agricultural finance. The Kerala–Centre tussle over the 2025 policy shows how this very grassroots credit system, with PACS and cooperative banks at its core, remains vital yet contested. Thus, the article provides a contemporary case study of both the potential and challenges of cooperatives in India’s agricultural and financial landscape.

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Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

False righteousness

Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

Introduction

In a democracy, the judiciary acts as the guardian of fundamental rights, ensuring that executive and legislative actions remain within constitutional limits. However, recent judicial pronouncements urging the executive to tighten controls over online speech raise a worrying question: Is the Court inadvertently enabling state encroachment into constitutionally guaranteed freedoms? This concern is sharpened by the backdrop of the IT Rules, 2021, which already tilt power heavily towards the government in regulating digital speech.

Expanding Powers of the Executive over Free Speech

  1. Judicial Instructions: The Supreme Court recently directed the Union government to frame guidelines on regulating online speech.
  2. Problematic Precedent: Instead of protecting rights, the Court’s instructions risk empowering the executive to expand censorship powers under vague grounds like “misuse of freedom of speech.”

Digital Speech: Between Regulation and Censorship

  1. IT Rules, 2021: These rules already allow the government to flag and order removal of online content, with penalties for intermediaries.
  2. 2023 Amendment: Expanded scope to hold social media companies accountable for user-generated content, giving the state wide-ranging discretionary powers.
  3. Challenge Pending in SC: These rules are already under constitutional challenge, making further expansion questionable.

The Risk of False Righteousness

  1. Distasteful vs. Criminal: While hate speech and incitement to violence are already criminalised, regulating distasteful humour or dissenting opinions risks expanding censorship beyond constitutional boundaries.
  2. Chilling Effect: Citizens begin to self-censor, fearing repercussions for expressing views.
  3. Suppression of Creative Expression: Film producers, directors, and journalists face FIRs and restrictions, stifling art, reporting, and debate necessary for a vibrant democracy.

Judiciary’s Institutional Role under Question

  1. Protector of Rights: The Court is constitutionally mandated to check executive overreach.
  2. Risk of Overstepping: By urging executive rulemaking, the judiciary risks acting like an unquestioned lord in a feudal setup rather than a rights-protecting institution.
  3. Misplaced Priorities: Instead of fortifying existing protections against hate speech, the Court seems to encourage executive expansion into grey zones.

Broader Democratic Implications

  1. Weaponisation of Laws: Governments have a record of using regulations to target political opponents and inconvenient voices.
  2. Threat to Democratic Discourse: An atmosphere of censorship undermines deliberation, dissent, and innovation—all vital for a progressive society.
  3. Global Comparison: Mature democracies often rely on civil remedies and self-regulation, rather than empowering the state to police thought and humour.

Conclusion

The judiciary’s role is not to expand executive power but to ensure constitutional freedoms are protected. Hate speech and incitement to violence are already criminalised; expanding censorship to regulate humour, dissent, or artistic expression risks creating an atmosphere of fear and conformity. The Supreme Court must remember its constitutional role as the sentinel on the qui vive—guarding liberty, not enabling its curtailment.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2014] Discuss Section 66A of the IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.

Linkage: The present debate on the Supreme Court urging the executive to frame guidelines for regulating social media echoes the concerns raised in Section 66A of the IT Act, where vague terms led to misuse against free expression. Just like 66A, expanding executive powers risks creating a chilling effect on speech beyond Article 19(2)’s reasonable restrictions. Both highlight the judiciary’s responsibility to act as a protector of rights, not an enabler of censorship.

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Monsoon Updates

Mawsynram and Cherrapunji no longer Wettest Places in India

Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Why in the News?

Cherrapunji and Mawsynram have recorded about 50% below normal rainfall this year.

About the Wettest Places in India:

  • Cherrapunji (Sohra, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya) and Mawsynram (same district) are globally known as the wettest places on Earth.
  • Average annual rainfall: ~11,000–12,000 mm.
  • World record events:
    • Highest annual rainfall: Mawsynram holds the record for highest annual rainfall.
    • Heaviest rainfall: Cherrapunji recorded 2,493 mm in 48 hours (June 1995), one of the heaviest rainfalls ever documented.

Comparative Rainfall Data (for 2025 Monsoon Season):

  • Cherrapunji (Sohra): ~3,500 mm (≈50% deficit from normal).
  • Surlabbi (Kodagu, Karnataka): ~7,300 mm (highest in India this year).
  • Tamhini (Maharashtra): 5,788 mm (June–July).
  • Trend: At least 32 stations across India received more rainfall than Cherrapunji in June–July 2025.
  • Historical Low for Sohra: 5,401 mm in 1962 → 2025 may break this record if deficit continues.

Why Mawsynram /Cherrapunji receive such high rainfall?

  • Geographical Location: Lies on the southern slopes of the Khasi Hills, directly facing the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon.
  • Orographic Effect: Moist monsoon winds hit the steep hills, rise rapidly, and cause heavy orographic rainfall.
  • Monsoon Duration: Receives rainfall almost continuously from June to September, with frequent cloudbursts.
  • Topography: Steep hills + valleys act as a trap for moisture-laden winds, leading to intense rainfall concentration.
  • Climatic Setting: Part of the Humid Subtropical/Monsoonal climate zone of Northeast India, with high moisture inflow.
[UPSC 2015] Consider the following States:

1. Arunachal Pradesh 2. Himachal Pradesh 3. Mizoram

In which of the above States do ‘Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests’ occur?

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3

 

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Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

[pib] India hosts 3GPP RAN Working Group Meetings on 6G Standardization

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

The Telecommunications Standards Development Society (TSDI) of India has hosted the 3GPP Radio Access Networks (RAN1–RAN5) Working Group Meetings focusing on 6G standardization for the first time, in Bengaluru.

About 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project):

  • Overview: Global body established in 1998 for mobile telecom standards (2G → 6G).
  • Partners: Collaboration of ARIB (Japan), ATIS (USA), CCSA (China), ETSI (Europe), TSDSI (India), TTA (South Korea), and TTC (Japan).
  • Output: Publishes technical specifications, forming the global benchmark for telecom operators, equipment makers, and regulators.
  • Focus Areas:
    1. RAN (Radio Access Network) – towers & radios connecting users to the network.
    2. Core Network – switching, routing, internet connectivity.
    3. Services & System Aspects – apps, charging, security.

What is RAN (Radio Access Network)?

  • Definition: The wireless part of a mobile network that links user devices (phones, IoT) to the core network using radio waves.
  • Components:
    • Base Stations (Node B in 3G, eNodeB in 4G, gNodeB in 5G).
    • Antennas & radios.
    • Controllers (e.g., RNC in 3G).
  • Functions:
    • Transmits & receives radio signals.
    • Allocates spectrum.
    • Manages coverage, speed, call/data quality, and handovers.
  • Importance: Defines network performance (speed, latency, capacity).
  • 3GPP RAN Working Groups (RAN1–RAN5): Develop physical layer, radio protocols, performance testing, ensuring smooth migration from 4G → 5G → 6G.

