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Type: Prelims Only

  • Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

    Supreme Court on Fraternity & Public Speech by Constitutional Functionaries

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India orally observed that political leaders and holders of high public office must foster fraternity and adhere to constitutional morality while hearing a petition alleging stigmatizing and discriminatory public statements by Chief Ministers and senior officials.

    Constitutional Provisions Involved

    • Preamble: Secures Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.
    • Article 14: Equality before law and equal protection of laws.
    • Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech and expression.
    • Article 19(2): Reasonable restrictions on speech.
    • Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty.
    • Article 51A(e): Fundamental duty to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood.

    Key Observations by the Court

    • Political leaders must promote fraternity in a 75 plus year old democracy.
    • Constitutional functionaries are not ordinary speakers as their words carry the imprimatur of the State.
    • Need for restraint in communally divisive and discriminatory speeches.
    • Court indicated willingness to consider guidelines, without imposing prior restraint.
    • Concern over “normalisation” of constitutionally unbecoming speeches.

    Important Concepts for Prelims

    • Constitutional Morality: First articulated in Indian constitutional discourse in Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India (2018). Refers to adherence to constitutional values over majoritarian impulses.
    • Fraternity: Ensures unity and integrity of the nation. Protects dignity of the individual. Linked to prevention of hate speech and social exclusion.
    • Constitutional Tort: Public law remedy where State action violates fundamental rights. Compensation may be awarded for violation of rights by public authorities.

    Free Speech vs. Accountability

    • No prior censorship advocated.
    • Focus on regulating consequences of speech when made by high public officials.
    • Balancing Article 19(1)(a) with Article 14 and Article 21.
    [2017] Which one of the following statements is correct? (a) Rights are claims of the State against the citizens. 

    (b) Rights are privileges which are incorporated in the Constitution of a State. 

    (c) Rights are claims of the citizens against the State. 

    (d) Rights are privileges of a few citizens against the many.

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  • Urban Transformation – Smart Cities, AMRUT, etc.

    District Cooling as a Climate and Urban Solution for India

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T,Agriculture and related issues

    Why in the News?

    With rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves and increasing air conditioner use, experts are advocating district cooling systems as an energy efficient solution aligned with India’s climate and urban planning goals.

    What is District Cooling?

    • A centralised cooling system that supplies chilled water from one large plant to multiple buildings through insulated underground pipes.
    • Instead of each building installing separate chillers:
      • A central plant produces chilled water at 6 to 7°C.
      • Water circulates to buildings and absorbs indoor heat.
      • Returns at 12 to 14°C to be cooled again.
    • It works like a public utility similar to piped gas or electricity.
    [2010] What is the principle by which a cooling system (Radiator) in a motor car works? (a) Conduction only 

    (b) Convection 

    (c) Radiation only 

    (d) Both conduction and radiation

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Japan’s Lake Suwa and the Disappearing “God’s Crossing”

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The traditional ice ridge phenomenon called “God’s Crossing” (Miwatari) on Lake Suwa in Japan has failed to appear for the seventh consecutive year, highlighting long term warming trends linked to climate change.

    Where is Lake Suwa?

    • Located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan
    • Associated with the Shinto shrine Yatsurugi Shrine
    • One of Japan’s most well documented climatic sites

    What is “God’s Crossing” (Miwatari)?

    • Traditional Belief
      • A raised ice ridge on the frozen lake surface.
      • Believed to mark the path of a deity crossing the lake.
    • Scientific Explanation
      • Occurs when: Lake surface freezes completely and Temperatures remain below minus 10°C for several days.
      • Ice expands and contracts due to temperature variation.
      • Cracks form, refreeze, and push shards upward forming a ridge.

    Climate Record Significance

    • Continuous records date back to 1443.
    • Shrine priests began systematic documentation from 1683.
    • Includes:
      • Date of full lake freeze
      • Appearance of miwatari
      • Ice thickness
      • Temperature readings

    Note: This makes Lake Suwa one of the longest continuous local climate records in the world.

