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  • China’s WTO complaint against India’s PLI Schemes

    Why in the News?

    China has lodged a formal complaint at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) alleging that India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries, Automobile and Auto Components, and Electric Vehicles (EVs) violate WTO subsidy rules.

    About the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:

    • Overview: Launched in 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to strengthen domestic manufacturing and global competitiveness.
    • Objectives:
      • Provides financial incentives based on incremental sales of manufactured goods over a base year.
      • Aims to attract global investment, enhance exports, create jobs, and integrate MSMEs into value chains.
    • Coverage: Covers 14 strategic sectors, including electronics, autos, solar modules, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
    • Incentive Design: Incentives are non-export linked, based on domestic sales and value addition achieved within India.

    PLI Schemes Challenged by China:

    1. PLI for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Batteries: Incentivises giga-scale battery manufacturing with 25% Domestic Value Addition (DVA) requirement.
    2. PLI for Automobiles and Auto Components: Promotes Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products with 50% DVA target.
    3. PLI for Electric Vehicles (EVs): Encourages global EV manufacturers to establish production bases in India.

    Issues Raised by China at WTO:

    • Complaint: In October 2025, China filed a case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) claiming that India’s PLI schemes violate global subsidy and trade rules.
    • Core Allegation – DVA Linkage:
      • The Domestic Value Addition (DVA) requirement in the PLI scheme, where incentives depend on how much of a product’s value is created within India, is the main point of dispute.
      • China argues that by linking financial incentives to DVA thresholds, India is indirectly forcing firms to use locally made components instead of imported ones.
      • This, China claims, acts as a “local content requirement”, which WTO rules prohibit because it discriminates against imported goods, especially Chinese batteries, auto parts, and electronic components.
    • Why China Objects to DVA:
      • According to China, the PLI design discourages import of foreign components, making it harder for Chinese products to compete in the Indian market.
      • It considers DVA-based incentives as “import substitution subsidies”, banned under the WTO’s Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM).
      • China also claims this approach distorts trade, reduces fair competition, and restricts market access for foreign suppliers.
    • Summary of the Dispute:
      • China’s view: DVA = hidden import restriction → violates WTO rules.
      • India’s view: DVA = measure of domestic value creation → fully WTO-compliant.

    WTO Rules Cited by China:

    • Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Agreement:
      • Article 1 – Defines subsidy as a financial benefit given by a government.
      • Article 3.1(b) – Bans subsidies that depend on using domestic goods over imports.
    • GATT 1994 (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade):
      • Article III.4 – Ensures equal treatment for imported and domestic goods.
    • TRIMs (Trade-Related Investment Measures) Agreement:
      • Article 2.1 – Forbids policies that violate national treatment.
      • Annex – Lists Local Content Requirements (LCRs) as WTO-inconsistent.
    • China argues that India’s PLI incentives linked to DVA break all three rules and act as local content conditions.

    India’s Response:

    • WTO Compliance: India says PLI is WTO-compliant and does not force local sourcing.
    • Clarification: DVA only measures economic value created in India, like labour, R&D, and innovation, not just use of local parts.
    • Open for Global Firms: Foreign companies can join and freely import materials; PLI only rewards domestic value creation.
    • Legal Justification: India cites GATT Article XX, allowing policies for environmental or developmental goals, especially for green tech like EVs and batteries.
    • Policy Standpoint: India argues that industrial subsidies are a sovereign tool to fix trade imbalances and promote sustainable growth.
    • WTO Procedure: India will first hold consultations with China (first step of dispute). If unresolved, a WTO panel may be formed, but no ruling will take effect soon as the Appellate Body is non-functional since 2019.
    • Practical Impact: India can continue the PLI schemes while the dispute is pending.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: India accounts for 3.2% of global exports of goods.
    Statement II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.
    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 is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct *

     

  • [pib] Koyla Shakti Dashboard

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister of Coal and Mines has launched two major digital governance platforms, the KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard and the Coal Land Acquisition, Management, and Payment (CLAMP) Portal, through video conference in New Delhi.

