With recent cuts in USAID funding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Development Fund (SDF), with a capital base of $672 million and $1.5 billion in authorized funds, is gaining attention.
About the SAARC Development Fund (SDF):
The SDF was established in 2010 by SAARC member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
It focuses on social, economic, and infrastructure development across SAARC countries.
It has evolved from SAARC Fund for Regional Projects (SFRP) and SAARC Regional Fund (SRF) proposed in 1990.
In 2005, the SDF was reconstituted as the umbrella financial mechanism for all SAARC projects.
Finally, it was endorsed in 2006; Charter signed in 2008 during the 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo.
Its permanent Secretariat opened in Thimphu, Bhutan, in 2010.
Funding Mechanism:
The SDF has authorized funds of $1.5 billion, with a capital base of $672 million.
It aims to expand its credit portfolio to $300 million in the coming years.
Member countries contribute to the SDF’s capital, and the funds are allocated for regional projects based on proposals from member states.
It operates on a collaborative funding model, with contributions from both the government and development partners.
[UPSC 2016] The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as:
N4S: India’s big summits often grab headlines, but their real impact lies in shaping global politics. UPSC tests whether aspirants can go beyond buzzwords and understand how diplomacy translates into power shifts. Memorizing summit names isn’t enough—what matters is connecting them to India’s strategic positioning, as seen in questions like India as an alternative to China in GS2 (2024). This article unpacks Summit Diplomacy, looking at events like Howdy Modi, the India-UAE trade deal, and Modi-Xi meetings. Have these truly boosted India’s global influence, or are they just political spectacle? Why didn’t the Wuhan summit stop the Galwan clash? While highlighting successes like India’s G20 leadership, it also examines the risks—over-relying on personal diplomacy and missing long-term follow-through.What makes this piece special? It cuts through the fluff. It shows why strong institutions – like the Ministry of External Affairs and research think tanks – matter more than handshakes and photo ops. If you’ve ever wondered whether these summits actually change anything, this article gives you the answers.
PYQ ANCHORING
The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples. [GS 2, 2024]
When Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un met in Singapore in 2018, the world watched with bated breath. The historic summit promised a breakthrough in U.S.-North Korea relations, with bold commitments and glowing headlines. But within months, the promises fizzled, tensions resurfaced, and the grand spectacle turned into yet another footnote in diplomatic history.
Similarly, India has engaged in high-profile summits like Howdy Modi, Wuhan talks, and G20/SCO meetings, shaping its foreign policy. But the big question remains: Are these summits truly driving India’s global rise, or are they just diplomatic theatre without lasting substance? Is India building a strong institutional framework to sustain its global momentum, or is it overly dependent on the personal rapport of its leaders?
Summit Diplomacy and India: A Critical Analysis
Big diplomatic meetings have helped India build strong partnerships, handle conflicts, and boost its global presence. But they also come with risks—depending too much on flashy events and making deals that don’t always lead to real change.
Benefits for India
Benefit
Impact on India
Example
Stronger Global Relationships
Expanded diplomatic reach through direct leader engagements.
‘Howdy Modi’ (2019) strengthened Indo-U.S. ties.
Economic and Trade Gains
Facilitated FDI, trade agreements, and technology transfers.
India-UAE CEPA (2022) boosted trade relations.
Security and Defense Ties
Strengthened defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security.
India-France defense summits led to the Rafale jet deal.
Crisis Management
Helped in conflict resolution and stabilizing border tensions.
Modi-Xi informal summits (2018, 2019) aimed at easing India-China tensions.
Global Leadership
Positioned India as a key player in climate action, global health, and governance.
India’s G20 Presidency (2023) championed Global South issues.
Challenges and Limitations of Summit Diplomacy for India
Challenge
Impact on India
Example
Risk of Superficial Agreements
Lack of follow-up mechanisms leads to poor implementation.
India-China Wuhan & Mamallapuram summits failed to prevent the 2020 Galwan clash.
Over-Reliance on Personal Diplomacy
Leader-driven diplomacy can cause policy shifts with leadership changes.
Modi-Nawaz Sharif ties (2015 Lahore visit) soured after Pulwama (2019).