    Climate Change Indicator

    • Phenomenon appeared almost every winter until the 1980s.
    • Increasing winter temperatures have reduced full lake freezing.
    • No appearance since 2018.
    • Shows impact of rising minimum temperatures.
    [2022] Which one of the following lakes of West Africa has become dry and turned into a desert? (a) Lake Victoria 

    (b) Lake Faguibine 

    (c) Lake Oguta 

    (d) Lake Volta

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Supreme Court to Revisit Ex Post Facto Environmental Clearance Regime

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    A three judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India has decided to take a fresh look at writ petitions and appeals concerning the ex post facto environmental clearance regime for construction and public projects. The matter has been scheduled for detailed hearing on February 25, 2026.

    What is Ex Post Facto Environmental Clearance?

    • “Ex post facto” means after the event.
    • It refers to granting environmental clearance EC after a project has already commenced or been completed, instead of prior approval.
    • Under Indian environmental law, prior EC is generally mandatory before starting certain categories of projects.

    Background of the Case

    • May 16, 2025 Judgment

      • A Division Bench of the Supreme Court:
      • Struck down the Centre’s ex post facto EC regime.
      • Termed it a “gross illegality”.
      • Held retrospective clearances contrary to environmental jurisprudence.

    • November 2025 Judgment

      • A three judge Bench recalled the May 2025 judgment.
      • Majority held continued operation would cause economic disruption.
      • Cited impact on projects involving thousands of crores of investment.
      • Restored the petitions to file without conclusively deciding validity of Office Memorandums.
      • One judge recorded a dissent, stating that environmental principles were overlooked.

    Legal Issues Involved

    1. Validity of Office Memorandums of 2017 and 2021 allowing post facto regularisation.
    2. Whether retrospective EC violates principles of sustainable development.
    3. Whether such clearances defeat precautionary principle.
    4. Balancing environmental protection with economic development.

    Relevant Legal Framework

    • Environment Protection Act 1986.
    • EIA Notification 2006 requiring prior environmental clearance.
    • Constitutional basis:
      • Article 21 right to life includes right to healthy environment.
      • Article 48A directive principle on environmental protection.
      • Article 51A g fundamental duty to protect environment.
    [2012] The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India? 1. Right to healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to life under Article 21. 

    2. Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article 275 (1). 

    3. Powers and functions of Gram Sabha as mentioned under Article 243(A). 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 Only (b) 2 and 3 Only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    R&D Roadmap for CCUS Launched to Achieve Net Zero by 2070

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy,Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    The R&D Roadmap to Enable India’s Net Zero Targets through Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage CCUS was launched on 2 December 2025 by the Department of Science and Technology and unveiled by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

    Context

    • India has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.
    • Hard to abate sectors such as Power, Cement and Steel require technological solutions beyond renewables.
    • CCUS is identified as a critical pillar for deep decarbonisation.

    What is CCUS?

    Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage is a technology that:

    1. Captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources.
    2. Utilizes captured CO₂ for industrial purposes such as chemicals or fuels.
    3. Stores CO₂ underground in geological formations to prevent atmospheric release.

    Key Features of the Roadmap

    1. Strategic guidance on thematic R&D priorities.
    2. Focus on moving technologies from lab scale to commercial readiness.
    3. Support for breakthrough next generation carbon management technologies.
    4. Emphasis on regulatory standards, safety norms and skilled manpower.
    5. Promotion of early shared infrastructure and public private partnerships.

    Institutional Framework

    • Prepared by DST based on nearly seven years of CCUS research support.
    • Guided by a High Level Task Force.
    • Establishment of three National Centres of Excellence in CCUS.
    • Linked with ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation Scheme to promote private sector led industrial decarbonisation.

    Focus Sectors

    • Thermal power plants, Cement industry, Steel sector and Energy intensive manufacturing. 
    • These sectors contribute significantly to India’s greenhouse gas emissions.
    [2023] Consider the following activities: 

    1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively. 

    2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime. 

    3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters. 

    How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration? 

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

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  • RTI – CIC, RTI Backlog, etc.

    DPDP Act vs RTI Act: SC Refers Challenge to Constitution Bench

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India has agreed to refer to a Constitution Bench petitions challenging Section 44(3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, which allegedly restricts disclosure of personal information under the Right to Information Act 2005.

    Core Issue

    • Petitioners argue that:
      • Section 44(3) creates a blanket prohibition on disclosure of personal information.
      • It amends Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.
      • It weakens transparency and accountability.
      • It gives the government “unguided discretion” to deny information.