Back2Basics:  Evolution of Mobile Standards

  • 3G (UMTS – Universal Mobile Telecommunications System): Introduced in early 2000s; based on WCDMA; enabled video calls, MMS, and mobile internet (up to 2 Mbps).
  • 4G (LTE – Long-Term Evolution): All-IP, OFDMA-based; provided high-speed broadband (hundreds of Mbps), VoLTE, and seamless video streaming.
  • 5G (NR – New Radio): Flexible OFDM-based; delivers ultra-high speeds (Gbps), ultra-low latency, supports IoT, automation, AR/VR, and network slicing.
  • 6G (Sixth Generation – under research): Expected by ~2030; aims for terabit-class speeds, AI-native networking, holographic communication, and satellite–terrestrial integration.

 

[UPSC 2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference / differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?

1. LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.

2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

 

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International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

Discovery of Rare Quadruple Star System with Brown Dwarfs

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

Scientists have identified UPM J1040−3551 AabBab, a rare quadruple star system with two brown dwarfs orbiting two red dwarfs.

Discovery of Rare Quadruple Star System with Brown Dwarfs

About UPM J1040−3551 AabBab:

  • Overview: Newly discovered quadruple star system in the Milky Way.
  • Composition: Two cold T-type brown dwarfs orbiting a pair of young red dwarf stars.
  • Uniqueness: First known system of its kind; extremely rare as brown dwarfs usually exist alone, with less than 5% chance of companions.
  • Significance: Offers new insights into the formation and evolution of low-mass stars and sub-stellar objects.

What are Brown Dwarfs?

  • Overview: Celestial objects between stars and planets in characteristics.
  • Formation: Form like stars from collapsing gas and dust but lack sufficient mass for sustained hydrogen fusion.
  • Nickname: Often called “failed stars” due to absence of sustained nuclear fusion.
  • Mass Range: Can reach up to about 70 times the mass of Jupiter.
  • Atmosphere: Similar to gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, with molecules and water vapor clouds.
  • Detection: Very faint and cold; usually identified in multiple-star systems where brighter stars help estimate their properties.
  • Astronomical Importance: Help define the boundary between stars and planets; provide clues to conditions necessary for stellar and planetary formation.
  • Cosmological Role: Studying their abundance and distribution aids in understanding mass distribution in the universe and connections to dark matter.
[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars.

Statement-II: Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Options: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct*

 

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First Human Case of New World Screwworm in US

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

The US authorities have reported the first human case of the flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm.

About New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax):

  • Overview: Called “man-eater” larvae in Latin; South America and the Caribbean.
  • Larval Stage: Eggs hatch into maggots that burrow into wounds of warm-blooded animals (including humans) and feed on living flesh in a screw-like motion.
  • Life Cycle: After feeding, larvae fall to soil, pupate, and emerge as adult Blue-grey blowfly.
  • Human Infestation (Myiasis): Causes painful non-healing wounds, bleeding, foul odour, sensation of movement; may lead to sepsis or death if untreated.
  • Eradication in USA: Eliminated in 1966 using Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) by mass release of sterile males.

Current Spread and Concerns:

  • Recent Outbreaks: Detected in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
  • Cause of Spread: Likely linked to movement of infested cattle across regions.
  • Possible Weakness in SIT: Current strain of sterilized flies may be less effective than earlier strains.
  • New Human Case: First travel-associated screwworm myiasis reported in the United States in 2025.
  • Livestock Threat: Serious danger to cattle industry; risk of animal suffering and economic loss.
  • Biosecurity Risk: Reemergence could undo decades of eradication efforts if uncontrolled.
[UPSC 2017] Consider the following statements:

1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.

2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Origins of the modern Ganesh Chaturthi Festival 

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Why in the News?

This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the Indian Express.

How did the Public Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Start?

  • May 1894: Governor George Robert Canning Harris issued a circular regulating music in religious processions in Poona with a communal bias.
  • July 1894: During the palkhi procession of saints Dnyanoba & Tukaram, disturbances occurred near a dargah in Poona.
  • Newspapers (Kalpataru, Mumbai Vaibhav, Indu Prakash, Deenbandhu, Subodh Patrika) urged people to reduce participation in Moharram that year.
  • July 22, 1894: Reports indicated preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi on a larger public scale in Poona.
  • September 13, 1894: For the first time, large Ganesh idols were taken out in public processions with immersion ceremonies, modeled on the style of tabut processions.
  • Press Accounts: The Times of India and The Mahratta noted the transformation of Ganpati celebrations from private household worship to community-wide public processions.

Role of Lokmanya Tilak:

  • Newspapers:
    • Through Kesari (Marathi) and The Mahratta (English), Lokmanya Tilak promoted Ganpati as a social and cultural festival.
  • 1894–95: Advocated that the festival be used to foster unity and collective identity.
  • September 1895 (Kesari editorial): Stated that a nation requires common laws, a common language, and a shared cultural identity.
  • Contribution:
    • Popularised Ganesh Chaturthi as a community celebration, open to all sections of society.
    • Created a platform for mass participation, bridging the gap between political movements (Congress) and ordinary people.
  • Impact: Helped transform Ganesh Chaturthi into an instrument of socio-political mobilisation, while retaining its religious character.
[UPSC 2016] What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?

Options: (a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics b Lord Minto

(b) Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government*

(c) Foundation of Muslim League

(d) Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to the elected as the President of the Indian National Congress

 

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ISRO Missions and Discoveries

What is the Air Drop Test (ADT-1) conducted by ISRO?

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Why in the News?

ISRO has successfully conducted IADT-1, a key milestone for India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.

What is the Air Drop Test (ADT-1) conducted by ISRO?

About Air Drop Test (ADT-1):

  • Test Setup: A dummy crew module weighing nearly 5 tonnes was dropped from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at an altitude of about 3 km.
  • Purpose: To test the parachute-based deceleration system that will slow the crew module during re-entry and ensure a safe splashdown.
  • Parachute Sequence: Parachutes deployed in order — first drogue chutes, followed by three main parachutes — slowing the capsule to about 8 metres per second before landing.
  • Outcome: The touchdown matched expectations, successfully validating the design for human re-entry and landing.

Roadmap for Gaganyaan:

  • Objective: The ultimate goal is to send Indian astronauts to low-earth orbit on a human-rated LVM3 rocket.
  • Validation Tests: A series of safety validation tests are planned before the crewed mission.
  • Crew Escape System (CES): Already tested with TV-D1 in October 2023; TV-D2 will demonstrate a more complex abort scenario.
  • First Uncrewed Mission (G1): Will carry the humanoid robot Vyommitra to simulate astronaut operations.
  • Parallel Trials: Multiple air drop tests and subsystem validations, including parachute trials and life-support system checks, will continue.
  • Key Technologies: Critical systems under development include the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), the Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS), and a strengthened human-rated LVM3 rocket.
  • Timeline: The first human spaceflight (H1) is currently targeted for 2027, though delays are possible due to complexity in human-rating systems.

