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Type: Prelims Only

  • Ordinance Increases Supreme Court Judges to 37

    Why in the News?

    President Droupadi Murmu promulgated an ordinance increasing the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.

    Key Highlights

    • The ordinance was issued under Article 123 of the Constitution of India.
    • Total sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court will rise:
      • From 34 to 38 judges
      • Including the Chief Justice of India

    Purpose of the Move

    • Aims to address rising pendency of cases.
    • Current backlog exceeds: 93,000 cases
    • Backlog is increasing rapidly ahead of the court’s summer recess.

    Amendment Made

    • The ordinance amended Section 2 of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
    • Replaced “33” with “37” judges excluding the CJI.

    Article 124 of the Constitution of India

    • Originally provided for:
      • Chief Justice of India
      • Not more than seven judges
    • Parliament can increase the number by law.

    Evolution of Supreme Court Strength

    • 1950: 7 judges
    • 1956: 10
    • 1960: 13
    • 1977: 17
    • 1986: 25
    • 2009: 30
    • 2019: 33
    • 2026: 37

    Present Vacancy Situation

    Current vacancies include:

    • Seat of former CJI B. R. Gavai
    • Vacancy after retirement of Rajesh Bindal

    More retirements due in 2026:

    • Justice J.K. Maheshwari
    • Justice Pankaj Mithal
    • Justice Sanjay Karol

    Ordinance Rules

    • Ordinance must be approved by Parliament after reassembly.
    • It ceases to operate after six weeks if not approved by both Houses.
    [2025] With Reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements: 
    I. An Ordinance can amend any central Act. 
    II. An Ordinance can abridge a Fundamental Right. 
    III. An Ordinance can come into effect from a back date. 
    Which of the statements given above are correct? 
    [A] I and II only [B] II and III only [C] I and III only [D] I, II and III

  • Tax Relief on Bond Investments and FPIs

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India is considering reducing the withholding tax (WHT) on foreign investors’ bond income from 20% to 5% to attract overseas capital inflows.

    What is Withholding Tax (WHT)?

    • A tax deducted at the source of income before payment is made to the investor.
    • Similar to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS).
    • Paid by foreign investors on interest earned from Indian bonds.

    Background

    • India introduced a concessional 5% WHT on interest from government securities and certain rupee bonds in 2012 under Section 194LD of the Income Tax Act.
    • The concessional regime expired in July 2023.
    • Tax rate reverted to around 20%, reducing India’s attractiveness for global investors.

    Why is High WHT a Concern?

    Higher withholding tax:

    • Reduces post-tax returns for FPIs.
    • Weakens long-term compounding gains.
    • Creates liquidity and reinvestment constraints.
    • Increases compliance burden under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs).

    How Will Tax Reduction Help FPIs?

    • Improve effective yields on Indian bonds.
    • Increase attractiveness of Indian debt markets.
    • Encourage foreign capital inflows.
    • Support forex reserves and external stability.

    Global Comparison

    • Countries imposing WHT on foreign investors:
      • United States: 30%
      • Germany: 26.4%
      • France: 25%
      • China: 10%
    • No WHT: Hong Kong and Singapore

    FPIs in India’s Debt Market

    • FPIs hold a limited share of India’s government debt market.
    • Investments increased after inclusion in global bond indices such as:
      • JPMorgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Market
    • RBI cap on FPI investment in government securities:
      • 6% of outstanding stock
    [2019] Which of the following is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly? 
    (a) Certificate of Deposit 
    (b) Commercial Paper 
    (c) Promissory Note 
    (d) Participatory Note

  • Repurposing Old Thermal Plants for Nuclear Power

    Why in the News?

    India has shortlisted three old thermal power plant sites for conversion into nuclear power projects as part of its plan to expand civil nuclear capacity and repurpose ageing coal infrastructure.