    Note: The Chief Justice observed that the matter raises complex constitutional questions, especially the meaning of “personal information”.

    What Changed?

    Original Position under RTI Act Section 8(1)(j)

    • Personal information could be denied if:
      • It had no relation to public activity, or
      • Disclosure caused unwarranted invasion of privacy.
    • However, disclosure was mandatory if larger public interest outweighed privacy concerns.
    • Decision taken by Public Information Officer after balancing privacy and transparency.

    After DPDP Act Amendment

    • Petitioners argue that the amendment removes the public interest override.
    • Allegedly creates wider restriction on access to personal information.

    Constitutional Provisions Involved

    1. Article 19(1)(a): Right to freedom of speech and expression, includes right to information.
    2. Article 14: Equality before law. Petition argues privacy of public officials cannot be equated with private citizens.
    3. Right to Privacy: Recognised as fundamental right in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy judgment 2017.

    Relevant Judicial Precedent

    • In Central Public Information Officer vs Supreme Court of India 2019, a Constitution Bench applied the proportionality test to balance RTI and privacy.
    • Verdict: Personal information remains private unless larger public interest justifies disclosure.

    Key Legal Questions Before Constitution Bench

    • What constitutes “personal information”?
    • Whether Section 44(3) violates Article 19(1)(a)?
    • Whether it fails the proportionality test?
    • Whether privacy can be invoked by the State?
    [2021] We adopted parliamentary democracy based on the British model, but how does our model differ from that model? 

    1. As regards legislation, the British Parliament is supreme or sovereign but in India, the power of the Parliament to legislate is limited. 

    2. In India, matters related to the constitutionality of the Amendment of an Act of the Parliament are referred to the Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

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  • National Green Tribunal’s Role and Contributions

    Great Nicobar Mega Project Cleared by NGT

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    A special bench of the National Green Tribunal has declined to interfere with the environmental clearance granted to the ₹80,000 crore Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project, citing its strategic importance and the presence of adequate safeguards.

    About Great Nicobar Island

    • The southernmost island of the Nicobar group
    • Located in the southeastern Bay of Bengal
    • Area: ~910 sq km
    • Largely covered with tropical rainforest
    • Ecologically sensitive and sparsely populated

    About the Great Nicobar Mega Project

    • Total project area: 166 sq km
    • Forest diversion: 130 sq km
    • Trees to be felled: Nearly 1 million

    Major Components:

    • International transshipment port
    • Integrated township
    • Civil and military airport
    • 450 MVA gas and solar based power plant

    Key Environmental Issues Raised

    • Violation of the Island Coastal Regulation Zone notification 2019
    • Development in prohibited ICRZ areas
    • Insufficient baseline environmental data
    • Threat to endemic biodiversity and coral reefs
      • The NGT relied on findings of a High Powered Committee constituted after its 2023 order.

    NGT’s Key Observations

    1. No part of the project falls in prohibited ICRZ areas as per committee findings
    2. Environmental clearance contains adequate safeguards
    3. Strategic importance of the project cannot be ignored
    4. Balanced approach required between ecology and development

    About Island Coastal Regulation Zone ICRZ

    • Notified under Environment Protection Act 1986
    • Regulates development in coastal areas of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands
    • Categorises areas such as ICRZ IA and IB with varying restrictions
    [2017] Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar? (a) Sumatra 

    (b) Borneo 

    (c) Java 

    (d) Sri Lanka

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  • Digital India Initiatives

    UPI One World Wallet Extended for Foreign Visitors

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The National Payments Corporation of India has extended the UPI One World wallet facility to visitors from over 40 countries attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi from 16 to 20 February 2026.

    About UPI One World Wallet

    • A prepaid wallet based on the PPI UPI model designed for inbound international travellers.
    • Launched by: NPCI through authorised Prepaid Payment Instrument issuers.

    Key Features

    1. No Indian bank account or mobile number required: Foreign visitors can make UPI payments without opening an Indian bank account.
    2. Person to Merchant P2M Payments: Payments can be made by scanning UPI QR codes across India.
    3. Multiple Loading Options: Wallet can be loaded using various international payment methods.
    4. Availability Points: Available at New Delhi International Airport and NPCI Pavilion at Bharat Mandapam.
    5. Refund Facility: Unused balance can be transferred back to the original payment source as per forex rules.