Long-term Goals:

  • Foundation: Gaganyaan marks the beginning of India’s long-term human spaceflight programme.
  • Space Station: The GoI has announced the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) to be established by 2035.
  • Lunar Mission: India aims to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2040.
  • Critical Technologies: Capabilities such as in-orbit docking, demonstrated by the SpaDeX mission in 2025, will be essential for future missions.
[UPSC 2025] Consider the following space missions:

I. Axiom-4 II. SpaDeX III. Gaganyaan

How many of the space missions given above encourage and support microgravity research?

Options:

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three* (d) None

 

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Japan

[26th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: India-Japan Ties, Old Partners, New Priorities

op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC GS II] 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 calls for examining India–Japan relations as a global and strategic partnership. The current visit, with Japan’s ¥10 trillion investment, defence cooperation, and Indo-Pacific focus, shows this vision materialising. It highlights how the partnership now goes beyond economics to shape Asian stability and world geopolitics.

Mentor’s Comment

PM Modi’s Japan visit signals India’s strategic clarity amid global flux. Japan’s unprecedented investment pledge, technology transfer, and defence cooperation position it as India’s most reliable Indo-Pacific partner when U.S. unpredictability and China’s mistrust loom large.

Introduction

India–Japan ties are deepening at a crucial juncture. With a ¥10 trillion ($68 billion) Japanese investment plan and renewed security cooperation, the partnership goes beyond economics. It reflects India’s balancing act between Tokyo, Beijing, and Washington, showcasing strategic autonomy in an uncertain world.

Why is this visit significant?

  • Historic Japanese pledge: A ¥10 trillion ($68 billion) investment plan, among Tokyo’s most ambitious commitments to New Delhi.
  • Technology transfer: Includes next-generation E10 series Shinkansen for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail, reflecting economic plus technological collaboration.
  • Timing amid flux: Visit comes just before Modi’s participation in the SCO Summit in China, showcasing strategic balancing.
  • U.S. uncertainty: With Trump’s erratic second term, the visit highlights India’s recalibration of partnerships, reinforcing Japan as a dependable anchor.

Japan’s Investment and Economic Partnership

  • Massive infrastructure push: ¥10 trillion investment spread across infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, and technology.
  • High-speed rail corridor: Japan’s E10 Shinkansen trains for Mumbai–Ahmedabad project symbolise trust and long-term collaboration.
  • Supply chain resilience: Economic Security Initiative expands cooperation on semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy.
  • Digital partnership: Upgradation to cover artificial intelligence and startup ecosystems, placing India-Japan ties at the cutting edge of innovation.

Strategic and Defence Cooperation

  • Security framework revision: 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to be updated in line with today’s realities.
  • Indo-Pacific commitment: Reinforces shared vision of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
  • Maritime security and resilience: Japan remains central to India’s Indo-Pacific strategy amid an uncertain Quad trajectory.

The China Factor and Strategic Balancing

  • Dual engagement: Modi’s Tokyo visit followed by Beijing trip reflects India’s ability to compartmentalise relations.
  • Confidence-building with China: Resumption of flights, visa relaxations, and trade measures post-Galwan.
  • Message of balance: India signals that deepening ties with Japan need not preclude dialogue with China.

The U.S. Factor and Quad Challenges

  • Unpredictability under Trump 2.0: Threatens to erode years of steady New Delhi–Washington cooperation.
  • Quad dilution: U.S. disengagement risks weakening the grouping’s strategic coherence.
  • India-Japan partnership: Emerges as ballast to sustain Indo-Pacific momentum even when U.S. commitment wavers.

Broader Political and Diplomatic Significance

  • Beyond economics: Japan’s engagement shows that consistent, long-term cooperation delivers real outcomes.
  • Diplomatic flexibility: India demonstrates ability to pursue multiple alignments without losing clarity.
  • Anchor role of Japan: Unlike Washington’s inconsistency or Beijing’s mistrust, Tokyo provides stability, resources, and shared values.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister’s Japan visit reflects one of the enduring features of Indian diplomacy, flexibility with clarity. By securing massive investment, strengthening defence ties, and reinforcing Indo-Pacific strategies, India positions Japan as its anchor partner in uncertain times. The visit sends a broader signal: India is capable of balancing great power politics while advancing its economic and strategic priorities. For UPSC, it is a live example of strategic autonomy in action.

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Electoral Reforms In India

About 30% of MPs and MLAs face serious criminal cases

Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

Introduction

The intertwining of crime and politics is not new in India, but the recent figures are deeply concerning. An analysis of elected representatives reveals that 31% of MPs and 29% of MLAs across India have declared serious criminal charges against them. More strikingly, in the Lok Sabha, this share has more than doubled from 14% in 2009 to 31% in 2024. Such data points underscore a disturbing trend where democratic institutions are increasingly being captured by individuals with questionable integrity.

About 30% of MPs and MLAs face serious criminal cases

The Scale of Criminalisation in Indian Politics

  • MPs with serious charges: 31% in 2024, compared to 14% in 2009.
  • MLAs with serious charges: 29% nationwide, amounting to more than 1,200 legislators.
  • Definition of serious crimes: Offences with punishments of 5+ years, or non-bailable in nature.

State-wise Picture of the Crisis

  • Telangana: Highest share of MPs with serious cases (71%).
  • Bihar: Second-highest share of MPs (48%).
  • Uttar Pradesh: Highest absolute number of MPs (34) and MLAs (154 or 38%).
  • Andhra Pradesh: Highest share of MLAs with serious cases (56%), followed by Telangana (50%).

Political Party-Wise Trends

  • BJP: Largest absolute number—63 MPs (26%) and 436 MLAs (26%).
  • Congress: 32 MPs (32%) and 194 MLAs (30%).
  • RJD: 100% of its 4 MPs, and 62% of MLAs face serious cases.
  • TDP: 61% of MLAs facing serious charges.

Criminalisation of politics as a Democratic Crisis

  1. Undermines Rule of Law: Representatives sworn to make laws are themselves accused of violating them.
  2. Erodes Public Trust: Citizens lose faith in democratic institutions.
  3. Policy Capture Risk: Legislators with criminal backgrounds may promote laws benefiting vested interests.
  4. Vicious Cycle: Money, muscle power, and electoral compulsions perpetuate the entry of tainted candidates.

Constitutional and Legal Context

  • Representation of People’s Act, 1951: Currently disqualifies convicted representatives but not those with pending cases.