    Key Highlights

    • Three old thermal power sites shortlisted:
      • Two suitable for 700 MWe reactors
      • One suitable for 220 MWe reactors
    • Exercise conducted by a sub-committee of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) with:
      • Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
      • Nuclear Power Corporation of India

    Objective

    • Repurpose ageing coal-based thermal plants for cleaner nuclear energy generation.
    • Support India’s target of expanding nuclear power capacity from:
      • 8.8 GWe to 100 GWe by 2047.

    Why Old Thermal Sites?

    Advantages include:

    • Existing land and water availability
    • Existing transmission and infrastructure
    • Reduction in emissions from old coal plants
    • Support for clean energy transition

    SHANTI Act, 2025

    • Opened parts of the nuclear sector to private participation.
    • Allowed private role in operations and fuel management.

    Site Selection Criteria

    • Water availability
    • Land availability
    • Seismic safety
    • Population density
    • Meteorological conditions
      • Sites in Seismic Zone V or near active faults were excluded.

    What is Exclusion Zone?

    • Mandatory safety zone around nuclear reactors where habitation and economic activity are restricted.
    • Current Norms: Around 1 km radius for nuclear plants.
    • Proposed Changes
      • 700 MWe reactors: reduce from 1 km to 700 m
      • 220 MWe reactors: reduce to 500 m
    • Proposal has received in-principle approval from:
      • AERB
      • Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)

    Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

    • Officials noted that repurposed thermal sites may be more suitable for:
      • Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
      • Smaller nuclear projects
    [2013] Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India? 
    (a) Engineering
    (b) Paper and pulp
    (c) Textiles
    (d) Thermal power

  • Supreme Court on Workers’ Right to Living Wage

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India observed that the State should ensure “living wages” for workers instead of treating protesting workers as “terrorists” while hearing petitions related to detentions under the National Security Act, 1980 after the Noida workers’ protest.

    Key Observations by the Supreme Court

    • Justice B. V. Nagarathna stated that workers demanding higher wages should not be viewed as terrorists.
    • Justice Ujjal Bhuyan referred to the Directive Principles of State Policy regarding living wages for workers.

    Constitutional Basis

    Article 43 of the Constitution of India

    • Directs the State to secure:
      • Living wages
      • Decent working conditions
      • Reasonable standard of life
      • Social and cultural opportunities for workers

    Issue Before the Court

    • Family members of detained protestors challenged arrests under the NSA.
    • Petitioners alleged:
      • Multiple FIRs based on the same conspiracy
      • No preliminary enquiry
      • Protestors labelled as “left-wing sympathisers”

    Court Directions

    • The Supreme Court ordered production of two detainees from Kasna jail on May 18.
    • Restrained the Uttar Pradesh government from shifting them to police remand.
    • Allegations of custodial torture were also raised before the Court.

    About the National Security Act (NSA), 1980

    • Preventive detention law allowing detention to maintain:
      • National security
      • Public order
      • Essential supplies and services
    • Allows detention without formal charges for a specified period.
    [2017] Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution? 
    (a) Equal pay for equal work for both men and women 
    (b) Participation of workers in the management of industries 
    (c) Right to work, education and public assistance 
    (d) Securing living wage and human conditions of work to workers

  • India’s First Satellite-Tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle Released in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    India’s first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle was released in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, coinciding with Endangered Species Day.

    Key Highlights

    • The turtle was released in the 1,302 sq. km Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
    • The project aims to study:
      • Seasonal movement patterns
      • Home range
      • Nesting and breeding habitats
    • Conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with:
      • Kaziranga National Park authorities
      • Assam Forest Department
    • Funded by the National Geographic Society.

    About the Ganges Soft-shell Turtle

    • Scientific name: Nilssonia gangetica
    • Freshwater turtle species found in:
      • Large rivers
      • Lakes
      • Reservoirs
    • Identified by arrowhead-shaped markings on the head.

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN Red List: Endangered
    • Protected under:
      • Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

    Ecological Importance

    • Major river predator and scavenger.
    • Helps maintain river health by feeding on dead and decaying animal matter.