    About Koyla Shakti Dashboard:

    • Overview: It is developed by the Ministry of Coal as a unified digital platform for coal sector management.
    • Purpose: Integrates the entire coal value chain, from production and logistics to dispatch and consumption, into a single real-time digital interface.
    • Key Features:
      • Data Integration: Consolidates inputs from coal PSUs, Indian Railways, ports, power utilities, and state mining departments, enabling end-to-end visibility across operations.
      • Real-Time Analytics: Employs AI-based predictive tools for demand forecasting, logistics optimisation, and supply chain efficiency.
      • Governance Impact: Enhances transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making through live dashboards and standardised performance indicators.
      • Utility for Policymakers: Provides a decision-support system for resource allocation, capacity utilisation, and production planning.
    • Sectoral Benefits: Reduces bottlenecks, improves coordination, and facilitates efficient coal dispatch and monitoring.
    • Reform Milestone: Marks a major step in India’s transition toward digital governance and operational transparency in the extractive sector.

    About CLAMP Portal:

    • Overview: It is a centralised digital system to manage land acquisition, compensation, and R&R (Rehabilitation & Resettlement) in coal-bearing regions.
    • Developer: Implemented by the Ministry of Coal to streamline land-related processes for public sector coal companies.
    • Objective: Integrates land records, ownership details, compensation workflows, and payment tracking into one secure interface.
    • Key Features:
      • Transparency & Accountability: Enables real-time tracking of land acquisition progress and compensation disbursements, reducing disputes and delays.
      • Institutional Coordination: Acts as a single-window system linking coal PSUs, state revenue departments, and district administrations.
      • Efficiency Gains: Eliminates manual paperwork, ensures timely approvals, and improves compliance with land and rehabilitation laws.
      • Public-Centric Governance: Prioritises justice, equity, and procedural clarity for affected communities through digital grievance redressal and payment verification.
    [UPSC 2022] In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO) ?
    1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India.
    2. It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks.
    3. It hears any objection to the Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas.
    4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below :
    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3* (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 4

     

  • [pib] Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) Initiative

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj  in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has launched the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) in New Delhi.

    About the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS):

    • Overview: Introduced on 30 October 2025 as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Education (Department of School Education and Literacy), and Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
    • Objective: Aims to promote public participation and youth engagement in grassroots democracy through simulated Gram Sabha sessions in schools.
    • Educational Integration: Designed under the National Education Policy, 2020, combining civic education with local self-governance to instil values of democracy, accountability, transparency, and leadership.
    • Implementation Scale: To be rolled out across 1,000+ schools, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), and State Government Schools.

    Back2Basics: Gram Sabha

    • Overview: The Gram Sabha, under Article 243(b) of the Constitution, is the basic unit of direct democracy in the Panchayati Raj system.
    • Composition: Comprises all village residents aged 18 or above whose names appear on the electoral rolls.
    • Function: Central to village development planning, social audits, and Gram Panchayat accountability.
    • Meetings: Convened 2–4 times annually under State Panchayati Raj Acts, commonly on 26 January, 1 May, 15 August, and 2 October.
    • Authority: Organised by the Panchayat Secretary (Gram Sevak) with approval of the Sarpanch (village head).
    • Quorum Rule: Requires participation of 10% of total members or at least 50 villagers, notified five days in advance.
    • Decision-Making: Approves budgets, welfare schemes, beneficiary lists, and development priorities; no major Panchayat action is valid without its consent.
    • Purpose: Ensures public participation, transparency, and self-governance (Swaraj) through collective village-level decision-making.
    • Democratic Essence: Serves as the cornerstone of rural democracy, empowering citizens to shape governance and development outcomes directly.

     

    [UPSC 2017] Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in:

    Options: (a) Federalism (b) Democratic decentralisation * (c) Administrative delegation (d) Direct democracy

     

  • Cyclone Montha makes landfall in AP

    Why in the News?

    Cyclone Montha, classified as a severe cyclonic storm, has made landfall near Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) on October 28.

