THE HINDU
Daily UPSC Mains-Oriented Analysis
UPSC News Analysis
Tuesday, 17 February 2026 · Bengaluru City Edition
Today’s Key Topics
- GS-II/III NGT Clears Great Nicobar Project
- GS-II DPDP Act vs RTI – Privacy vs Transparency
- GS-II Federalism – M.K. Stalin’s Op-Ed
- GS-II Sabarimala – 9-Judge Bench from April 7
- GS-II India-Bangladesh Post-BNP Victory
- GS-III Corporate Bond Market Reforms
- GS-III India-EU Textile Trade Opportunity
- GS-III Green Steel Public Procurement
- GS-III January Trade Deficit & US Tariffs
- GS-II Denotified Tribes Census Demand
- GS-III AI Impact Summit & Governance
- GS-III District Cooling – Urban Climate
Legacy IAS
UPSC Civil Services Coaching · Bengaluru
1
NGT Clears ₹92,000 Cr Great Nicobar Island Project
A. Issue in Brief
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) cleared the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, citing its strategic importance and finding “no good ground to interfere”.
- The project includes a transshipment port, airport, power plant, and township. NGT directed strict compliance with Environmental Clearance (EC) conditions.
- Environmentalists and indigenous communities (Nicobarese, Shompen) raised concerns about coral reefs, leatherback turtle nesting sites, and lack of informed consent.
B. Static Background
- EIA Notification, 2006 – Governs EC process for developmental projects
- ICRZ Notification, 2019 – Regulates coastal development on islands
- Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 – Forest clearance aspects under challenge in Calcutta HC
- Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 – Rights of indigenous communities on forest land
- NGT Act, 2010 – NGT’s jurisdiction over environmental disputes
- NITI Aayog – Proposed the project under ‘Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island’ vision
C. Key Dimensions
Stakeholder Analysis
| Stakeholder | Position | Key Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Central Govt / NITI Aayog | Pro-project | Strategic location; counter China’s maritime presence near Malacca Strait |
| Environmentalists | Against | Coral reef destruction; turtle nesting sites; single-season EIA |
| Indigenous communities (Nicobarese, Shompen) | Against | Consent not lawfully taken; forest rights unsettled under FRA |
| Indian Navy / Defence | Pro-project | Strengthens Indian Ocean strategic presence |
| NGT | Cleared with conditions | Balanced approach: development with adequate safeguards |
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- EIA Concern: Assessment conducted for only one season instead of mandatory three; NGT accepted government’s claim that A&N has “no high erosion site” – questionable scientific basis.
- Indigenous Rights: Shompen are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Diversion of ~130 sq km forest land – potential violation of FRA and FPIC principles.
- Strategic vs Ecological Balance: While India’s counter to China’s String of Pearls is legitimate, classifying the HPC report as ‘confidential’ undermines environmental transparency.
- Judicial incompleteness: Forest clearance still under challenge in Calcutta HC – project approval remains legally incomplete.
E. Way Forward
Way Forward
- Conduct a fresh three-season EIA as per established norms for comprehensive assessment
- Ensure Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) of Nicobarese and Shompen as per FRA and UN DRIP
- Implement robust coral reef regeneration plan with third-party auditing
- Adopt phased development with periodic environmental reviews (Singapore Jurong Island model)
- Link to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers
- NGT – Established under NGT Act, 2010; quasi-judicial; deals with environmental disputes
- ICRZ Notification, 2019 – Regulates coastal zones of islands
- Shompen – PVTG of Great Nicobar; one of the most isolated tribes globally
- Transshipment port – Handles containers transferred between ships; strategic for Indian Ocean
- Leatherback sea turtle – World’s largest turtle; Great Nicobar is key nesting site
Mains Practice Question
Critically examine the tension between strategic infrastructure development and environmental conservation with reference to the Great Nicobar Island project. How can India balance its geostrategic imperatives with ecological sustainability?
250 words · 15 marks
2
DPDP Act vs RTI: SC to Review if Data Law Delivers a ‘Body Blow’ to Transparency
A. Issue in Brief
- The Supreme Court agreed to refer to a Constitution Bench petitions arguing that Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act, 2023 imposes a blanket ban on RTI applicants seeking ‘personal information’.
- Petitioners argue the provision uses the right to privacy to cripple the right to information, giving the government “unguided discretion” to deny information about public functionaries.
