💥Crack UPSC In 1st Attempt | Admission Open | Ultimate Assessment Program 2027/2028
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Freedom of Conscience vs Religion  

    Why in the News?

    • The Supreme Court of India raised a key question during the Sabarimala review case:
      • Should judges rise above personal religious beliefs while deciding constitutional matters?

    Core Issue

    • Whether judges must separate personal religion from constitutional duty
    • Debate on:
      • Freedom of conscience vs religious practices
      • Scope of judicial review over religion

    Constitutional Provisions Involved

    Article 25

    • Freedom of: Conscience, Profession, practice and propagation of religion

    Article 26

    • Right of religious denominations to: Manage their own affairs

    Key Observations by the Court

    1. Judges and Personal Beliefs

    • Judges must:
      • Rise above personal religious views
      • Apply constitutional principles objectively

    2. Conscience vs Religion

    • Question raised: Is conscience broader than religion?
    • Suggestion: Conscience may not be limited to religion

    3. Internal vs External Dimension

    • Freedom of conscience: Internal belief system
    • Freedom of religion: External expression of belief

    Legal Interpretation Emerging

    • Article 25 contains:
      • Two distinct rights: Freedom of conscience and Freedom to practice religion
    • These are related but not identical

    Key Argument (Rajeev Dhavan)

    • Judges act under the Constitution, not personal faith
    • Freedom of conscience: Broader and independent right

    Important Concept

    Freedom of Conscience

    • Right to: Hold beliefs
      • Think independently
    • Does not necessarily require: Religious expression
    [2017] Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
    (a) Liberty of thought
    (b) Economic liberty
    (c) Liberty of expression
    (d) Liberty of belief

  • Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 Defeated  

    Why in the News?

    • The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 was defeated in Lok Sabha after failing to secure the required special majority.

    Voting Outcome

    • Votes in favour: 298
    • Votes against: 230
    • Required (2/3rd majority): 352
    • Result: Bill failed

    What the Bill Proposed

    • Increase Lok Sabha strength:
      • From 543 → ~850 seats
    • Delimitation based on:
      • 2011 Census
    • Enable:
      • 33% women’s reservation
    • Linked Bills:
      • Delimitation Bill
      • Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill

    Aftermath

    • Government:
      • Withdrew related delimitation Bills
    • Debate continues on:
      • Women’s reservation
      • Electoral restructuring

    Key Issues in Debate

    1. Women’s Reservation Linkage

    • Government: Wanted reservation after delimitation
    • Opposition: Demanded immediate implementation without delimitation

    2. Federal Concerns

    • Fear among some States: Loss of representation
    • Debate over: North–South balance

    3. Delimitation Controversy

    • Based on: Latest population data
    • Raises concern: Impact on states with lower population growth

    Government’s Argument

    • Based on principle: One person, one vote, one value
    • Concern: Unequal constituency sizes due to 1971 freeze

    Constitutional Requirement

    • Constitutional Amendment Bill needs:
      • Special majority
      • Two-thirds of members present and voting
    [2022] Consider the following statements: 
    1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the Président of India.
    2. When a Constitution Amendment Bill is presented to the President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India to give his/her assent.
    3. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by a special majority and there is no provision for joint sitting.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • India–US Trade Issue and ILO Compliance  

    Why in the News?

    India responded to investigations by the United States Trade Representative under Section 301 on forced labour and excess capacity.

    Key Points

    • Section 301: US law to investigate unfair trade practices and impose tariffs.
    • India on Forced Labour: India has ratified International Labour Organization conventions:
      • Forced Labour Convention, 1930
      • Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957
    • India on Excess Capacity: Economy is largely domestic demand driven
      • Export to GDP ratio about 12 percent
    • Trade Surplus Argument: Trade surplus is a normal outcome of global trade
      • Based on comparative advantage
    • US Concerns: Overcapacity affecting US jobs and industries
    • India’s Counter
      • India accounts for only about 3.1 percent of US imports
      • Limited role in US trade deficit
    [2018] International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to: 
    (a) Child labour 
    (b) Adaptation of agriculture practices to global climate change 
    (c) Regulation of food prices and food security 
    (d) Gender parity at the workplace

  • State of India’s Bats Report  

    Why in the News?

    • First-ever national assessment “State of India’s Bats (2024–25)” highlights threats, neglect, and data gaps in bat conservation in India.