Global power dynamics often block India’s diplomatic goals.
India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat remains unresolved despite summit efforts.
Symbolic vs. Substantive Gains
Some summits focus more on optics than real outcomes.
BRICS Summits produce many declarations but limited economic cooperation.
Bridging Gaps in Summit Diplomacy: The Case for Institutionalization
Diplomacy isn’t just about big meetings and handshakes—it needs a solid foundation to create real, lasting impact. When foreign policy is backed by strong institutions, it becomes more stable, accountable, and less dependent on individual leaders. This helps avoid impulsive decisions and ensures that agreements actually lead to meaningful change instead of just being symbolic.
India has been making diplomacy more structured by:
Area
Institutional Mechanism
Impact
Foreign Policy Formulation
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) with specialized divisions (e.g., Economic Diplomacy, Multilateral Affairs)
Ensures structured policy-making and coordination across global engagements.
Strategic Diplomacy
Think tanks like Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), Observer Research Foundation (ORF), and Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) advising policymakers
Provides research-backed inputs for foreign policy decisions.
Permanent Missions at the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), Group of Twenty (G20) Sherpa Mechanism
Enhances India’s global presence in decision-making forums.
Defense & Security Diplomacy
Strategic dialogues (e.g., 2+2 Dialogue with the United States (U.S.), Japan), Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defense Cooperation
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
Institutionalized outreach to the Indian diaspora and cultural promotion.
Success Stories of India
India has seen real success in diplomacy when strong systems back summits. This approach ensures that agreements lead to long-term results rather than just talk. Deals like the Indo-US Nuclear Agreement and the International Solar Alliance prove that structured efforts bring lasting impact. Here are some key examples:
Summit
Success Factors (Role of Institutionalization)
Key Outcomes
Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal (2008)
Strong support from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), strategic alignment with the U.S., and bipartisan backing in both nations.
Gave India access to nuclear technology despite not being a Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) signatory, boosting energy security.
India-Africa Forum Summit (2008, 2011, 2015, 2023)
Regularized engagements, structured financial commitments, and long-term diplomatic partnerships.
Strengthened economic, educational, and strategic ties between India and Africa.
Look East to Act East Policy (Since 1992, Revamped in 2014)
Institutionalized through Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits, structured trade deals, and consistent engagement.
Deepened trade, defense, and regional security ties with Southeast Asia.
International Solar Alliance (ISA) (2015)
Backed by the MEA and sustained multilateral cooperation.
Positioned India as a global leader in renewable energy with 100+ member countries.
BRICS Summits (Since 2009)
Strengthened cooperation through the New Development Bank (NDB) and structured diplomatic dialogues.
Enhanced India’s role in global economic governance and alternative financial structures.
Way Forward
Summit-to-Strategy Task Force – Create dedicated inter-ministerial teams to convert summit agreements into actionable roadmaps with clear deadlines.
Diplomatic Corps 2.0 – Expand training and decision-making authority for diplomats to reduce dependency on political leadership and ensure continuity in foreign policy.
Fast-Track Diplomacy Portal – Establish a digital platform within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for real-time tracking of agreements, approvals, and execution timelines.
Global Thought Leadership Hub – Set up an international policy research hub to shape global narratives on UN reforms, climate action, and trade policies rather than just reacting to them.
India Connect 2030 – Launch an ambitious global economic outreach program with mega-infrastructure projects, strategic trade pacts, and a counter-narrative to China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI).
While India has made significant progress in institutionalizing diplomacy, further improvements are needed in follow-up mechanisms, bureaucratic efficiency, and multilateral leadership. By enhancing institutional processes alongside summit diplomacy, India can ensure sustained global influence and strategic consistency beyond high-profile engagements.
#BACK2BASICS: About Summit-Level Diplomacy
Summit-level diplomacy refers to high-level meetings between heads of state or government, often conducted to address pressing global, regional, or bilateral issues. These summits serve as platforms for direct negotiation, policy coordination, and diplomatic engagement at the highest levels.