Judicial Interventions:

  1. Lily Thomas vs Union of India (2013): Immediate disqualification upon conviction.
  2. Public Interest Foundation vs Union of India (2018): Urged political parties to disclose candidate criminal records widely.

Conclusion

The latest data underscores that criminalisation in politics is not just persisting but worsening, with more than one in four lawmakers facing serious charges. Unless systemic reforms, ranging from fast-track courts to stricter disqualification laws, are implemented, India risks democratic backsliding. For a healthy democracy, the moral legitimacy of legislatures must be restored.

Value Addition

Issues with Criminalisation in Politics

  • Erosion of Democratic Legitimacy: Lawmakers accused of breaking the law undermine the moral authority of Parliament/Assemblies.
  • Weakening of Rule of Law: Offenders often manipulate investigations, delay trials, and escape accountability.
  • Policy Capture & Corruption: Legislators may pass laws or influence contracts to protect vested interests.
  • Distortion of Electoral Choices: Voters are forced to choose between tainted candidates, limiting free and fair choice.
  • Loss of Public Trust: Citizens lose faith in governance when crime and politics merge.
  • Security Threats: Nexus of politics and crime leads to rise in muscle power, intimidation, and weakens internal security.

Why do Parties Field Candidates With Criminal Background?

  • Money Power: Candidates with criminal networks bring enormous funds to finance expensive elections.
  • Muscle Power: They help in mobilising voters, intimidating opponents, and managing booths in certain constituencies.
  • Winnability Factor: Studies show voters often overlook criminal charges if the candidate is influential, caste-backed, or delivers local patronage.
  • Weak Legal Framework: Only convicted representatives are barred; those with pending cases can contest. With trials dragging on for years, many continue to fight elections.
  • Vote-Bank Politics: Parties use “strongmen” with community backing to secure caste/religion-based votes.

Way Forward with Committee Reports, Judgments & Reforms

Committee Recommendations

  • Vohra Committee (1993): Flagged deep nexus between crime, politics, and bureaucracy.
  • Law Commission 170th Report (1999): Recommended disqualification of candidates once charges are framed in heinous offences.
  • Law Commission 244th Report (2014): Suggested immediate disqualification in cases with charges punishable by 5 years or more, and where charges are framed by a court.
  • Election Commission of India (ECI) Recommendations: Ban on candidates facing heinous charges; fast-track courts to decide political cases within a year.

Judicial Interventions

  • Lily Thomas vs Union of India (2013): MPs/MLAs disqualified immediately upon conviction (earlier they could continue for 3 months pending appeal).
  • Public Interest Foundation vs Union of India (2018): Directed political parties to publicise candidate criminal records widely (website, media, papers).

Suggested Reforms

  • Fast-track Courts: To ensure cases against politicians are resolved within strict timelines.
  • Stricter Disqualification Norms: Disqualify candidates at the stage of framing of charges (with safeguards against false cases).
  • Political Party Accountability: Legal provisions to penalise parties giving tickets to tainted candidates.
  • State Funding of Elections: Reduce dependence on money/muscle power.
  • Voter Awareness: Encourage citizens to reject candidates with serious charges through awareness campaigns.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC GS II] There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act.” Comment

Linkage: The issue of disqualification under the Representation of People’s Act (RPA), 1951 is central to tackling criminalisation of politics. Recent data showing over 30% MPs/MLAs facing serious criminal charges highlights the inadequacy of current provisions that act only after conviction. Simplifying and strengthening disqualification procedures, as urged by committees and the Supreme Court, is vital to restore public trust in democracy.

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Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

Before legislation becomes litigation

Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

Introduction

The framers of the Indian Constitution rejected the British model of absolute parliamentary sovereignty and instead vested sovereignty in the Constitution. Parliament was given the power to make laws, but within constitutional limits. Judicial review was meant to be a sparing power, used exceptionally when laws violated constitutional principles. However, what was once exceptional has increasingly become the norm. With vague drafting, bypassing of procedures, and lack of constitutional guidance, Indian law-making has frequently ended up in litigation. This trend not only undermines democratic trust but also burdens the judiciary and disrupts policy implementation.

Why is this issue in the news?

The controversy around the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which was challenged in the Supreme Court within days of its enactment, highlights a disturbing pattern. Shockingly, the challengers included MPs themselves, indicating a lack of confidence in their own law-making. The Law Ministry has admitted that 35 central legislations and constitutional amendments were under challenge before the Supreme Court between 2016 and 2022. This points to a systemic crisis in legislative drafting and scrutiny.

The constitutional design of law-making

  • No absolute sovereignty: Unlike Britain, Parliament in India operates within constitutional limits; no law can derogate from the Constitution.
  • Judicial review as exception: The power to strike down laws was meant to be sparing, not routine.
  • Current practice: Courts are increasingly forced into the role of a “parallel legislator” due to Parliament’s failures in precision and scrutiny.

Why do laws end up in litigation

  • Constitutional scrutiny: Laws may violate constitutional guarantees or principles (e.g., Transgender Persons Act, 2019 vis-à-vis Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
  • Political theatre: Legal challenges are sometimes used as political tactics by opposition parties or even MPs.
  • Flawed drafting: Vague definitions, incoherent clauses, poor harmonisation with existing laws, and internal contradictions.

Where does the system break down

  • Bypassing procedure: Bills introduced without notice; committees sidelined.
  • Rushed debates: Clause-by-clause discussion often ignored.
  • Poor consultation: Stakeholders and experts not adequately consulted.
  • Dense legalese: MPs unable to engage with overly technical drafting, reducing their role to party-line voting.

The human cost of poor drafting

  • Economic loss: Unclear or contradictory laws disrupt industries and businesses.
  • Social injustice: Unequal punishments (e.g., transgender vs. women sexual abuse provisions).
  • Democratic deficit: MPs are unable to represent citizens effectively when legislation is incomprehensible.

The case for a stronger Attorney-General (AG) role

  • Article 88 of the Constitution: AG has the right to participate in Parliament’s proceedings but rarely invoked.
  • Preventive review: AG can identify constitutional infirmities during debate itself.
  • Non-partisan guidance: AG’s counsel would enable lawmakers to vote more responsibly.
  • Better statutes: Well-drafted laws prevent substitution of legislative intent by judicial interpretation.

Conclusion

India’s constitutional democracy rests on the balance of powers between Parliament and the judiciary. When Parliament abdicates its responsibility of precise and constitutional law-making, the courts inevitably step in, eroding this balance. Institutionalising preventive constitutional review within Parliament, particularly through a proactive role for the Attorney-General, can ensure that legislation serves people effectively without routinely ending up in litigation. A robust democracy demands laws that are clear, just, and constitutionally sound before they leave the House.

Value Addition

What procedural lapses in Parliament lead to flawed laws?