    Key Findings

    • Total bat species in India: ~135
    • 16 species endemic (found only in India)
    • 7 species threatened (IUCN Red List)
    • 35 species:
      • Not assessed / data deficient
    • Indicates serious knowledge gap

    About the Report

    • Title: State of India’s Bats (2024–25)
    • Led by:
      • Nature Conservation Foundation
      • Bat Conservation International
    • Contributors: 36 experts and 27 institutions
    [2024] Consider the following statements : 
    Statement-I : The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 
    Statement-II : The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals. 
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 
    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

  • Delimitation Using Old Census Data — Supreme Court View 

    Why in the News?

    • The Supreme Court of India cautioned that conducting delimitation before Census post-2026 could disturb the constitutional electoral framework.

    Core Issue

    • Whether delimitation can be done using old Census data (pre-2026)
    • Petition demanded parity with Jammu & Kashmir delimitation (2022)

    Supreme Court’s Key Observations

    1. Constitutional Timeline Must Be Followed

    • Delimitation cannot be done until:
      • First Census after 2026 is published
      • Based on: Article 82 (Lok Sabha) and Article 170 (State Assemblies)

    2. Risk to Electoral Framework

    • Using old data may:
      • Destabilize uniform electoral system
      • Disturb fair representation
      • Blur line between: Constitutional mandate and Political discretion

    3. Equality Principle (Article 14)

    • Selective delimitation (only some States) would: Violate Article 14
    • All States must be treated equally

    Court’s Decision

    • Rejected plea for delimitation in: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
    • Reason: Violates constitutional embargo
    • In India, there is a constitutional embargo on delimitation:
    • Under:
      • Article 82
      • Article 170
    • It states that: No readjustment of seats can be done until:
      • First Census after 2026 is published
    • This is the constitutional embargo referred to by the Supreme Court.

    Judicial Review of Delimitation

    • General Rule: Courts have limited power to review delimitation
    • Exception: Court can intervene if:
      • Arbitrary
      • Unreasonable
      • Violates constitutional values
    • Reinforced in: Kishorchandra Chhanganlal Rathod case

    Important Case Reference

    • Indira Nehru Gandhi vs Raj Narain
      • Parliament responsible for: Free & fair elections and Delimitation laws

    Current Relevance

    • Important due to: Proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026
      • Debate on: Using 2011 Census for delimitation
    [2023] With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements: 
    1 The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law. 
    2 When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the Lok Sabha or State 
    3 Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modifications in the orders. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • India–Zambia Talks on Critical Minerals 

    Why in the News?

    • India’s negotiations with Zambia over critical minerals mining have stalled due to lack of clarity on mining rights.
    • Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa bordered by eight nations: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (north), Tanzania (northeast), Malawi and Mozambique (east), Zimbabwe and Botswana (south), Namibia (southwest), and Angola (west).

    Key Highlights

    • India allocated: ~9,000 sq km in Zambia for exploration
    • Minerals: Cobalt and Copper
    • Exploration: Indian geologists collected samples
    • Plan:
      • 3-year exploration
      • Later private sector participation (if mining rights granted)

    What are Critical Minerals

    • Essential for:
      • Energy transition
      • Strategic industries
      • High-tech manufacturing

    Key Minerals

    1. Cobalt

    • Used in: EV batteries and Electronics
    • India: Highly import dependent

    2. Copper

    • Used in: Power infrastructure, Electronics, and Construction
    • Imports rising due to domestic constraints

    Why Talks Stalled

    • Zambia has not assured: Mining rights
    • Without rights: Commercial extraction not possible

    India’s Strategy

    • Secure minerals via: Government-to-government deals
    • Focus regions: Africa, Australia, and Latin America
    [2023] About three-fourths of world’s cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by: 
    (a) Argentina 
    (b) Botswana 
    (c) the Democratic Republic of the Congo 
    (d) Kazakhstan

  • WPI Inflation Hits 3-Year High  

    Why in the News?

    • India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to a 38-month high of 3.88% in March 2026, driven by a sharp surge in crude oil prices due to the West Asia conflict.

    Key Highlights

    • WPI Inflation (March 2026): 3.88%
    • WPI Inflation (February 2026): 2.13%
    • Highest level in over 3 years
    FeatureWholesale Price Index (WPI)Consumer Price Index (CPI)
    Primary FocusPrices at the wholesale/producer level.Prices at the retail/consumer level.
    CompositionOnly Goods.Both Goods and Services.
    Who publishes it?Ministry of Commerce and Industry.National Statistical Office (NSO).
    Key ComponentsFuel, Power, Manufactured products.Food, Beverages, Housing, Education, Health.
    ImpactReflects business-to-business (B2B) costs.Reflects the cost of living (B2C).
    Base YearCurrently 2011-12 (in many regions), but changed the base from 2011-12 to 2022-23Base revised from 2012 to 2024 using Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24
    [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

  • Himalayan Vegetation Shifting Upwards 

    Why in the News?