– Trump-Kim Jong-un Hanoi Summit (2019) (Failed negotiations, no agreements) – Indo-China Informal Summits (Wuhan, Mamallapuram) (No formal treaties, mostly optics) – SAARC Summits Post-2016 (Minimal progress due to regional tensions)
While summit-level diplomacy results in substantive outcomes, pseudo summit-level diplomacy is often limited to symbolism, diplomatic signaling, or media spectacle, without tangible policy changes.
The material cost for the PM-POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) Scheme has been increased by 9.5%, resulting in an additional cost of ₹954 crore to be incurred by the Centre in the 2025-26 financial year.
About PM-POSHAN Scheme:
The PM-POSHAN Scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at providing a hot, cooked meal to children studying in government and government-aided schools across India.
Launched under the Ministry of Education, it focuses on improving children’s nutritional status, school participation, retention, and attendance.
The scheme complements POSHAN Abhiyan and Mission POSHAN 2.0 to improve nutrition among children and mothers.
Key Features:
Target Group: It serves 11.20 crore children in Balvatikas (pre-primary classes) and Classes 1-8 in 10.36 lakh schools. Special focus is placed on disadvantaged children from low-income backgrounds.
Nutritional Goals: The scheme provides balanced meals to meet children’s nutritional needs.
A recent study conducted in Kolkata shows that the toxicity value of PM2.5 experiences a sudden jump when the pollution level reaches around 70 µg/m³.
About PM2.5
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
It is a major air pollutant linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, and other health issues.
Major sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, construction dust, biomass burning, and solid waste burning, contributing to both outdoor and indoor pollution.
WHO recommends that the annual average PM2.5 concentration should NOT exceed 5 µg/m³, and the 24-hour average should not exceed 15 µg/m³ for more than 3-4 days per year.
PM2.5 on Govt. Focus: National Clean Air Program (NCAP)
Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter by 40% by 2026 compared to 2017 levels.
It targets 131 non-attainment cities across India, focusing on improving air quality and addressing sources of pollution.
About the Notified Toxicity Standard for PM2.5
A new toxicity standard for PM2.5 in Kolkata sets the critical threshold at 70 µg/m³.
Below this level, toxicity remains stable, but it sharply increases once the concentration exceeds 70 µg/m³.
It emphasizes reducing pollution sources, particularly biomass and solid waste burning, which contribute significantly to high PM2.5 levels and increased toxicity in Kolkata.
Policy Recommendation: To reduce health risks, air quality control measures should aim to keep PM2.5 levels below 70 µg/m³.
[UPSC 2022] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:
1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2 only
Preparing for UPSC 2026 can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. Many aspirants begin with a lot of motivation after reading NCERTs, but soon realise how vast and complex the exam actually is. That’s when doubts start creeping in and consistency takes a hit. To help you through this phase, Shubham Sir is bringing a simple and effective framework—the MAC Formula: Mindset, Approach, and Consistency.
Mindset is about staying calm, believing in yourself, and staying focused over the long run. Approach means planning smartly—knowing the syllabus, using PYQs the right way, and not getting lost in too many resources. And consistency? That’s about building habits, sticking to weekly goals, and showing up every single day. When all three come together, you’re on solid ground.
Shubham Sir will also talk about AIR 2 Animesh’s journey—how he went from a complete beginner to a top-ranker by consistently writing weekly answers for 1.5 years. He’ll also help you map out a 14-month plan starting this April, covering answer writing, revision, and avoiding common traps.
So if you’re aiming for UPSC 2026 and want to start strong, join the live session on Sunday, 13th April at 7 PM. It’s your chance to bring clarity to your prep and build the right momentum early on.
This session will help you cut through the noise and start with a crystal-clear roadmap. You’ll learn to prioritize your study, recognize question trends, and, most importantly, focus on what UPSC truly values.
A Rare Opportunity— Register Now! This isn’t just another generic UPSC strategy session. This power-packed masterclass is designed to give you a clear advantage over other aspirants.
By the end of this session, you will have a list of must-study PYQs, a breakdown of microthemes, and a step-by-step strategy to approach UPSC preparation like a topper. If you’re serious about UPSC 2026 – Register now!
It will be a 45 minute webinar, post which we will open up the floor for all kinds of queries which a beginner must have. No questions are taboo and Arvind Sir is known to be patiently solving all your doubts.