    Back2Basics: Tropical Cyclones

    • What is it: Large low-pressure systems over warm oceans, marked by rotating winds, heavy rain, and storm surges.
    • Conditions: Form when ocean temps >27°C, with moist rising air releasing latent heat to fuel convection.
    • Rotation: Driven by the Coriolis force – anticlockwise in Northern Hemisphere, clockwise in Southern.
    • Structure: Eye (calm), Eyewall (violent winds/rains), Rainbands (widespread showers).
    • Regional Names: Typhoons (Pacific), Hurricanes (Atlantic/Caribbean), Cyclones (Indian Ocean).
    • Drivers & Frequency: Common in Southeast Asia due to warm Pacific waters, El Niño/La Niña cycles, and climate change.
    • Impacts: Loss of life, property damage, flooding, soil salinisation, displacement, and disease outbreaks.
    • Climate Change Link: Global warming is making tropical cyclones stronger, less predictable, and more frequent, raising risks for coastal populations.

    What is the Landfall of a Cyclone?

    • Overview: A tropical cyclone is said to make landfall when its centre (eye) crosses the coastline from sea to land.
    • Not the Same as a Direct Hit:
      • Landfall = when the eye crosses the coast.
      • Direct hit = when the eyewall (zone of strongest winds) impacts the coast, even if the centre remains offshore.
    • Duration: Landfall usually lasts a few hours, depending on wind speed and storm size.
    • Post-Landfall Behaviour: Cyclones lose intensity rapidly after landfall due to loss of oceanic moisture and increased land friction.

    Behind the Naming of Cyclones:

    • Overview: Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) / United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Panel on Tropical Cyclones (since 2004).
    • Naming Authority: Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC), New Delhi, operated by IMD.
    • 13 Member Countries: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Yemen, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.
    • Submission of names: Each country submits 13 culturally neutral, gender-neutral names, forming a 169-name rotating list.
    • Non-repetition: Names are used sequentially and not repeated after one use.
    • “Montha”: It was suggested by Thailand, meaning “beautiful” or “fragrant flower.”
    • Significance: Naming helps public communication, ensures clarity in warnings, and avoids confusion during multiple simultaneous storms.
    • Current sequence: Shakthi (Sri Lanka) → Montha (Thailand) → Senyar (UAE) → Ditwah (Yemen) → Arnab (Bangladesh) → Murasu (India).
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.

    2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.

    3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • 3I/ATLAS: A Possible 7-Billion-Year-Old Interstellar Comet Discovered

    Why in the News?

    Astronomers discovered 3I/ATLAS, a 7-billion-year-old interstellar comet, using the NASA-funded ATLAS telescope in Chile. It is now nearing its closest approach to the Sun.

    About 3I/ATLAS:

    • Discovery: It was detected on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile; confirmed interstellar due to its hyperbolic orbit and high speed (57–68 km/s).
    • Significance: It is likely the oldest comet ever observed, possibly 7.6–14 billion years old, older than our 4.5-billion-year-old solar system.
    • Nature: It appeared like an interstellar comet, showing signs of activity, including a coma (cloud of dust/ice) and likely a tail as it nears the Sun.
    • Composition: Rich in water ice and complex organic compounds; has a reddish hue indicating ancient, primordial material.
    • Size: Estimated nucleus diameter is 10–30 km, larger than previous interstellar objects like 1I/ʻOumuamua and 2I/Borisov.
    • Trajectory:
      • Closest to Earth: ~270 million km (no threat).
      • Closest to Sun: ~210 million km (Oct 29–30, 2025).
      • Will exit the solar system permanently after perihelion.
    • Scientific Importance:
      • It offers rare opportunity to study materials from another star system.
      • It can reveal clues about the formation of the Milky Way, other solar systems, and early star formation processes.

    Back2Basics: ATLAS Telescope

    • ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) is a NASA-funded early warning project for detecting small near-Earth objects (NEOs).
    • It is developed and operated by the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy.
    • As of 2025, ATLAS operates five telescopes in Hawaii, South Africa, Chile, and the Canary Islands.
    • Each telescope has a 0.5-meter Wright-Schmidt design, a 1-meter focal length, and a 110 MP CCD detector with a 7.4° field of view.
    • The system scans 20,000 square degrees of sky three times per night and provides 1–3 week warnings for asteroids 45–120 meters wide.
    • In addition to asteroids, ATLAS also discovers supernovae, comets, dwarf planets, and variable stars.