  • Bypassing Committees: Less than 25% of Bills (2019–2023) were sent to Parliamentary Standing Committees, compared to 60–70% in earlier decades. This reduces scrutiny and expert input.
  • Rushed Legislation: Important laws such as the Farm Acts (2020) and the Aadhaar Bill (2016) were passed as Money Bills to bypass Rajya Sabha, undermining debate.
  • Poor Stakeholder Consultation: Unlike developed democracies, draft bills in India are rarely put out for public comments. (E.g., Data Protection Bill, 2019, was tabled without thorough consultation)
  • Clause-by-Clause Neglect: Debates are cut short; MPs often do not engage with technical legal provisions due to lack of time and expertise.
  • Opaque Drafting Process: Drafting happens primarily within ministries with little parliamentary/legal vetting before introduction.
  • ARC 2nd Report (Ethics in Governance): Calls for greater pre-legislative scrutiny and institutional strengthening of committees.

How does flawed drafting affect democracy and society?

  • Judicial Overreach: Poorly worded statutes lead to constant constitutional challenges (e.g., NJAC Act struck down in 2015, Transgender Rights Act 2019 contradictions). The Judiciary ends up legislating by interpretation.
  • Erosion of Parliamentary Sovereignty: Frequent judicial invalidation makes Parliament look ineffective, undermining public trust.
  • Democratic Deficit: Laws in dense legalese alienate both MPs and citizens, reducing informed participation.
  • Economic Uncertainty: Unclear laws discourage investment (e.g., retrospective taxation case leading to Vodafone arbitration).
  • Social Injustice: Disparities in sentencing/punishment (e.g., lower penalties for abuse of transgender persons than for women) perpetuate inequality.
  • Law Commission Report (2008, 210th Report): Identified vague language and excessive delegation as reasons why laws face repeated judicial strikes.

Comparative Perspective

  • UK: Parliamentary sovereignty model; no judicial review of primary legislation, but House of Lords Committees scrutinise bills heavily pre-enactment.
  • USA: Strong judicial review, but bills are subject to Congressional hearings and exhaustive committee scrutiny with expert testimonies before passage.
  • Germany: Has a robust Bundesrat (Upper House) system where laws undergo constitutional and legal vetting before final passage.
  • India: Hybrid system; has judicial review, but Parliamentary scrutiny is weak. Unlike the US/UK, pre-legislative consultation is not institutionalised.

Way Forward

  • Mandatory Committee Review: Make it compulsory for all non-Money Bills to be referred to standing/select committees.
  • Pre-legislative Consultation Policy (2014): Institutionalise it across all ministries with draft bills published in public domain.
  • Strengthening Legislative Research Services: Provide MPs with non-partisan legal/technical assistance (as in US Congressional Research Service).
  • Empowering the Attorney-General: Invoke Article 88 to ensure AG flags constitutional issues during debates.
  • Clarity & Accessibility: Draft laws in plain language versions for MPs and citizens, alongside legal text.
  • Judicial-Parliamentary Dialogue: Structured interactions between constitutional benches and parliamentary committees to ensure harmony.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC GS II] Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.

Linkage: The decline in the individual role of MPs as lawmakers, noted in the PYQ (2019), directly links to the article’s theme of flawed law-making. Dense legalese, party whip culture, and bypassed scrutiny reduce MPs’ capacity for meaningful debate. This weakens legislative quality and pushes more laws into judicial review.

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Vithalbhai Patel and the Legacy of India’s Legislative Traditions

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Why in the News?

The Delhi Assembly has hosted a two-day All India Speakers’ Conference to mark 100 years since Vithalbhai Patel became the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly, the precursor to today’s Parliament.

Vithalbhai Patel and the Legacy of India’s Legislative Traditions

Who was Vithalbhai Patel?

  • Early Life: Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (1873–1933), Elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; trained lawyer (studied law in England, practiced in Bombay).
  • Political career:
    • Member, Bombay Legislative Council (1912).
    • Member, Imperial Legislative Council (1918).
    • Elected to Central Legislative Assembly in 1924 from Bombay city.
  • First Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly (1925), equivalent to today’s Lok Sabha Speaker under British rule.

His Political Legacy:

  • Associated with Swaraj Party (1923): Co-founded by him, Motilal Nehru, Chittaranjan Das, Subhas Chandra Bose, opposing Gandhi’s suspension of Non-Cooperation Movement.
  • Strengthening Speaker’s Authority: Asserted that the Assembly President (Speaker) was paramount, even over the Viceroy inside the House.
  • Parliamentary Security: Insisted on keeping Assembly security under Speaker’s control, even after Bhagat Singh’s 1929 bomb incident. This autonomy lasted until 2024 when CISF took over.
  • Independent Parliament Secretariat: Established a staff system reporting only to the Speaker, ensuring independence from executive interference.
  • Institution Builder: Motilal Nehru and Lala Lajpat Rai supported his push, leading to creation of a separate Legislative Assembly Department in 1929.
  • Freedom Struggle Role: Critic of Gandhian withdrawal strategy; collaborated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose abroad to internationalize India’s cause.
  • Controversial Will: Left part of his wealth to support Bose’s political work, later overturned in court after family challenge.
[UPSC 2016] For the Karachi session of Indian National Congress in 1931 presided over by Sardar Patel. Who drafted the Resolution Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme?

Options: (a) Mahatma Gandhi (b) Pt Jawaharlal Nehru* (c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (d) Dr. BR Ambedkar

 

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Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Global Implications

In news: Donbas Region

World Mapping | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Effect Of Policies & Politics Of World On India'S Interests

Why in the News?

The mineral-rich Donbas region remains central to future of Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

About Donbas Region:

  • Constituent Areas: Includes Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in eastern Ukraine.
  • Geographical Position: Bordered by the Sea of Azov in the south, which connects to the Black Sea via the Strait of Kerch.
  • Industrial Hub: Known as Ukraine’s industrial heartland due to large mineral and energy resources.
  • Coal Reserves: Ukraine possesses ~32 gigatonnes of hard coal, most concentrated in Donbas (IEA estimate).
  • Shale Gas Potential: Yuzivska shale gas field (Donetsk–Kharkiv) holds 1.2–2 trillion cubic metres of gas in place, one of Europe’s largest untapped reserves.
  • Salt Production: Home to Artemsil, once among Europe’s largest salt mines, producing ~2 million tonnes annually until closed in 2022 due to conflict.