    What is PPI?

    Prepaid Payment Instrument: A payment instrument where money is loaded in advance and used for transactions without direct linkage to a bank account for each payment.

    Significance

    • Promotes India’s digital public infrastructure globally
    • Facilitates seamless real time retail payments for foreign tourists
    • Reduces dependence on cash and currency exchange
    • Demonstrates scalability of UPI as a cross border payment solution

    About UPI

    • Unified Payments Interface UPI is a real time payment system developed by NPCI that enables instant fund transfers between bank accounts using mobile platforms. It is currently the world’s largest real time payment ecosystem.
    [2025] Consider the following countries: I. United Arab Emirates 

    II. France 

    III. Germany 

    IV. Singapore 

    V. Bangladesh 

    How many countries amongst the above are there other than India where international merchant payments are accepted under UPI? 

    (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) All the five

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    CBDC Based Public Distribution System Launched in Gujarat

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: PDS, Buffer Stock & Food Security

    Why in the News?

    The Union Home Minister launched a Central Bank Digital Currency based Public Distribution System in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This marks the integration of digital currency into the food security delivery mechanism.

    What is CBDC?

    • Central Bank Digital Currency is a digital form of sovereign currency issued and regulated by a central bank.
    • In India, the digital rupee is issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
    • It is different from cryptocurrency because it is legal tender and backed by the government.

    What is the Public Distribution System?

    • The Public Distribution System is a food security system that distributes subsidised food grains to eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security framework.
    • Around 80 crore beneficiaries receive free food grains under the scheme.

    Key Features of CBDC Based PDS

    1. Digital transfer and settlement using CBDC.
    2. Reduction of leakages and middlemen.
    3. Transparent and traceable transactions.
    4. Faster and automated grain dispensing via Annapurna machine.
    5. Planned nationwide rollout within 3 to 4 years.

    The Annapurna machine reportedly dispenses 25 kg of food grains in about 35 seconds.

    Governance Linkages

    • Linked to Digital India initiative.
    • Inspired by Direct Benefit Transfer model.
    • Reflects the principle of minimum government maximum governance.
    • Strengthens last mile delivery through technology.

    Related Schemes Mentioned

    • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana providing 5 kg free food grains per person per month.
    • PM SVANidhi providing working capital loans to street vendors.
    [2024] Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee: 1. It is a sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in alignment with its monetary policy. 

    2. It appears as a liability on the RBI’s balance sheet. 

    3. It is insured against inflation by its very design. 

    4. It is freely convertible against commercial bank money and cash. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 4

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

    Indian Origin Leaders, Immigrants and the Global Ecosystem Debate

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News? 

    An opinion piece reflects on the rise of Indian origin CEOs in Fortune 500 firms and questions whether their success is due to Indian upbringing, organisational loyalty, or the enabling ecosystem of immigrant driven economies like the United States.

    Indian Origin CEOs: The Numbers

    • 11 Indian origin CEOs in Fortune 500 companies in 2025.
    • Previously 13 in 2024 and 16 in 2023.
    • 28 Indian origin CEOs in Forbes 2000 list.
    • Examples include: Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Shantanu Narayen, and Arvind Krishna
    • However, this represents roughly 2 percent or less of total Fortune 500 leadership.

    Immigrant Founders and CEOs in the U.S.

    • Around 46 percent of Fortune 500 companies in 2025 were founded by immigrants or their children.
    • Of the 14 new companies entering Fortune 500 in 2025, 10 were immigrant founded.

    Diaspora Economic Impact

    Data from Migration Policy Institute shows:

    • 74 percent labour force participation among Indian immigrants in the U.S.
    • Higher representation in management, business, science and arts roles.
    • Median annual income of Indian immigrant households in 2023: $166,200
    • Compared to $78,700 for all immigrant households and $77,600 for native households.

    Remittances

    • India received $135 billion in remittances last year.
    • 27 percent came from Indians working in the U.S.
    [2019] In the context of India, which of the following factors is/are contributor/contributors to reducing the risk of a currency crisis? 1. The foreign currency earnings of India’s IT sector 

    2. Increasing the government expenditure 

    3. Remittances from Indians abroad 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

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

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