    • A study published in Ecography shows that alpine vegetation in the Himalayas is shifting upward due to climate change, warming, and reduced snow depth.

    Key Findings

    • Study period: 1999 to 2022 (24 years)
    • Regions studied: Ladakh, Reckong, Ngari, Manthang (Nepal), Khumbu (Mt Everest region), and Bhutan

    Magnitude of Shift

    • Maximum shift: 6.95 metres/year (Manthang, Nepal)
    • Minimum shift: 1.42 metres/year (Khumbu region)
      • Indicates rapid ecological response to warming

    What is Alpine Vegetation

    • Found at: 4,100–5,000 m above mean sea level
    • Above this:
      • Sub-nival zone (5,000–5,500 m) → sparse vegetation
      • >5,500 m → snow, glaciers, rocks

    Causes of Upward Shift

    1. Rising Temperature

    • Himalayas warming faster than global average

    2. Reduced Snow Depth

    • Less snow cover → longer growing season

    3. Climate Change

    • Changes in: Temperature, Moisture, and Nutrient availability

    Greening vs Browning

    Greening

    • Increase in vegetation cover
    • More leafy growth
    • Observed in most regions

    Browning

    • Decline in vegetation / more woody shrubs
    • Seen in: Eastern Himalayas (Khumbu, Bhutan)
    • Main reason: Changes in precipitation patterns
    [2014] If you travel through the Himalayas, you are Iikely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? 
    1. Oak 
    2. Rhododendron 
    3. Sandalwood 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Cinematograph Act, 1952  

    Why in the News?

    • Leak of Tamil film Jana Nayagan before release has highlighted stricter anti-piracy provisions under the amended Cinematograph Act, 1952.

    About Cinematograph Act, 1952

    What it is

    • Primary law governing:
      • Film certification
      • Public exhibition of films in India
    • Established: Central Board of Film Certification

    Objectives

    • Ensure films adhere to: Public order, Decency, and Morality
    • Provide age-based classification
    • Prevent film piracy

    Certification Categories

    • U (Universal): Suitable for all
    • UA (Parental Guidance): UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+
    • A (Adults Only): 18+
    • S (Specialised): Restricted to specific groups (e.g., doctors)

    Key Features (2023 Amendments)

    1. Strong Anti-Piracy Provisions

    • Prohibits:
      • Unauthorized recording in theatres
      • Unauthorized exhibition of pirated content
    • Even attempt to record is punishable

    2. Severe Penalties

    • Imprisonment: 3 months to 3 years
    • Fine: ₹3 lakh to 5% of production cost

    3. Perpetual Validity

    • Film certificates now: Valid indefinitely
    • Earlier: Valid for 10 years

    4. Refined UA Classification

    • Sub-categories introduced: Better age guidance for parents

    5. Removal of Govt Revisional Power

    • Central Government can no longer:
      • Overrule CBFC decisions
      •  Strengthens CBFC autonomy

    6. Certification for Other Media

    • Films rated: A or S
    • Cannot be shown on TV unless:
      • Re-certified with modifications

    7. Fair Use Provision

    • Allows limited use under: Copyright Act, 1957
    • For: Education, Criticism, and Reporting
    [2025] With reference to India, consider the following pairs:
    Organization: Union Ministry 
    1. The National Automotive Board: Ministry of Commerce and Industry 
    2. The Coir Board: Ministry of Heavy Industries 
    3. The National Centre for Trade Information: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 
    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? 
    [A] Only one [B] Only two [C] All the three [D] None

  • e-SafeHER Programme  

    Why in the News?

    • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched e-SafeHER, a large-scale cybersecurity training initiative aimed at empowering 1 million rural women.

    About e-SafeHER Programme

    • A cybersecurity awareness and training programme for rural women
    • Operates under: Information Security Education and Awareness Programme
    • Focus: Bridging gap between digital access and digital safety

    Aim

    • Train 1 million women by 2029
    • Promote safe digital participation
    • Strengthen cybersecurity awareness in: Digital payments and Online livelihoods
    [2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents?
    1 Service providers 
    2 Data Centres 
    3 Body corporate 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3