B. Static Background
- RTI Act, 2005 – Section 8(1)(j) originally exempted personal info only when no public interest connection existed
- DPDP Act, 2023 – Section 44(3) amended S. 8(1)(j), removing the public interest override
- K.S. Puttaswamy v. UoI (2017) – Right to privacy = Fundamental Right under Article 21
- CPIO v. Supreme Court of India (2019) – Applied proportionality test to balance privacy and RTI
- Article 19(1)(a) – Right to Information as part of freedom of speech and expression
C. Key Dimensions
Before vs After DPDP Act
| Aspect | Before DPDP (Original S.8(1)(j)) | After DPDP (Amended S.8(1)(j)) |
|---|---|---|
| Decision-maker | PIO / First Appellate Authority | Blanket statutory bar – no discretion needed |
| Public interest test | Yes – disclosure if public interest outweighs privacy | No – personal info denied automatically |
| Scope | Narrow exemption with balancing | Broad exemption favouring state secrecy |
| Accountability | Transparent weighing process | No process – denial is default |
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- Privacy extended to State: DPDP Act extends privacy protection to government functionaries, inverting the original intent of privacy as a citizens’ right against the State
- Article 14 violation: Equating privacy of public functionaries with ordinary citizens violates right to equality
- Chilling effect on RTI: Every application involving identifiable officials, procurement records, audit reports can be denied automatically
- Global comparison: EU’s GDPR exempts processing for journalistic and public interest purposes; India’s DPDP offers no such exemption
E. Way Forward
Way Forward
- Restore the public interest override in Section 8(1)(j) to balance privacy with transparency
- Define ‘personal information‘ narrowly to exclude information about discharge of public duties
- Adopt a proportionality framework as in Puttaswamy (2017) for balancing competing rights
- Link to SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers
- DPDP Act, 2023 – India’s first comprehensive data protection law
- Section 44(3) – Amended RTI Act’s S.8(1)(j) removing public interest override
- K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) – Right to privacy = Fundamental Right under Article 21
- Central Information Commission – Appellate body under RTI Act
Mains Practice Question
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 creates a fundamental tension between the right to privacy and the right to information. Critically analyse Section 44(3) in light of the Supreme Court’s privacy jurisprudence.
250 words · 15 marks
3
India’s Federalism Needs a Structural Reset – M.K. Stalin
A. Issue in Brief
- TN CM M.K. Stalin argues India’s federalism suffers from a persistent centralising bias, originally justified by post-Independence anxieties but now hardened into habit.
- TN constituted a High-Level Committee on Union-State Relations (Justice Kurian Joseph), whose Part I Report was submitted on Feb 16, 2026 – covers Governors, language, delimitation, education, health, GST.
B. Static Background
- S.R. Bommai v. UoI (1994) – Federalism part of Basic Structure; States not mere appendages
- Sarkaria Commission (1983-88) – Cooperative federalism; Inter-State Council
- Punchhi Commission (2007-10) – Governor’s discretionary powers should be limited
- Rajamannar Committee (1969-71) – First independent committee on Centre-State relations (TN)
- 7th Schedule – Union, State, Concurrent Lists; encroachment via Concurrent List legislation
C. Key Dimensions
| Centralisation Arguments | Decentralisation Arguments |
|---|---|
| National unity requires strong Centre | India’s unity is no longer fragile; strong States strengthen Union |
| States lack administrative capacity | Capacity arises from responsibility – over-centralisation stunts it |
| Uniform policy for equity | India’s diversity demands contextual, region-specific policies |
| Efficient resource allocation at national level | States as ‘laboratories of democracy’ – TN meals, Kerala health |
| Security concerns need central coordination | Over-centralisation creates blurred accountability |
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- CSS rigidity: Centrally Sponsored Schemes with rigid templates deny States flexibility in design and implementation
- GST fiscal autonomy loss: States lost independent tax powers; Council perceived as Centre-dominated
- Governor controversy: Governors in Opposition States seen as Centre’s agents, delaying assent to Bills
- Delimitation anxiety: Southern States with lower population growth fear loss of parliamentary representation
- Subordinate legislation overreach: Union Executive overriding plenary State laws via subordinate legislation is constitutionally suspect
E. Way Forward
Way Forward
- Implement Sarkaria & Punchhi Commission recommendations on Governor and Inter-State Council
- Reform CSS – allow States greater flexibility in design and implementation
- Strengthen fiscal federalism – increase States’ share; restore GST compensation predictability
- Address delimitation anxiety through a formula rewarding population control efforts
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers
- S.R. Bommai (1994) – Federalism = Basic Structure
- 7th Schedule – Union (97), State (66), Concurrent (47) subjects
- Article 263 – Inter-State Council; Article 280 – Finance Commission
Mains Practice Question
‘India’s unity is no longer fragile, yet constitutional practice continues to reflect the anxieties of the late 1940s.’ In light of this, discuss the case for recalibrating Union-State relations in India.