Strategic Significance of the Region:

  • For Russia:
    • Resources: Rich in coal, shale gas, salt, and coal bed methane, enhancing its resource security.
    • Geography: Provides land link to Crimea and direct access to the Sea of Azov.
    • Demographics: Large Russian-speaking population offers political and cultural leverage.
  • For Ukraine:
    • Economy: Core to industrial base, especially steel production.
    • Energy Security: Control of Yuzivska shale gas could reduce reliance on imports.
    • Sovereignty: Represents a vital part of national unity and territorial integrity.
  • Geopolitical Dimension: Sea of Azov crucial for connecting Donbas resources to Black Sea trade routes.
  • Conflict Relevance: Since Crimea’s annexation (2014) and escalation in 2022, control of Azov and Kerch Strait vital for Russia’s naval dominance.
[UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs: Area of conflict mentioned in news : Country where it is located

1. North Kivu and Ituri : War between Armenia and Azerbaijan

2. Nagorno-Karabakh : Insurgency in Mozambique

3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia : Dispute between Israel and Lebanon

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None*

 

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Indian Army Updates

Exercise Maitree

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3:

Why in the News?

The 14th Maitree Exercise between Indian and Thai Army will be held in Umroi, Meghalaya returning to India after five years.

About Exercise Maitree:

  • Overview: A bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army.
  • Started: 2006, as a collaborative initiative to deepen defense ties.
  • Frequency: Held annually, alternating between India and Thailand.
  • Participants: Company-level contingents (approx. 70–80 soldiers each); Indian units have included Ladakh Scouts, while Thai units have included Infantry Regiments.
  • Objective: To build interoperability, mutual trust, and cooperation in counter-terrorism, insurgency management, and peacekeeping operations.

Key Features:

  • Counter-Terrorism Focus: Joint training for counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations, especially in semi-urban and jungle terrain.
  • UN Mandate Training: Exercises designed to simulate peacekeeping operations under UN Charter VII.
  • Humanitarian Drills: Includes disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and urban evacuation operations.
  • Strategic Relevance:
    • Strengthens India–Thailand defense cooperation under the 2012 MoU.
    • Supports India’s Act East Policy and shared maritime/strategic interests in the Bay of Bengal–Andaman Sea region.
    • Enhances interoperability for multinational operations and regional stability.
[UPSC 2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).

3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.

4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

Select the answer using the code given below:

Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4*

 

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Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Why in the News?

  • The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to further the government’s agenda of decriminalisation and rationalisation of laws.
  • This is the second Jan Vishwas Bill; the first (2023) decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Acts.

About the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0:

  • Introduced in Lok Sabha (August 2025) as the second Jan Vishwas reform.
  • Seeks to amend 16 Central Acts across 10 ministries/departments.
  • Builds on the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Acts.
  • Aims to promote trust-based governance, ease of living, and ease of doing business.
  • Currently referred to a Lok Sabha Select Committee for examination.

Key Features of the Bill:

  • Scope: Proposes amendments to 355 provisions:
    • 288 decriminalised (technical/procedural defaults).
    • 67 rationalised (ease of living).
  • Acts covered: RBI Act (1934), Drugs & Cosmetics Act (1940), Motor Vehicles Act (1988), Electricity Act (2003), Legal Metrology Act (2009), MSME Development Act (2006), Apprentice Act (1961), and others.
  • First-time Offences: Introduces “warning” and “improvement notice” in 76 offences (e.g., non-standard weights, MVA violations).
  • Decriminalisation: Removes imprisonment clauses for minor defaults, replacing them with fines or warnings.
    • Example: Electricity Act → imprisonment replaced with fines between ₹10,000 and ₹10 lakh.
  • Penalty Rationalisation: Automatic 10% increase in penalties every 3 years for repeat offences.
  • Objective: Ensure deterrence without overburdening courts and without repeated legislative amendments.

Why was the Bill brought in?

  • Over-criminalisation in Indian laws:
    • 882 central laws; 370 contain criminal provisions for 7,305 offences (Vidhi Centre).
    • Many are trivial or outdated (e.g., penalties for routine acts like exercising pets incorrectly).
  • Business barriers:
    • ORF (2022) → Over 50% of 1,536 business laws carry jail terms; 37.8% of 69,233 compliances carry imprisonment clauses.
    • Creates fear among entrepreneurs, stifling growth.
  • Judicial pendency:
    • 3.6 crore criminal cases pending in district courts (Aug 2025).
    • 2.3 crore are over 1 year old.
    • Minor offences clog the system, delaying trials of serious crimes.
  • Governance reform agenda:
    • Aligns with PM Modi’s commitment to remove “unnecessary laws” (reiterated in Independence Day 2025 speech).
    • Supports ease of living and ease of doing business as core NDA governance planks.
[UPSC 2012] What is/are the recent policy initiative(s)of Government of India to promote the growth of the manufacturing sector?

1. Setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones

2. Providing the benefit of ‘single window clearance’

3. Establishing the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3*

 

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Indian Navy Updates

Induction of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri Stealth Nilgiri Class Frigates

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

Why in the News?

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, Nilgiri-class frigates built under Project 17A, at Visakhapatnam.

Induction of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri Stealth Nilgiri Class Frigates

About INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri:

Feature INS Udaygiri INS Himgiri
Builder Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata
Series / Class 2nd ship of Project 17A;

100th vessel designed by Navy’s Warship Design Bureau

 1st Project 17A frigate from GRSE
Naming After Udaygiri mountain range (AP); earlier ship (1976–2007) Legacy of original INS Himgiri (1974–2005)
Displacement / Size ~6,700 tonnes ~6,670 tonnes; Length: 149 m
Propulsion CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) CODOG; speeds 28+ knots
Stealth Features Reduced radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures Enhanced radar & IR signature reduction
Armament BrahMos, Barak-8 SAMs, 76 mm gun, CIWS, advanced ASW weapons BrahMos, Barak-8, CIWS, ASW rocket launchers, torpedo tubes, EW systems
Aviation Facilities – Flight deck + hangar for MH-60 Romeo, ALH Dhruv Mk-III, Sea King helicopters
Indigenous Content ~75% (local sensors, systems, IPMS) ~75%

 

[UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

 

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Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

[25th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The new Constitution Bill, the need for a balancing act

op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

Mentor’s Comment

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025 has sparked intense debate in Parliament and across the country. While it appears to be a strong step toward cleaner politics, it also raises deep constitutional and democratic concerns. For UPSC aspirants, this issue is important not only for its immediate political relevance but also for its intersection with constitutional morality, criminalisation of politics, separation of powers, and due process. This article breaks down the Bill, its context, judicial linkages, and its broader implications for democracy.

Introduction

India has long grappled with the paradox of demanding clean politics while being governed by leaders facing serious criminal charges. The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20, seeks automatic resignation or removal of Ministers, Chief Ministers and even the Prime Minister if they remain in custody for over 30 days in offences punishable with five years or more. While aimed at restoring public trust, the Bill risks undermining due process and democratic safeguards.

Why is this Bill in the news?

The Bill marks the first time Parliament has proposed automatic removal of top executive leaders on mere detention without conviction. This is in sharp contrast with the current legal position under the Representation of the People Act, where disqualification begins only upon conviction. The stakes are high: India already faces a staggering rise in criminalisation of politics, with 46% of MPs in 2024 declaring criminal cases, up from 30% in 2009. Against this backdrop, the Bill seeks to restore public trust but also risks political misuse, raising concerns of democratic erosion.