    Assam and Turtle Conservation

    • Assam is a priority region for freshwater turtle conservation.
    • Out of eight soft-shell turtle species found in India, five occur in the Kaziranga landscape.
    [2019] Consider the following statements: 
    1. Some species of turtles are herbivores. 
    2. Some species of fish are herbivores. 
    3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores. 
    4. Some species of snakes are viviparous. 
    Which of the statements given above are correct? 
    [A] 1 and 3 only [B] 2, 3 and 4 only [C] 2 and 4 only [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • India’s Exports Grow Despite West Asia Crisis

    Why in the News?

    India’s merchandise exports rose nearly 14% in April 2026 to $43.6 billion despite disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis.

    Key Highlights

    • Merchandise exports: $43.6 billion (up ~14%)
    • Merchandise imports: $71.9 billion (up 10%)
    • Merchandise trade deficit: $28.4 billion
    • Services Trade
      • Services exports: $37.2 billion (up 13.4%)
      • Services imports: $16.7 billion (down 1.5%)

    Overall Trade Deficit: The combined goods and services deficit fell from $11.2 billion to $7.8 billion.

    Reasons for Export Growth

    1. Diversification of export markets
    2. Higher global commodity prices
    3. Strong supply chain resilience

    Strong Export Growth To

    • Tanzania
    • Sri Lanka
    • Singapore
    • Bangladesh
    • Vietnam

    Impact of the West Asia Crisis

    • Exports to West Asia fell by ~28%.
    • Imports from West Asia fell by ~31.6%.
    • Reasons:
      • War-related disruptions
      • Shipping concerns
      • Energy market instability

    UAE and U.S. Trade

    • Exports to United Arab Emirates declined sharply.
    • Exports to the United States grew modestly.

    Important Concepts

    • Merchandise Trade: Trade in physical goods like petroleum, machinery, textiles, and electronics.
    • Services Trade: Trade in IT, banking, consulting, tourism, etc.
    • India usually runs:
      • Trade deficit in merchandise
      • Trade surplus in services
    [2020] With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct? 
    1.India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports. 2.India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
    3.India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.
    4.India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 4 only c) 3 only d) 1, 3 and 4 only

  • Wholesale Inflation Rises to 3.5-Year High

    Why in the News

    India’s wholesale inflation, measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), rose to 8.3% in April 2026, the highest level in nearly 3.5 years, mainly due to rising crude oil and natural gas prices amid the West Asia crisis.

    What is Wholesale Inflation?

    • Wholesale inflation measures changes in prices of goods at the wholesale or producer level before they reach consumers.
    • In India, it is measured through the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
    • Released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

    Key Data Highlights

    • WPI inflation:
      • March 2026: 3.9%
      • April 2026: 8.3%
    • Highest since October 2022.

    Major Drivers of Inflation

    Crude Oil and Natural Gas Prices

    • Inflation in crude oil and natural gas reached 67.2% in April 2026.
    • Highest level in 46 months.
    • Reasons:
      • West Asia geopolitical tensions
      • Supply uncertainty
      • Rising global energy prices
    • Fuel and Power Inflation: Fuel and power inflation rose to 24.7% in April 2026.
    • Driven by:
      • Rise in mineral oil prices
      • Higher transportation and logistics costs
    • Imported Inflation: Rising global commodity prices increased India’s import costs.

    What is Base Effect?

    • Base effect means current inflation appears higher because prices were unusually low in the previous year.
    • Since crude oil and natural gas witnessed deflation last year, current price increases appear statistically sharper.

    Core Difference between WPI and CPI

    • WPI Released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 
    • CPI Released by the National Statistical Office (NSO)
    • The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI). CPI has a significantly higher weightage for food (approx. 45-46%) compared to WPI (approx. 24%).
    • The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does. WPI measures only goods at the wholesale level, while CPI includes both goods and services for retail consumers.
    • The RBI uses CPI-Combined (formerly headline CPI) as its primary policy anchor, following the recommendations of the Urjit Patel Committee.
    [2020] Consider the following statements: 
    1.The weightage of food in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). 
    2.The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which the CPI does. 
    3.The Reserve Bank of India uses WPI as its key measure of inflation to decide changes in policy rates. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026

    Why in the News

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi met several foreign ministers attending the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi during India’s 2026 chairship of the grouping.