250 words · 15 marks
4
Sabarimala Review: 9-Judge SC Bench from April 7
A. Issue in Brief
- SC scheduled review/writ petitions on the September 2018 Sabarimala judgment (women’s entry) before a 9-judge Constitution Bench from April 7, 2026.
- Case also clubs Muslim women’s mosque entry and female genital mutilation (Dawoodi Bohra) petitions.
B. Static Background
- Indian Young Lawyers Assn v. State of Kerala (2018) – 4:1 majority allowed women’s entry
- Art. 25 – Freedom of religion; Art. 26 – Religious denominations’ rights; Art. 14 & 15 – Equality
- Essential Religious Practices (ERP) doctrine – Shirur Mutt (1954); whether courts can determine ‘essential’ practices
- 2019 – 5-judge Bench referred review to larger Bench; hearings aborted due to COVID
C. Key Dimensions
| Dimension | For Women’s Entry | Against |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Rights | Art. 14, 15, 25(1) – equality & non-discrimination | Art. 26 – religious denomination’s right to manage affairs |
| Gender Justice | Exclusion based on menstruation is patriarchal | Faith-based practice; devotees support tradition |
| Judicial Role | Courts must protect fundamental rights | Judiciary shouldn’t determine essential religious practices |
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- Delayed justice: Six years since 2018 verdict – raises access-to-justice concerns
- Clubbing diverse issues: Combining Sabarimala with mosque entry and FGM may complicate proceedings
- Constitutional morality vs popular morality: 2018 judgment emphasized constitutional morality, but societal divisions remain deep
F. Exam Orientation
Mains Practice Question
The Sabarimala case raises fundamental questions about religious autonomy vs gender equality. Discuss the scope and limitations of judicial intervention in essential religious practices.
150 words · 10 marks
5
India-Bangladesh Relations: BNP’s Pragmatic Post-Election Approach
A. Issue in Brief
- BNP Gen. Sec. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir: Hasina’s presence in India will not deter broader ties. BNP signals willingness for trade, commerce, development partnership.
- Tarique Rahman to be sworn in as PM on Feb 17. Key issues: Ganga Waters Treaty renewal, border killings, Hasina extradition.
B. Static Background
- Ganga Waters Treaty, 1996 – 30-year treaty on Farakka sharing; due for renewal 2026
- LBA, 2015 – Resolved 162 enclaves; landmark border agreement
- Teesta Water Sharing – Pending since 2011; major bilateral irritant
C. Key Dimensions
| Issue | India’s Position | Bangladesh’s Position |
|---|---|---|
| Hasina extradition | Sheltering; no extradition response | Demands return for HR violations trial |
| Ganga/Farakka Treaty | Renewal with existing terms | Seeks more equitable share |
| Border killings | Security concerns; smuggling | Wants zero-tolerance policy |
| Trade balance | Positive engagement | Wants reduced deficit |
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- China factor: BNP historically closer to China/Pakistan; India must proactively engage to prevent strategic drift
- Hasina management: India cannot indefinitely shelter someone accused of HR violations
- Ganga treaty renewal: Critical opportunity to build goodwill and address water-sharing grievances
F. Exam Orientation
Mains Practice Question
Analyse the challenges and opportunities in India-Bangladesh relations in the context of the political transition in Bangladesh. How should India recalibrate its engagement?
250 words · 15 marks
6
Banks Cannot Bear It All: The Case for Deeper Corporate Bond Markets
A. Issue in Brief
- Budget 2026 initiated reforms – market-making for corporate bonds, total-return swaps, Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund, CPSE REITs.
- India’s corporate bond market at ~15% of GDP (vs US ~80%, China ~45%). Banks carry 60-65% of all non-financial corporate debt. Government injected ₹3.2 lakh crore into PSBs since 2017.