Judicial foundations and constitutional morality

  1. Articles 75, 164, 239AA: Provide for ministerial tenure “at the pleasure” of President/Governor, limited by constitutional morality.
  2. S.R. Bommai case: Stressed that integrity and accountability are core to constitutional morality.
  3. Manoj Narula case: Warned against entrusting power to those with serious criminal charges.
  4. Lily Thomas case: Held that disqualification of legislators must occur upon conviction, striking down earlier appeal window.
  5. Tension: While courts upheld high ethical standards, they stopped short of mandating automatic removal before conviction, the Bill goes further, creating friction with Article 21 (right to life and liberty).

Risk of Bill being misused as a political weapon

  1. Executive discretion: PM/CM advice governs removal; if withheld, automatic removal applies after 30 days. This dual mechanism may be exploited politically.
  2. Selective shield or target: PM may protect allies temporarily, while hostile leaders may allow rivals to fall under automatic removal.
  3. Politicisation of accountability: Instead of insulating governance, it may embed accountability in partisan strategies.

Inconsistency in the treatment of legislators and Ministers

  1. RPA framework: Legislators disqualified only on conviction.
  2. Ministerial paradox: A Minister under arrest is removed after 30 days, but a legislator convicted of corruption may still technically hold ministerial office until disqualification proceedings.
  3. Asymmetry: Creates harsher standards for Ministers than legislators, risking deterrence for capable leaders.

Political instability and the “revolving door”

  1. Reappointment clause: Once released, Ministers can be reinstated.
  2. Cycle of instability: Arrest → resignation → release → reinstatement may lead to political uncertainty without improving accountability.
  3. Tactical misuse: Legal proceedings could be manipulated to weaken opponents through timed arrests.

Why do critics demand a more nuanced model?

  1. Criminalisation of politics: Rising trend demands reform, 251 MPs (46%) with criminal cases in 2024.
  2. Judicial milestone approach: Removal linked to framing of charges by a competent court rather than arrest alone ensures judicial scrutiny.
  3. Independent review: Tribunal/judicial panel could prevent executive misuse.
  4. Interim suspension: Instead of removal, suspension of ministerial functions during trial could balance governance and accountability.
  5. Scope refinement: Apply only to corruption and moral turpitude offences, not all crimes with five years’ punishment (which may include minor offences).

Conclusion

The 130th Amendment Bill embodies India’s long-standing demand for clean politics. However, its blunt approach risks weakening constitutional safeguards like presumption of innocence, creating political instability, and enabling misuse of arrest as a weapon. The Joint Parliamentary Committee must recalibrate the Bill with judicially tested safeguards, narrowing its scope to serious offences and ensuring impartial mechanisms for enforcement. Only then can India achieve the delicate balance where power is exercised with integrity without sacrificing fairness.

UPSC Relevance:

[UPSC]: “There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act.” Comment.

Linkage: “The 130th Amendment Bill echoes the long-standing concern flagged in the 2020 PYQ on RPA disqualification: India needs clearer and fairer procedures to ensure accountability in politics. While the PYQ emphasised simplification post-conviction, the Bill risks moving the trigger point too early (mere custody), thereby complicating rather than simplifying the disqualification process.”

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Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

Nourish to flourish, the nutrition and cognititon link

Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

Introduction

The first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a child’s second birthday, form a once-in-a-lifetime window for shaping lifelong health, learning, and productivity. Science shows that by age two, the brain reaches 80% of its adult size, and missing this phase leads to irreversible losses in nutrition and cognition. Despite progress, India still faces high levels of stunting and poor early learning, making early childhood investment a nation-building priority.

Why is this in the news?

India has reduced malnutrition since the 1990s, but progress is too slow, at the current pace, stunting will fall to 10% only by 2075. To meet the 2047 target, the pace must double. New initiatives like Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi and Navchetana reflect a fresh focus on integrating nutrition with cognitive development, but gaps remain in coverage, quality, and urban reach, making this issue urgent.

Scientific insights on first 1,000 days

  1. Brain Growth: By age two, the brain reaches 80% of adult size; synapse formation and frontal lobe spurts shape planning, memory, and regulation.
  2. Nutritional Deficits: Deficiencies before age three are often irreversible, with lifelong consequences.
  3. Cohort Study Evidence: A Tamil Nadu study linked early childhood iron deficiency to poor verbal performance, slower processing, and weaker expressive language.
  4. Neuroplasticity: Learning acquired in this phase is fast and permanent, e.g., acquisition of regional language or nursery rhymes.

Limits of nutrition-only interventions 

  1. Integrated Development: Stand-alone nutrition programmes show only low-to-moderate outcomes.
  2. Combined Impact: Nutrition + stimulation interventions lead to stronger cognitive and health outcomes.
  3. Example: Birth-cohort studies show poor language skills when nutrition is not coupled with stimulation, underlining the “cut from the same cloth” nature of brain and body growth.

India’s policy response to early childhood development 

  1. ICDS: World’s largest childcare scheme, focusing on nutrition and early learning.
  2. Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi: Seeks to integrate nutrition with learning stimulation.
  3. Navchetana Framework: Offers 140 age-based activities (0–3 years) through a 36-month stimulation calendar; relies on home visits by Anganwadi and caregivers.
  4. Home-based Play Learning: Encourages children to learn through activities, not formal teaching, improving social and cognitive skills.

Persistent challenges in ensuring holistic child care

  1. Stunting Persistence: At current rate, 10% stunting target may take till 2075.
  2. Service Saturation Gaps: ICDS yet to achieve full coverage and quality across states.
  3. Urban Challenges: Services weak in cities despite high demand.
  4. Workforce Empowerment: 14 lakh Anganwadi workers remain overburdened and undertrained.
  5. Women in Workforce: Limited crèche facilities constrain female labour participation; need public-private-community partnerships.

Urgency of investment in the age of automation 

  1. Automation Risk: Future job markets will offer fewer opportunities to low-skilled workers.
  2. Human Capital: Early investment ensures a workforce equipped with cognitive resilience and adaptability.
  3. Intergenerational Impact: Better child development empowers women, reduces poverty, and enhances societal well-being.

Conclusion

The first 1,000 days are the golden window of human development, missing it means irreversible losses. India has the policies, infrastructure, and scientific backing to act, but weak implementation, inadequate urban reach, and insufficient integration of nutrition with learning continue to limit outcomes. With 2047 as a national milestone, accelerating investment in children’s earliest years is not just a welfare necessity but an economic and ethical imperative.

UPSC PYQ Linkage

[2021, GS 2] “Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and evaluate its implementation.”