Join us for a Zoom session on 13th April 2025 at 7:00 p.m. This session is a must-attend for you If you are attempting UPSC for the first time or have attempted earlier and now preparing for next year, then it is going to be a valuable session for you too.
See you in the session”
Register for the session for a focussed UPSC 2026 Prep
(Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until May 25)
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
[UPSC 2017] Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘The National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ concerning the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.
Linkage: The integrity of the appointment process is a key mechanism to prevent the entry of potentially corrupt individuals into the judiciary. Debates around judicial appointments often touch upon the need for transparency and meritocracy to safeguard against various forms of impropriety, including corruption.
Mentor’s Comment: The current system to deal with corruption in the judiciary includes in-house inquiries, impeachment, and oversight by the Supreme Court and High Courts. However, it is often slow, and secretive, and rarely results in strict action. Lack of transparency and political influence can weaken its impact, making it less effective in ensuring full accountability of judges.
Today’s editorial talks about problems in making judges more accountable. It highlights gaps in how judicial misconduct is handled and why better checks are needed. This topic is useful for UPSC GS Paper 2 (governance, transparency) and GS Paper 4 (ethics, integrity in public life).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Last month, a large amount of unaccounted cash was reportedly found at the official home of former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. In response, Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, started an internal inquiry into the matter.
What are the limitations of the impeachment process in ensuring judicial accountability?
High Threshold for Removal: The impeachment process requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament and an absolute majority of total membership. This makes it extremely difficult to impeach a judge even in cases of credible misconduct. Eg: No judge of the Supreme Court or High Court has ever been successfully impeached in independent India, despite allegations — such as in the case of Justice V. Ramaswami (1993), whose impeachment failed due to political abstentions.
Over-Reliance on Political Consensus: The process is politically driven, requiring broad support across parties, which may not be feasible in a fragmented or polarized Parliament. Political considerations often override judicial integrity in decision-making.
Delayed and Ineffective as a Deterrent: The process is slow, opaque, and reactive, initiated only after significant public outcry or media coverage. It fails to act as a timely or effective deterrent, allowing misconduct to go unchecked. Eg: Justice Nirmal Yadav of the Punjab and Haryana High Court was acquitted nearly 15 years after a corruption inquiry, despite early evidence.
Why is there a demand to institutionalise transparency in judicial inquiries?
Prevents Perception of Shielding Judges: Transparency helps counter the belief that the judiciary protects its own members in misconduct cases. Eg: In the Justice Yashwant Varma case, the Supreme Court proactively released CCTV footage showing recovery of unaccounted cash to pre-empt accusations of cover-up.
Builds Public Trust and Confidence: In an era of social and mass media scrutiny, opaque proceedings can fuel public suspicion and damage the judiciary’s credibility. Making inquiry reports public can reaffirm accountability and institutional integrity.
Reduces Speculation and Misinformation: Lack of official communication can lead to rumours or leaks, which may distort facts and undermine due process. Eg: Experts have suggested appointing dedicated communications personnel in the judiciary to clarify facts and handle sensitive disclosures responsibly.
Who informally influences judicial appointments, and how does it impact the collegium?
Executive’s Role in Informal Consultations: Even before formal recommendations, the executive is consulted informally, allowing it to influence selections. Eg: The Union Government often shares IB (Intelligence Bureau) inputs that can sway or stall decisions by the collegium.
De Facto Executive Veto: The government can withhold or delay approval of names without giving reasons, effectively creating a veto power. Eg: Several appointments have been indefinitely delayed by the executive sitting on the collegium’s recommendations.
Impact on Transparency and Candidate Morale: This opaque and selective process discourages deserving candidates from participating in judicial selection. Eg: Many lawyers and judges avoid the process due to its lack of transparency and potential for humiliation.
How can peer review within the judiciary be strengthened to prevent judicial misconduct?
Institutionalising Informal FeedbackRegularise the informal feedback already exchanged within legal circles into a formal review system. Eg: Concerns shared among judges and lawyers about a colleague’s integrity can be compiled and assessed systematically.
Involving Bar Associations: Inputs from bar associations can serve as early warnings of problematic judicial behaviour. Eg: If advocates repeatedly report bias or misconduct by a judge, it could trigger a formal internal review.
