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Type: Revived / Restored

  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    Revision of Base Year for Index of Industrial Production (IIP) to 2022-23

    Prelims OnlyRevived / Restored | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the report of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on revising the base year of the All-India Index of Industrial Production (IIP) from 2011-12 to 2022-23.

    About IIP

    • The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) measures: Growth in industrial activity in India.
    • Published By: National Statistical Office (NSO) Under MoSPI

    Technical Advisory Committee (TAC-IIP)

    • Chairman: Mridul K. Saggar
    • Constituted: September 2024
    • Purpose
      • Guide the revision of IIP base year.
      • Improve methodology, coverage, and accuracy.

    Major Changes in New IIP Series (2022-23)

    • Expanded Coverage: New sectors included:
      • Minor minerals
      • Rare earth minerals
      • Gas supply
      • Water supply
      • Sewerage and waste management

    Revised Item Basket

    • Total products: 1,042
    • Mapped into: 463 item groups
    • Based on: National Industrial Classification (NIC)-2025

    National Industrial Classification (NIC)-2025

    • National Industrial Classification (NIC) is India’s official system for classifying economic and industrial activities.
    • It helps in:
      • Collection of statistical data
      • Industrial surveys
      • National accounts compilation
      • Economic analysis and policy formulation

    Released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) through the National Statistical Office (NSO).

    [2012] In India the overall Index of Industrial Production, the Indices of Eighth Core Industries have combined weight of 37.90%. Which of the following are among those Eight Core Industries?
    1. Cement
    2. Fertilizers
    3. Natural Gas
    4. Refinery products
    5. Textiles
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    [A] 1 and 5 only

    [B] 2, 3 and 4 only

    [C] 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

    [D] 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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  • Supreme Court Revives Limited Use of Sedition Law (Section 124A)

    Prelims OnlyRevived / Restored | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India clarified that accused persons who voluntarily consent can continue to face proceedings under Section 124A (sedition), even though the constitutional validity of the law remains under challenge.

    Background

    Section 124A (Sedition)

    • Part of the: Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
    • Introduced during: British colonial rule in 1898
    • Punishes: Acts or speech considered to incite disaffection against the government

    Earlier Supreme Court Position (2022)

    In May 2022, the Supreme Court:

    • Suspended fresh sedition cases and ongoing proceedings.
    • Observed that Section 124A:
      • Reflected colonial mindset
      • Had chilling effect on free speech
      • Was widely misused

    The Court noted the Union government’s statement that outdated colonial laws should be reconsidered.

    Recent Clarification (May 21, 2026)

    • Kamran vs State of Madhya Pradesh.
    • The Court clarified: If accused persons voluntarily agree, courts may proceed with sedition trials on merits.

    Purpose

    • To protect:
      • Right to speedy trial
      • Timely closure of pending cases

    Constitutional Challenge Still Pending

    • The constitutional validity of Section 124A remains under challenge in S.G. Vombatkere vs Union of India

    Main Grounds of Challenge

    Petitioners argue Section 124A violates:

    • Freedom of speech and expression
    • Personal liberty
    • Equality before law
    • under Article 19, Article 21, and Article 14 of the Constitution.

    Concerns Raised

    Legal and Practical Issues

    • Lower courts may decide guilt while constitutionality remains unresolved.
    • Clarification did not address situations where:
      • One accused consents
      • Co-accused refuse

    Historical Context

    • Colonial Origins: Sedition law was used by British authorities against:
      • Bal Gangadhar Tilak
      • Mahatma Gandhi

    [2025] “Sedition has become my religion” was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time of:

    (a) The Champaran Satyagraha

    (b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi

    (c) attending the Second Round Table Conference in London

    (d) the launch of the Quit India Movement

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