Linkage: Both focus on gaps in child-centric programmes and need for holistic approaches.

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Internal Security Architecture Shortcomings – Key Forces, NIA, IB, CCTNS, etc.

How have deception techniques evolved

Explained | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

Introduction

Modern warfare is no longer about firepower alone; it is equally about deception. As precision-guided missiles, drones, and AI-enabled targeting systems grow deadlier, militaries are turning to decoy technologies to confuse radars, mislead missiles, and protect valuable assets. India’s reported use of the AI-enabled X-Guard decoy during Operation Sindoor shows how deception has become a central element of national security strategy.

The Growing Relevance of Deception in Modern Warfare:

  1. Evolving threat environment: Precision-guided munitions, drones, and AI-enabled targeting systems make military platforms highly vulnerable.
  2. Strategic asset: Decoys create confusion, waste enemy munitions, and buy crucial time for retaliation.
  3. Game-changing event: Operation Sindoor showcased India’s successful use of an AI-enabled decoy, termed by experts as “the best instance of spoofing and deception ever seen.”

Inside the X-Guard Fibre-Optic Towed Decoy 

  1. Lightweight & reusable: At just 30 kg, retractable and deployable in flight.
  2. Radar mimicry: Replicates the Rafale’s Radar Cross Section (RCS), doppler velocity, and spectral signature across multiple bands.
  3. 360-degree jamming: Works seamlessly with the Rafale’s SPECTRA suite to form a layered defensive shield.
  4. Operational success: Reports suggest Pakistan’s J-10C fighters misidentified decoys as actual aircraft, wasting advanced PL-15E missiles.

Global landscape of comparable decoy systems: 

  1. BriteCloud (Leonardo UL): Used on Eurofighter Typhoons, Gripen-Es, and some F-16s.
  2. AN/ALE-50/55 series (Raytheon/BAE Systems): Deployed on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.
  3. Adaptability to UAVs: Modified for platforms like Israeli Herons and U.S. MQ-9 Reapers.

Battlefield deception on Land Forces: 

  1. Inflatable & heat-emitting decoys: Simulate tanks, artillery, and missile batteries to divert strikes.
  2. Ukraine’s wooden & 3D-printed fakes: Exhaust Russian drone and missile stocks.
  3. Russia’s Inflatech decoys: Create entire armoured formations in minutes.
  4. Indian Army initiative (2025): Issued a request for decoys mimicking T-90 tanks, including thermal and acoustic signatures.

Naval countermeasures and Decoy strategies

  1. Layered naval countermeasures: Chaff, acoustic decoys, and offboard active deception protect against missiles and submarines.
  2. Nulka decoy (Australia–U.S.): Self-propelled system mimicking large ship radar signatures to mislead missile guidance.

Conclusion

Deception, once limited to camouflage and dummy equipment, has evolved into a sophisticated digital-age shield. Airborne fibre-optic decoys, inflatable ground tanks, and naval missile deflectors now define modern survivability. India’s reported use of the X-Guard highlights its adaptation to the evolving battlefield. For a relatively low investment, such systems deliver high-impact protection, proving that in the wars of tomorrow, deception may be as decisive as destruction.

PYQ Relevance

“How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?”

Linkage: This question shows UPSC’s focus on defence technology and comparative capability analysis. The same lens applies to India’s deployment of AI-enabled decoys like the X-Guard FOTD, which enhance survivability against advanced missile systems. Both highlight the importance of evaluating cutting-edge military technology for national security.

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

In news: Women Revolutionaries of Bengal 

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Why in the News?

This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the Indian Express.

Women in Revolutionary Movements:

Pritilata Waddedar:

  • Early Life: Born on 5 May 1911 in Chittagong. One of the first Bengali women to lead an armed revolutionary group.
  • Education: Graduated in philosophy from Bethune College, Kolkata; became a school teacher.
  • Inspiration: Influenced by revolutionary literature and women’s activism; joined Deepali Sangha.
  • Role: Collected bomb cases, distributed pamphlets, gathered jail intelligence by posing as relatives.
  • Legacy: Left a suicide note explaining her cause; remembered as a fearless martyr.

Kalpana Datta:

  • Early Life: Born in 1913 in Sripur, Chittagong; studied at Bethune College, joined Chhatri Sangha.
  • Activities: Conducted reconnaissance before the European Club attack; arrested a week earlier.
  • Later Role: Joined bombing attempt to free Surya Sen; sentenced to life, released in 1939.
  • Post-freedom: Became a Communist Party leader, focused on social activism.

Bina Das:

  • Early Life: At 21, attempted assassination of Governor Stanley Jackson (1932) with a revolver supplied by Kamala Das Gupta.
  • Networks: Part of secret revolutionary student circles.
  • Court Statement: Famous for her passionate resistance plea before Calcutta High Court.

Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain:

  • Early Life: Born on 9 December 1880; pioneer of women’s rights and education.
  • Writings: Authored “Sultana’s Dream” (1908), envisioning a feminist utopia.
  • Institutions: Founded the first school for Muslim girls in Kolkata; formed Muslim Women’s Association (1916).
  • Activism: Led women’s conferences, challenged purdah, advocated education.

Kamala Das Gupta:

  • Early Life: Born in Dhaka; completed MA in history at Kolkata. Initially Gandhian, later joined Jugantar.
  • Role: Provided shelter, weapons, and materials; arrested multiple times.
  • Connection: Supplied Bina Das with revolver for her assassination attempt.
  • Legacy: Wrote “Rakter Akshare” and “Swadhinata Sangrame Nari”; led refugee relief and vocational training.

Nanibala Devi:

  • Early Life: Disguised as a revolutionary’s wife; spied in prisons for intelligence.
  • Sacrifice: Endured brutal police torture (including red chili powder) without revealing secrets.
  • End: Died in poverty but symbolised courage and resilience.

Labanya Prabha Ghosh:

  • Early Life: Born on 14 August 1897, Purulia.
  • Contribution: Helped establish Shilpashram, hub of revolutionaries like Subhas Bose, C.R. Das.
  • Political Role: First woman MLA from Purulia; wrote and edited nationalist journals.
  • Later Activism: Led movements for land rights, justice for the poor.

Matangini Hazra (“Gandhi Buri”):

  • Early Life: Born in 1870, Hogla village, Midnapore; widowed young, lived in poverty.
  • Freedom Struggle: Joined Salt Satyagraha, arrested for making salt; resisted chowkidari tax.
  • Repression: Imprisoned and beaten; served the sick during epidemics.
  • Martyrdom: Killed by police firing while leading Quit India procession (1942), holding the tricolour until death.
[UPSC 2009] During the freedom struggle, Aruna Asaf Ali was a major woman organizer of underground activity in

Options:

(a) Civil Disobedience Movement

(b) Non-Cooperation Movement

(c) Quit India Movement*

(d) Swadeshi Movement

 

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