Mandatory Periodic Evaluations: Judges could undergo peer-reviewed performance evaluations at regular intervals. Eg: Evaluation of case disposal rates, conduct in court, and legal soundness of judgments by a panel of peers.
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest: Enforce mandatory disclosures of family members practicing in the same court or other potential conflicts. Eg: If a judge’s relative practices in the same court, either the judge is transferred or the relative is barred from appearing.
Protection of Whistleblowers Within Judiciary: Create a safe mechanism for judges or staff to report unethical conduct without fear of retaliation. Eg: A junior judge or clerk reporting bribe attempts or unusual case assignments should be protected and heard confidentially.
When can contempt laws allow public scrutiny without undermining judicial dignity?
When Criticism is in Good Faith and Based on Facts: Legitimate concerns or constructive criticism aimed at reform, not defamation, should be allowed. Eg: A lawyer or journalist pointing out procedural delays or lack of transparency in judicial appointments based on verified data.
When the Speech is Not Intended to Scandalise the Court: Public discourse that respects the institution but critiques specific actions or decisions helps improve accountability. Eg: Civil society groups questioning a controversial verdict or delay in inquiry, without using derogatory language.
When It Promotes Institutional Integrity: Scrutiny that leads to reform and helps maintain the credibility of the judiciary should not be penalised. Eg: Media coverage exposing corruption in the judiciary, like the Justice Yashwant Varma case, can lead to necessary reforms if done responsibly.
Way forward:
Establish an Independent Judicial Oversight Body: A permanent and independent authority comprising retired judges, legal scholars, and public representatives can investigate complaints, oversee peer reviews, and recommend disciplinary action.
Codify Transparent Guidelines and Communication Protocols: Formulate clear, time-bound procedures for judicial appointments, disclosures, and inquiry mechanisms with mandatory public reporting (where appropriate). Eg: Publish annual integrity audits, conflict-of-interest registers, and inquiry outcomes (with due protection for sensitive data) to uphold public trust.
The recently held Budget session of Parliament became historic, as both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha continued working all night and ended only around sunrise.
What made the recently concluded Budget session of Parliament historically significant?
All-night Sitting: Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha continued debates through the night until early morning, which is extremely rare. For example, the Rajya Sabha was still debating at 8:30 p.m., with 22 speakers left, and the Waqf Bill was passed only around 2:30 a.m.
Record High Productivity: The session saw exceptionally high legislative productivity — 118% in Lok Sabha and 119% in Rajya Sabha. Eg: This indicates that the Houses worked more hours than scheduled, completing more business than expected.
Rich Parliamentary Debate and Public Engagement: Despite the late hours, MPs spoke passionately, aiming for impactful speeches that could go viral or make headlines. Eg: A woman MP quoted Victor Hugo (mistakenly calling him British), showing both the depth and drama of the debate.
Who played a critical role in capturing the nuances of the all-night parliamentary session for the public?
Parliamentary Reporters: They stayed overnight in the House, observing debates and documenting proceedings for the media. Eg: The author of the editorial, a parliamentary reporter, described the urgency and drama of speeches during the night.
News Desks and Editors: They coordinated under pressure to ensure reports met tight print deadlines while maintaining accuracy. Eg: The reporter received frantic messages from the desk urging for a timely copy to meet the morning paper’s schedule.
Media as a Democratic Bridge: Reporters help the public understand what’s happening inside Parliament, especially during rare sittings. Eg: Despite physical restrictions in the new Parliament building, reporters continue to attend sessions to provide detailed coverage.
Where are reporters restricted from going within the new Indian Parliament building, despite having official access?
Glass Enclosure for Media Personnel: Reporters, especially from electronic media, are confined to a glass enclosure within the Parliament premises. This limits their ability to move freely and interact with Members of Parliament (MPs). Eg: On July 29, 2024, journalists were restricted to this enclosure and prevented from accessing areas like the ‘Makar Dwar’, where they traditionally gathered sound bites from MPs.