    What are Interstellar Objects?

    • Overview: Celestial bodies that originate outside the solar system and travel through it on open-ended (hyperbolic) orbits.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • Not gravitationally bound to the Sun.
      • Travel at very high speeds, often unaffected by solar gravity.
      • Do not return once they pass through the inner solar system.
    • Known Interstellar Visitors:
      1. 1I/ʻOumuamua (2017) – Asteroid-like, no coma or tail.
      2. 2I/Borisov (2019) – Active comet with typical cometary features.
    • 3I/ATLAS (2025) – Discussed above.
    • How are they Identified:
      • Hyperbolic trajectory confirmed via orbital calculations.
      • Speed at great distances exceeds gravitational escape velocity.
    • Scientific Value:
      • Provide direct clues about planetary formation beyond our solar system.
      • Can reveal chemical signatures from other star systems.
      • Allow us to study primordial matter from distant parts of the galaxy.
      • Act as natural probes from unknown regions of the Milky Way.

    How is 3I/ATLAS different from ordinary Comets?

    3I/ATLAS

    Ordinary Comets
    Origin Formed outside the Solar System; interstellar in nature Formed within the Solar System — Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud
    Orbital Type Hyperbolic (eccentricity ≈ 6); unbound from the Sun Elliptical or parabolic; bound by the Sun’s gravity
    Velocity Very high,~57 km/s (too fast to be captured by Sun) Moderate, typically 10–40 km/s within solar orbit
    Trajectory Enters and exits Solar System once; non-repeating Periodic or long-period; returns after fixed intervals
    Tail Direction Exhibited a rare sunward (anti-tail) due to CO₂-driven ice scattering Always points away from the Sun due to radiation pressure and solar wind
    Composition High CO₂/H₂O ratio, nickel-rich, iron-poor, chemically distinct Dominated by H₂O, CO, CO₂, silicates, and dust in solar proportions
    Activity Pattern Displays phase shift: anti-tail → normal tail as it nears the Sun Predictable increase in activity and sublimation near perihelion
    Spectral Signature Strong CO₂ emission lines; unusual metallic features Typical cometary spectra, OH, CN, C₂, CO, NH₂ bands
    Size of Nucleus Estimated 0.44–5.6 km in diameter Varies widely; many are a few kilometres across
    Scientific Significance Provides insight into exoplanetary system composition and interstellar chemistry Preserves a record of early Solar System formation and evolution
    Speculative Aspects Some hypotheses suggest a possible artificial or exotic origin (no evidence) Fully natural and well-understood in origin and dynamics
    [UPSC 2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

    1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material. 2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and mercury. 3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Centre approves terms of 8th Central Pay Commission

    Why in the News?

    The Govt. of India has officially constituted the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) to review and recommend revisions in the salaries, pensions, and service conditions of Central Government employees and pensioners.

    About the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC):

    • Objective: To assess fiscal sustainability, pay parity with the private sector, cost of living, pension liabilities, and Centre–State financial impact.
    • Announcement: Its formation was first announced in January 2025, following Cabinet’s in-principle approval for the new pay revision cycle.
    • Composition:
      • Chairperson– Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (Retd.)
      • Part-time Member– Prof. Pulak Ghosh (IIM Bangalore)
      • Member-Secretary– Pankaj Jain (Petroleum Secretary)
    • Mandate Duration: Expected to submit its report within 18 months of constitution, i.e., by mid-2026.
    • Scope: Covers over 50 lakh Central employees and 68 lakh pensioners, with consultations extending to State Governments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

    ​ About Pay Commissions:

    • Overview: They are temporary expert bodies established roughly every 10 years to revise salary structures, allowances, and pensions of Central Government employees and defence personnel.
    • First Commission: Constituted in 1946, marking the beginning of India’s formal public service wage policy.
    • Frequency: Eight Commissions (1946–2025), each responding to economic, social, and inflationary shifts.
    • Composition: Typically includes retired judges, economists, and senior bureaucrats, ensuring multi-disciplinary expertise.
    • Implementation Process: Recommendations will be reviewed by the Finance Ministry and approved by the Union Cabinet, followed by phased rollout across departments.
    • Impact: Shapes public expenditure patterns, influencing State pay revisions, PSU wages, and defence outlays for the next decade.
    • Notable Reforms by Past Commissions:
      • 2nd CPC (1957)– Adjusted post-Independence wage inflation.
      • 3rd CPC (1970)– Introduced the Dearness Allowance (DA) mechanism.
      • 4th CPC (1983)– Standardised pay bands across cadres.
      • 5th CPC (1994) – Enhanced pensions and streamlined hierarchies.
      • 6th CPC (2006)– Introduced Pay Band + Grade Pay and MACP system.
      • 7th CPC (2014–2016)– Implemented Matrix Pay Structure and Fitment Factor (2.57).
    • 8th CPC (2025): Continues this decadal reform tradition, aligning pay structure with digital governance, modern workforce management, and inflation-linked fiscal stability.

  • Various Initiatives under International Solar Alliance (ISA)

    Why in the News?

    At the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly, India has launched four global initiatives viz. Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement (SUNRISE), One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG), Global Capability Centre, and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Procurement Platform.

    [1] SUNRISE:

    • Overview: Launched by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote a circular economy in solar energy, focusing on recycling and sustainable resource use.
    • Objective: Aims to recover nickel, cobalt, and lithium from retired solar panels, batteries, and components, reducing e-waste and enhancing material efficiency.
    • Global Collaboration: Connects governments, industries, innovators, and recyclers to formulate international standards and best practices for solar waste management.
    • Sustainability Focus: Seeks to make solar power deployment resource-efficient, low-carbon, and environmentally responsible.
    • Economic Impact: Promotes green job creation, industrial diversification, and innovation in clean-energy recycling technologies.

    [2] OSOWOG (One Sun One World One Grid):

    • Overview: A flagship ISA initiative for transnational solar power connectivity, enabling global energy interdependence through solar grid linkages.
    • Goal: Integrate regional grids across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe to ensure continuous, 24-hour renewable power supply.
    • Benefits: Promotes clean energy trade, enhances grid stability, and lowers renewable power costs through shared transmission infrastructure.
    • Implementation Strategy: Focuses on regulatory harmonisation, cross-border coordination, and interregional feasibility studies for integrated grid operations.
    • Strategic Role: Strengthens India’s leadership in global renewable energy diplomacy and sustainable development cooperation.

    [3] Global Capability Centre (GCC) and ISA Academy:

    • Vision: Conceived as a “Silicon Valley for Solar”, integrating research, innovation, digital learning, and global capacity-building.
    • Operational Model: Functions through STAR-C centres (Solar Technology Application Resource Centres) established across ISA member countries.
    • Training and Learning: The ISA Academy delivers AI-enabled courses in solar finance, engineering, policy, and project management.
    • Capacity Building: Strengthens human capital, fosters technological excellence, and promotes industrial collaboration for scalable solar growth.

    [4] SIDS Procurement Platform

    • Partnership: A joint mechanism between the ISA and World Bank designed for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
    • Coverage: Involves 16 island nations across the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Ocean regions.
    • Mechanism: Facilitates bulk procurement, shared financing, and aggregated demand to lower solar technology deployment costs.
    • Resilience Building: Enhances technical and financial capacity, reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels.
    • Climate and Energy Impact: Supports climate adaptation, strengthens energy security, and promotes sustainable island economies through clean energy access.