C. Key Dimensions
| Parameter | India | USA | China | Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate bonds/GDP | ~15% | ~80% | ~45-50% | ~55-60% |
| Bank share of corp. debt | 60-65% | ~30% | ~50% | ~40% |
| Secondary market liquidity | Weak | Deep | Moderate | Moderate |
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- Asset-liability mismatch: Short-term deposits fund 15-20 year infrastructure projects – extreme vulnerability
- Hidden fiscal cost: ₹3.2 lakh crore PSB recapitalisation = private credit losses transferred to public balance sheet
- SME crowding out: Capital locked in long-term corporate loans unavailable for small firms
- Weak monetary transmission: Overburdened bank balance sheets distort rate pass-through
F. Exam Orientation
Mains Practice Question
India’s bank-centric financial system has become a structural bottleneck for infrastructure financing. Critically examine the need for developing a deep corporate bond market in India.
250 words · 15 marks
7
Can India Overtake Bangladesh in EU Textile Exports?
A. Issue in Brief
- India’s share in EU knitted garment imports fell from 6.5% (2009) to 4.4% (2023); Bangladesh rose to 26%.
- Two structural shifts: Bangladesh losing EBA by 2029 (ending zero-tariff) and India-EU FTA granting duty-free access.
C. Key Dimensions
| Factor | India | Bangladesh |
|---|---|---|
| EU tariff | 12% MFN (falling with FTA) | 0% (EBA); rising to 12% by 2029 |
| Supply chain | Vertically integrated | Dependent on imported fabric |
| Rules of Origin | Naturally compliant | May struggle with double transformation |
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- Window of opportunity: Post-2029, tariff field levels. India must prepare now
- Structural disadvantages persist: Higher costs, less integration, logistical inefficiencies
- Employment potential: Textiles among largest employers; reviving exports could address jobs crisis
- Vietnam precedent: Apparel exports surged post EU-Vietnam FTA (2020)
F. Exam Orientation
Mains Practice Question
With Bangladesh set to lose its LDC trade preferences, discuss the opportunities and challenges for India’s textile sector in capturing EU market share.
150 words · 10 marks
8
Transitioning to Green Steel: Public Procurement as Catalyst
A. Issue in Brief
- India’s net-zero 2070 target depends on decarbonising steel – largest industrial emission source.
- Green premium adds only ~1.1% to highway budgets (20% adoption). India’s Green Steel Taxonomy (3/4/5-star) awaits Finance Ministry approval for procurement mandates.
C. Key Dimensions
Global Green Procurement Models
| Model | Approach | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Japan – Green Purchasing | Demand mandates + fiscal incentives | Pairs procurement with production support |
| California – Buy Clean | Carbon benchmarks + verified disclosures | Traceability; reduces admin risk |
| India – Green Steel Taxonomy | 3/4/5-star emission intensity rating | Carbon ‘nutrition label’ for steel |
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- Trust deficit: No reliable way to verify carbon credentials at procurement stage
- Schedule of Rates gap: Carbon intensity not a recognised quality parameter in public works
- Alignment needed: If state subsidises green steel (PLI), it must be anchor customer
- EU CBAM pressure: Carbon tariff will penalise Indian steel exports; green transition = trade defence
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers
- EU CBAM – Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism; carbon tariff starting 2026
- Green Steel Taxonomy – 3/4/5-star based on emission intensity
- Green Hydrogen Mission – 5 MT target by 2030
Mains Practice Question
Discuss how green public procurement can catalyse India’s green steel transition. What are the barriers and how can they be addressed?
150 words · 10 marks
9
January Trade Deficit Widens to $34.68 Bn Before US Tariff Relief
A. Issue in Brief
- Merchandise deficit hit $34.68 bn (3-month high) driven by gold/silver imports surge. Imports rose 12% MoM to $71.24 bn; exports fell 5% to $36.56 bn.
- Last month under ~50% US tariffs. Interim framework targets 18% tariff; trade delegation to Washington next week.
- India agreed to cut Russian oil purchases and more than double US imports.
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- Terms of trade concern: Agreeing to double US imports could widen deficit further
- Strategic autonomy risk: Reducing Russian oil compromises energy diversification
- Gold structural demand: Import curbs difficult; need Sovereign Gold Bonds, digital gold alternatives
F. Exam Orientation
Mains Practice Question
Critically examine the India-US interim trade framework in light of India’s trade deficit dynamics and strategic autonomy concerns.
150 words · 10 marks
10
Denotified Tribes Demand Separate Census Classification
A. Issue in Brief
- Centre assured DNT leaders that DNTs will be enumerated in Census 2027, but no clarity on method.