Restricted Access to ‘Makar Dwar’: The ‘Makar Dwar’, a main entrance used by MPs, has been cordoned off, preventing journalists from approaching MPs for interviews. Eg: Journalists were removed from this area, which was previously a common spot for media interactions with MPs.
Limited Entry to Press Galleries: Access to the press galleries has been significantly reduced, with only a limited number of journalists allowed entry, often through a non-transparent selection process. Eg: The Editors’ Guild of India noted that only a fraction of the approximately 1,000 accredited journalists are granted access, without a clear procedure.
Separate Entry Points and Increased Security Checks: Journalists now have designated entry points separate from MPs and officials, coupled with multiple security checks, making access more cumbersome. Eg: Reporters are frisked multiple times and must navigate a windowless corridor with security cameras to reach the press gallery.
Restrictions Around Key Offices: Areas surrounding the Prime Minister’s Office, the Speaker’s office, and the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s office are off-limits to journalists, limiting their coverage scope. Eg: These zones have been cordoned off, preventing media personnel from accessing them.
Why do reporters persist in covering parliamentary debates despite challenges?
Democratic Responsibility: Reporters feel a duty to keep the public informed about how their representatives function, especially during important debates. Eg: Even during the late-night Budget session, reporters stayed to capture each speaker’s arguments, helping citizens understand crucial legislative developments.
Fear of Missing Crucial Details: Journalists worry they might miss significant moments or policy announcements if they leave early or tune out. Eg: During a midnight speech on the Waqf Bill, a Member of Parliament misattributed Victor Hugo as British — a detail that adds color and context to the reporting.
Drama and Insight: Parliamentary sessions offer intense debates, humor, emotional appeals, and unfiltered views — making them compelling for storytelling. Eg: The sight of an actor-turned-politician struggling through an angry speech added drama and human interest to the reporter’s coverage.
Way forward:
Ensure Transparent and Inclusive Media Access: Parliament should adopt a fair, transparent system for press gallery access and allow broader journalist participation, ensuring diverse media voices are represented. Eg: Revoking arbitrary restrictions and restoring access to areas like ‘Makar Dwar’ can enhance real-time, on-ground reporting.
Leverage Technology for Better Public Engagement: Install live-streaming infrastructure, media briefing zones, and provide official transcripts quickly to support timely, accurate reporting. Eg: Designated digital zones can help journalists report swiftly without compromising security or disrupting proceedings.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2019] Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national law maker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.
Linkage:Role of Parliamentary discussion and debate for the public. This also examines the role and effectiveness of individual Members of Parliament during parliamentary sessions.
Over 16 years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Tahawwur Rana, a key planner, was finally brought back to India from the US to face trial.
Who is Tahawwur Rana?
Tahawwur Hussain Rana is a Pakistani-Canadian terrorist, businessman and former military doctor, who is known for his involvement in terrorism-related activities.
What role did he play in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks?
Cover Identity: Tahawwur Rana provided a false business cover to David Headley, enabling him to enter India multiple times without raising suspicion. Eg: Rana’s immigration company, First World Immigration Services, was used to justify Headley’s visits to India as “business trips” while he was actually surveying 26/11 attack targets like the Taj Mahal Hotel and Chabad House.
Operational Support: Rana helped facilitate key documentation and communication links between Headley and terrorist organizations. Eg: He assisted Headley in obtaining a new passport with a false identity and supported contacts with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, maintaining secrecy for the attack planning.
Logistical and Financial Assistance: Rana’s actions indirectly enabled the planning and execution of the attacks through financial backing and logistical coordination. Eg: He supported Headley’s multiple reconnaissance trips to Mumbai and funded arrangements that helped terrorists carry out the coordinated assault which killed 166 people and injured over 238.
Note: David Headley is a Pakistani-American terrorist who conducted reconnaissance for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks on behalf of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
What is the extradition treaty between India and the USA?
Bilateral Legal Framework: It is a formal agreement signed in 1997 that allows both countries to request and surrender individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes. Eg: India requested the extradition of Tahawwur Rana under this treaty for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Dual Criminality Principle: A person can be extradited only if the offense is a crime in both India and the United States. Eg: Conspiracy to commit terrorism is punishable in both countries, fulfilling the condition for Rana’s extradition.