    Back2Basics: International Solar Alliance (ISA)

    • Objective: To facilitate affordable solar technology, finance mobilization, and policy support to achieve global energy access and climate goals.
    • Founded: 2015, jointly by India and France, headquartered in Gurugram (Haryana, India).
    • Membership (2025): 98 countries, focused on promoting solar energy deployment in developing and tropical nations.
    • Strategic Focus Areas (2025):
      • Catalytic Finance Hub: Mobilising global investments in solar infrastructure.
      • Global Capability Centre: Providing technical training, digital tools, and policy frameworks.
      • Technology Roadmap: Driving innovation in floating solar, AI-based grid management, green hydrogen, and One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) connectivity.
      • Country Engagement: Strengthening regional partnerships for implementation and capacity-building.
    [UPSC 2016] Consider the following statements:
    1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
    2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Options:
    (a) 1 only* (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • CJI Gavai recommends J. Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India

    Why in the News?

    Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai formally recommended Justice Surya Kant, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India, as his successor and 53rd CJI.

    About the Chief Justice of India (CJI):

    • Position and Authority: She/He is the head of the Supreme Court and the highest-ranking judicial officer in the Republic of India. Acts as the “Master of the Roster”, empowered to constitute benches, allocate cases, and schedule hearings.
    • Administrative and Judicial Role: Leads both judicial and administrative functions of the Supreme Court, as affirmed in State of Rajasthan v. Prakash Chand (1997). Embodies the idea of “first among equals”, where every Supreme Court judge is equal in judicial authority, though the CJI heads administration.
    • Judicial Powers (Constitutional Basis):
      • Article 145 – Constitutes Constitution Benches and interprets laws involving substantial constitutional questions.
      • Article 136 – Exercises special leave jurisdiction for appeals involving major legal principles.
      • Article 32 – Safeguards Fundamental Rights under the Court’s original jurisdiction.
    • Judicial Leadership: Shapes the jurisprudential direction of the Supreme Court through allocation of landmark constitutional cases and formation of larger benches.
    • Administrative Responsibilities:
      • Manages the Supreme Court’s roster system, case assignments, and judicial schedules.
      • Oversees registry operations, staff management, and disciplinary matters across subordinate courts.
      • Ensures judicial governance, transparency, and institutional coordination with the executive and legislature.
    • Advisory Jurisdiction (Article 143): The President of India may refer legal or constitutional questions for the Court’s advisory opinion; the CJI leads and represents the Court’s collective advisory view.
    • Appointment Process (Article 124):
      • The President appoints the CJI based on seniority convention — the senior-most Supreme Court judge is recommended by the outgoing CJI.
      • The Law Minister seeks the outgoing CJI’s recommendation, which is forwarded via the Prime Minister to the President for formal appointment.
    • Historical Exceptions:
      • Justice A.N. Ray (1973) – superseded three senior judges post-Kesavananda Bharati.
      • Justice M.H. Beg (1977) – superseded Justice H.R. Khanna after ADM Jabalpur.
    • Qualifications (Article 124(3)): Must be an Indian citizen with either:
      • 5 years as a High Court judge, or
      • 10 years as a High Court advocate, or
      • Recognition as a distinguished jurist by the President.
    • Tenure and Retirement: Holds office until age 65 under Article 124(2).
    • Removal (Article 124(4)): Possible only through impeachment by Parliament for proven misbehaviour or incapacity, requiring:
      • Majority of total membership in both Houses, and
      • Two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
    [UPSC 2021] With reference to the Indian judiciary, consider the following statements:

    1.  Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with the prior permission of the President of India.

    2. A High Court in India has the power to review its own judgment as the Supreme Court does

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • What is Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR)?

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court has allowed the Union Government to reconsider its additional Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues from Vodafone-Idea for FY 2016–17, giving relief to the debt-ridden telecom firm.

    About Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR):

    • Overview: AGR is the revenue base used by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to calculate license fees and spectrum usage charges (SUC) owed by telecom operators.
    • Origin: Introduced under the National Telecom Policy, 1999, AGR represents a share of total earnings payable by service providers to the government.
    • DoT’s Interpretation: Encompasses all revenues, both core telecom (e.g., call, SMS, data) and non-telecom (e.g., interest, rent, capital gains, dividends).
    • Telecom Operators’ View: Contended that AGR should cover only core operational revenues, excluding non-telecom income unrelated to telecom services.
    • Components (as upheld by the Supreme Court, 2019):
      • Included: Call charges, data usage, roaming/interconnection fees, value-added services, interest, rent, and forex gains.
      • Excluded: Goods and Services Tax (GST) and revenue already shared with other operators.
    • Financial Fallout: The 2019 verdict imposed ₹1.47 lakh crore in retrospective dues, triggering a liquidity crisis and sectoral consolidation.
    • Current Context (2025): The Supreme Court has permitted policy reconsideration of excess AGR demands, signalling a more flexible, reform-oriented telecom regime.