- Community leaders demand a separate column in Census forms. All previous Commissions flagged the need for enumeration.
B. Static Background
- Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 – Classified communities as ‘criminal’; repealed 1952
- Habitual Offenders Acts – Replaced CTA but continued targeting same communities
- Renke Commission (2008) & Idate Commission (2017) – Identified ~1,200 DNT communities; 268 unclassified
- SEED Scheme – Only fraction of ₹200 crore spent in 5 years due to certification issues
C. Key Dimensions
| Aspect | Current Status | Demanded Change |
|---|---|---|
| Census recognition | No separate enumeration since 1931 | Separate DNT column in Census |
| Constitutional status | Scattered across SC/ST/OBC | Separate constitutional classification |
| Certification | Only select districts in ~6 States | Uniform national certification |
| Govt. scheme | SEED (underutilised) | Permanent National Commission |
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- Invisible communities: Without enumeration, targeted interventions remain impossible – vicious cycle of exclusion
- Colonial stigma persists: Habitual Offender Acts continue targeting; denotification was nominal, not substantive
- SEED failure: States not issuing DNT certificates despite Central directives
F. Exam Orientation
Mains Practice Question
DNTs remain among the most marginalised communities despite seven decades of independence. Discuss the challenges in their enumeration and the case for a separate constitutional classification.
250 words · 15 marks
11
India AI Impact Summit: Governance, Digital Sovereignty & Cooperation
A. Issue in Brief
- Five-day AI Impact Summit inaugurated by PM Modi; 2.5 lakh+ registrations, 400+ booths.
- Key themes: responsible AI, cultural context for global platforms, child safety, digital sovereignty.
- Neysa AI raised $600M from Blackstone for domestic GPU infrastructure – domestic AI sovereignty push.
- IT Minister: Global platforms must respect cultural context and local laws; ‘Create in India‘ mission announced.
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- AI paradox: Massive user base/talent, but almost all AI inferencing on foreign servers – sovereignty risk
- Child safety gap: Long-term effects of AI on children unknown; governance must embed child safeguards
- Cultural context vs censorship: Call for local cultural respect could be misused for content censorship
- Data centre tax holidays: May attract foreign AI players; create regional AI hub
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers
- India AI Mission – ₹10,372 crore; 10,000 GPU target
- EU AI Act – World’s first comprehensive AI law; risk-based approach
- AI inferencing – Processing model responses; mostly on foreign servers for India currently
Mains Practice Question
Discuss the key challenges in developing an AI governance framework for India that balances innovation with responsible use and digital sovereignty.
150 words · 10 marks
12
District Cooling: A Climate-Smart Solution for India’s Cities
A. Issue in Brief
- District cooling – centralised AC via chilled water pipes – can cut electricity use by 30-50% and reduce peak grid demand by 20-30%.
- GIFT City demonstrates the model; full deployment could reduce power demand by ~6,100 MW and avoid ~6.6 MT CO2/year.
B. Static Background
- India Cooling Action Plan (2019) – 20-25% reduction in cooling demand by 2037-38
- Kigali Amendment – HFC phase-down; India starting 2028
- GIFT City, Ahmedabad – India’s first operational district cooling system
C. Key Dimensions
| Parameter | Individual Building | District Cooling |
|---|---|---|
| Energy efficiency | Lower (standalone chillers) | 30-50% higher (large-scale) |
| Peak grid demand | High (simultaneous AC) | 20-30% lower (thermal storage) |
| Refrigerant mgmt | Distributed; leak-prone | Centralised; up to 80% less |
| Urban heat island | Contributes (outdoor units) | Mitigates (fewer units) |
| Developer cost | Each building installs own | 5-10% savings; shared infra |
D. Critical Analysis
Critical Analysis
- High upfront cost: Central plants + underground piping need significant capital; PPP models essential
- Urban planning integration: Needs master plan-level zoning – difficult in already-built areas
- Best for new developments: Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad financial district, Bengaluru IT parks are strong candidates
F. Exam Orientation
Prelims Pointers
- India Cooling Action Plan (2019) – 20-25% demand reduction by 2037-38
- Kigali Amendment – HFC phase-down; India 2028 start
- District cooling – Centralised chilled water; 30-50% energy savings
- GIFT City – India’s first operational system; Gujarat
Mains Practice Question
Explain district cooling and discuss its potential to address India’s growing cooling demand while meeting its climate commitments.
150 words · 10 marks
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