Judicial and Diplomatic Process: The extradition process involves legal scrutiny by courts and coordination between diplomatic and law enforcement agencies of both nations. Eg: US courts reviewed Rana’s case and, after rejecting multiple appeals, extradited him with cooperation from the US Department of Justice.
What legal processes did Tahawwur Rana undergo in the US before being extradited to India?
Extradition Hearing: A US District Court evaluated India’s request to determine if the charges met the treaty’s conditions and legal standards. Eg: In May 2023, the District Court for the Central District of California approved Rana’s extradition after reviewing evidence and charges.
Appeals and Legal Challenges: Rana filed multiple appeals to delay extradition, including petitions in higher courts and emergency applications. Eg: He moved the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and later the US Supreme Court with habeas corpus petitions, all of which were denied.
Final Clearance and Custody Transfer: After exhausting all legal options, US authorities coordinated with Indian officials to hand over Rana formally. Eg: The US Department of Justice and US Sky Marshal teams worked with Indian NIA and MEA for his secure transfer to Delhi.
What is the role of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)?
Legal Designation of Terrorist Organizations: UAPA provides the legal framework to declare organizations as terrorist outfits and take action against their members and supporters. Eg: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), associated with Rana and Headley, are banned under UAPA.
Prosecution of Conspirators and Supporters: UAPA enables prosecution not only of terrorists but also of individuals who aid, abet, or conspire in terrorist acts. Eg: Tahawwur Rana is being charged under UAPA for facilitating logistics and shelter to Headley, who conducted reconnaissance for the 26/11 attacks.
Empowering NIA to Investigate: UAPA empowers the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate and prosecute terrorism cases across India. Eg: The NIA formally arrested Rana under UAPA after his extradition, and is now interrogating him to expose the full conspiracy.
Way forward:
Strengthen International Counter-Terror Cooperation: Enhance collaboration on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and faster legal coordination under extradition treaties. Eg: Streamlined communication between NIA and FBI can prevent delays in apprehending fugitives and tracking transnational terror networks.
Fast-Track Trial and Victim Justice: Ensure expedited judicial proceedings to bring long-pending terrorism cases like 26/11 to closure and deliver justice to victims. Eg: A special fast-track court under the NIA Act can help conclude Rana’s trial swiftly, reinforcing public trust and legal deterrence.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2021] Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also, suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism.
Linkage:The issue of terrorism, its multifaceted nature, and the measures needed to combat it, which aligns with the context of the 26/11 attacks.
On April 8, 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered the keynote address at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
About the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU):
The IPU is the global organization that connects national parliaments, promoting democracy and cooperation among countries.
Moto: “For democracy. For everyone.”
It is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Establishment:
It was established in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization aimed at fostering international cooperation and dialogue.
It was founded by Englishman William Randal Cremer and Frenchman Frederic Passy, two visionaries who believed in resolving international disputes through peaceful arbitration.
Both went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
Structure and Mandate:
It comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 Associate Members (mostly regional parliamentary bodies).
It is funded by its members out of public funds.
The Governing Council is made up of 3 MPs from each Member Parliament.
Core Functions:
It advocates for stronger, more inclusive, and diverse parliaments.
It defends the human rights of parliamentarians and organizes biennial assemblies to bring together parliamentary delegates and partners from around the world.
It works on issues like global governance, the United Nations, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Key Milestones Achieved:
The first IPU conference was held in 1889 in Paris, with participation from MPs across Europe and beyond.
It laid the groundwork for the creation of the League of Nations in 1919 and the United Nations in 1945.
India’s Participation in the IPU:
India’s membership in the IPU is facilitated through the Indian Parliamentary Group, which serves as the National Group of the IPU.
The IPG was established in 1949 following a motion adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India.
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha serves as the ex-officio Presidentof the IPG, while the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha serve as Vice Presidents.
[UPSC 2005] Consider the following statements:
1. The Charter of the United Nations Organization was adopted at Geneva, Switzerland in June 1945; 2. India was admitted to the United Nations Organization in the year 1945; 3. The Trusteeship Council of the United Nations Organization was established to manage the affairs of territories detached from Japan and Italy after WWII.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
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