    India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship

    • India assumed BRICS chairmanship on 1 January 2026.
    • India took over the presidency from Brazil.
    • This is India’s fourth BRICS presidency.

    About BRICS

    • BRICS originally included: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
    • Expanded BRICS: Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

    India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship

    • India assumed BRICS chairmanship on 1 January 2026.
    • India took over the presidency from Brazil.
    • This is India’s fourth BRICS presidency.

    Previous Indian Presidencies

    • 2012
    • 2016
    • 2021
    [2025] Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS; 
    I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairmanship of Russia in Kazan. 
    II. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS. 
    III. The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    [A] I and II [B] II and III [C] I and III [D] I only

  • Behind Government Ban on Sugar Exports

    Why in the News

    The Government of India banned sugar exports till 30 September 2026 due to concerns over El Niño, the Iran war, fertiliser disruptions, and inflation.

    Key Reasons for the Ban

    • El Niño Concerns: El Niño causes weak monsoon and higher temperatures in India. This may reduce sugarcane planting and future yields.
    • Threat to Sugarcane Production: Sugarcane is water and fertiliser intensive. Poor rainfall and fertiliser shortages may affect the 2027-28 sugar crop.
    • Iran War and Supply Disruptions: Conflict near the Strait of Hormuz threatens:
      • Fertiliser imports
      • Energy supplies
      • Shipping routes
    • Inflation Concerns: The government aims to prevent: Food inflation, Fuel inflation, and Rise in sugar prices

    India’s Sugar Position (2025-26)

    • Production: 279 lakh tonnes
    • Domestic consumption: 280 lakh tonnes
    • Expected closing stock: 42.5 lakh tonnes
    • Lowest closing stock in nearly 9 years

    Export Policy Change

    • Earlier: Sugar exports under “Restricted” category
    • Now: Shifted to “Prohibited” category
    • Exception: Limited quota exports to EU and US
    [2021] Among the following which one is the least water-efficient crop? 
    [A] Sugarcane 
    [B] Sunflower 
    [C] Pearl millet 
    [D] Red gram

  • PMOS (Earlier PCOS)

    Why in the News?

    A global medical consensus led by Monash University renamed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect its multisystem nature.

    What is PMOS?

    • PMOS is a hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorder affecting women of reproductive age.
    • It involves:
      • Excess androgen production
      • Irregular ovulation
      • Metabolic dysfunction
      • Psychological and skin-related symptoms

    Full Form of PMOS

    • Polyendocrine: Multiple hormonal systems affected
    • Metabolic: Linked with diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance
    • Ovarian: Reproductive involvement
    • Syndrome: Group of symptoms

    Why Was PCOS Renamed?

    • The term “PCOS” focused mainly on ovaries and “cysts”.
    • Experts noted that the condition also involves:
      • Hormonal imbalance
      • Metabolic disorders
      • Endocrine complications

    Major Features of PMOS

    • Metabolic Features
      • Obesity
      • Type 2 diabetes
      • Dyslipidemia
      • Hypertension
      • Fatty liver disease (MASLD)
    • Reproductive Features
      • Irregular periods
      • Infertility
      • Ovulation problems
      • Pregnancy complications
    • Psychological Features
      • Depression
      • Anxiety
      • Eating disorders
    • Dermatological Features
      • Acne
      • Facial hair growth
      • Hair thinning

    Importance for India

    • Estimated prevalence in India: 16% to 18%
    • Indians have higher risk of:
      • Diabetes
      • Heart disease
      • Insulin resistance
    [2024] Which one of the following is synthesised in human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow 
    [A] Nitric oxide 
    [B] Nitrous oxide 
    [C] Nitrogen dioxide 
    [D] Nitrogen pentoxide