    What is the AGR Dispute?

    • Legal Conflict:  between telecom operators and the DoT on the scope of “gross revenue” used for fee computation.
    • Operators’ Argument: Only telecom-related income, from calls, SMS, and internet, should form part of AGR.
    • DoT’s Position: AGR must also include non-core revenues, expanding liability through inclusion of financial and ancillary income.
    • Supreme Court Ruling (2019): Upheld DoT’s broad definition, mandating payment of full dues with interest, penalty, and interest on penalty.
    • Sectoral Consequence: The judgment destabilised telecom finances, leading to the exit of smaller players and near-duopoly between Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.
    • Vodafone-Idea Case: With dues over ₹58,000 crore, Vi became the worst-hit; the government later converted part of its dues into equity, acquiring a 49% stake to prevent insolvency.
    • Policy Evolution: AGR, once a litigation issue, now reflects a governance reform debate, balancing fiscal interests, sector viability, and consumer protection within India’s telecom ecosystem.

     

  • Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

    Why in the News?

    The 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit (2025) is being held in Gyeongju City, South Korea

    About Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC):

    • Establishment: Created in 1989 as a regional economic forum to enhance the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific region.
    • Objective: Promote balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and secure growth, and accelerate regional economic integration.
    • Membership: Comprises 21 member economies– Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.
    • Secretariat: Headquartered in Singapore, coordinating policy dialogues, working groups, and capacity-building across member economies.
    • Decision-Making Principle: Functions on voluntary, non-binding, and consensus-based commitments rather than treaty obligations.
    • Economic Scale: Represents 2.9 billion people, accounting for ~60% of global GDP and ~48% of global trade.
    • Terminology: Refers to its members as “economies” (not countries) to accommodate non-sovereign entities like Hong Kong and Taiwan.
    • Major Frameworks:
      • Bogor Goals (1994) – Free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific.
      • APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 – Envisions an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040.
    • Focus Areas: Trade liberalisation, digital economy, supply chain resilience, sustainable energy, and inclusive growth.

    India and APEC:

    • Membership: India is NOT a member but has shown consistent interest since the early 1990s, aligning with its Look East / Act East Policy.
    • Geographical Criterion: APEC’s membership is limited to Asia-Pacific economies, while India is categorised under South Asia, restricting eligibility.
    • Economic Context: India’s gradual liberalisation in the 1990s contrasted with APEC’s open market orientation, reducing its early appeal to members.
    • Political Resistance: China has reportedly opposed India’s entry to maintain regional influence and prevent rival power balancing.
    • Moratorium: A 1997 freeze on new memberships continues to block India’s formal inclusion.
    • Current Engagement: Participates in Track-II dialogues, observer consultations, and partner discussions with APEC economies.
    • Strategic Significance:
      • APEC economies drive 60% of world GDP and 48% of global trade.
      • Membership would improve market access, FDI inflows, and digital integration.
      • Enhances India’s engagement with U.S., Japan, China, and ASEAN through multilateral diplomacy.
    • Alternative Platforms: India engages APEC members via BRICS, QUAD, IPEF, and RCEP-linked forums, expanding Indo-Pacific economic influence.
    • Future Outlook: Once the moratorium is lifted, India’s robust economic scale, digital economy, and supply chain capacity make it a strong candidate for future APEC membership.

     

    [UPSC 2017] With reference to `Asia Pacific’ Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (APMCHUD)’, consider the following statements:

    1. The first APMCHUD was held in India in 2006 on the theme `Emerging Urban Forms – Policy Responses and Governance Structure’.

    2. India hosts all the Annual Ministerial Conferences in partnership with ADB, APEC and ASEAN.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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