LEGACY IAS
Bengaluru’s Premier UPSC Coaching
UPSC Mains-Oriented Daily News Analysis
— The Hindu —
📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026
Bengaluru City Edition
Comprehensive Analysis for Prelims & Mains
📋 Table of Contents
- India’s Knesset Address & India-Israel Relations GS-II
- Sabarimala Review: Essential Religious Practices & Anti-Exclusion Test GS-II
- SIR of Electoral Rolls in West Bengal — Judiciary’s Role GS-II
- NCERT Textbook Controversy & Judicial Independence GS-II
- U.S. Slaps 126% Countervailing Duty on Indian Solar Cells GS-III
- HPV Vaccination Programme — National Rollout GS-II
- Trump’s State of the Union & Global Implications GS-II
- Bottled Water & Microplastic Contamination in India GS-III
- Digital Census 2027 — First-Ever Digital Population Enumeration GS-II
- ISRO NVS-02 Satellite Failure — NavIC Setback GS-III
- VBSA Bill 2025 — Replacing UGC, AICTE, NCTE GS-II
- Decolonising Science — National Science Day Debate GS-I / Essay
- Wildlife Conservation — Celebrity Animals & Ecological Realities GS-III
- SIM-Binding Directions for Messaging Platforms GS-III
Article 01
India ‘Stands Firmly’ with Israel — PM Modi’s Knesset Address & India-Israel Relations
📌 Issue in Brief
- PM Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) during his second visit to Israel, reaffirming India’s “zero tolerance for terrorism” and condemning the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
- India expressed firm support for the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council, balancing its traditional support for Palestine with deepening Israel ties.
- This visit comes shortly after India signed a joint statement criticising Israel’s West Bank settlement expansion at the UN, reflecting India’s diplomatic balancing act.
📚 Static Background
- India-Israel Diplomatic Relations: Established in 1992; strategic partnership since 2017.
- Abraham Accords (2020): Israel’s normalisation agreements with UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco.
- India’s Palestine Policy: India was the first non-Arab country to recognise the PLO (1974); voted for Palestinian statehood at UNGA.
- Bilateral Trade: Peaked at $10.7 billion in 2022-23; declined to $3.6 billion in 2024-25 due to war disruptions.
- Defence Ties: India accounted for over 38% of Israel’s arms exports between 2014–2024 (SIPRI data).
📊 Key Dimensions
| Areas of Cooperation | Challenges / Sensitivities |
|---|---|
| Defence — India is largest buyer of Israeli arms | Balancing pro-Palestine stance with Israel ties |
| Agriculture, Water Management, Drip Irrigation | India signed UN statement criticising West Bank settlements |
| FTA under negotiation; Digital Public Infrastructure linkages | Declining bilateral trade post-Gaza conflict |
| Counter-terrorism cooperation; Intelligence sharing | Domestic political criticism (Opposition raised Epstein connection) |
| Indian workers replacing Palestinian labour in Israel (~32,000) | Ethical concerns over replacing conflict-displaced workers |
🔍 Critical Analysis
- Diplomatic Tightrope: India’s “de-hyphenation” strategy — maintaining independent relationships with both Israel and Palestine — is under strain. The UN criticism of West Bank settlements followed by a warm Knesset address shows the tension.
- Economic Decline: Trade fell from $10.7B to $3.6B — war-related disruptions in the Red Sea route and Gaza conflict have significantly impacted economic ties.
- Defence Dependence: 38%+ share in Israel’s arms exports raises questions about diversification and strategic autonomy.
- Labour Mobility Ethics: 32,000 Indian workers replacing Palestinian labour post-conflict raises ethical and geopolitical questions.
🛤️ Way Forward
- Expedite the India-Israel FTA to diversify trade beyond diamonds and petroleum.
- Maintain “issue-based” alignment at the UN rather than bloc-based voting.
- Strengthen I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) grouping for regional stability.
- Diversify defence procurement to reduce over-dependence on any single supplier.
- Push for a two-state solution in consonance with India’s long-standing position.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Knesset (Israel’s unicameral parliament) • Abraham Accords (2020) • I2U2 Grouping • India-Israel diplomatic relations since 1992 • SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute)
📝 Mains Q: “India’s relationship with Israel has evolved from a covert to an overt strategic partnership. Critically examine the challenges India faces in balancing its ties with Israel and its historical support for the Palestinian cause.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-II)
Article 02
Sabarimala Review — Balancing Faith, Dignity & Constitutional Rights
📌 Issue in Brief
- A nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court is set to hear final arguments on review petitions challenging the 2018 Sabarimala verdict, which allowed women of all ages into the temple.
- The case will re-examine the Essential Religious Practices (ERP) doctrine versus the proposed “Anti-Exclusion Test” by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.
- The outcome will impact related cases — Dawoodi Bohra excommunication and Parsi women’s rights.
📚 Static Background
- Original Verdict (2018): Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala — 4:1 majority; opened temple to women aged 10–50.
- Constitutional Articles: Articles 14 (Equality), 15 (Non-discrimination), 25 (Freedom of Religion), 26 (Religious Denominations).
- Rule 3(b) of Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965 — basis of the ban on women.
- ERP Doctrine: Originated from Shirur Mutt case (1954); allows courts to determine what is “essential” to a religion.
🧠 Key Dimensions — Mind Map
SABARIMALA — CONSTITUTIONAL CROSSROADS
ERP Doctrine (Existing)
- Court determines what is “essential” to religion
- Acts as theological arbiter
- Problematic — subjective, no oral evidence
Anti-Exclusion Test (Proposed)
- Respects religious autonomy
- Intervenes only if practice impairs dignity
- Grounded in constitutional, not theological terms
Related Cases
- Dawoodi Bohra — excommunication rights
- Parsi women marrying outside faith
- Gender justice vs. religious freedom
Key Tensions
- Individual rights vs. communitarian claims
- Secularism vs. religious autonomy
- Article 25 vs. Article 26
🔍 Critical Analysis
- ERP Doctrine’s Flaw: Courts effectively become “moral arbiters on religion” — anathema to secularism (as noted by Justice Chandrachud himself).
- Anti-Exclusion Test Limitations: Still requires courts to engage with the “meaning and purpose” of a practice — may replicate some ERP difficulties.
- Crucial Distinction: ERP asks if a practice is essential to religion; Anti-Exclusion asks if the consequences of a practice are compatible with constitutional guarantees — a key difference.
- Federal Concerns: States like Kerala were politically divided; judicial outcomes have deep social ramifications.
- Justice Malhotra’s Dissent: Argued that a “generic doctrine of equality” cannot override collective rights of faith-based practices — a valid counter-perspective.
🛤️ Way Forward
- The nine-judge Bench should lay down a clear, principled framework that replaces the subjective ERP test.
- Adopt a dignity-centred approach — balancing religious autonomy with the individual’s right to equal moral membership.
- The decision must be sensitive to pluralism while upholding constitutional morality over social morality.
- Link to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Justice, Strong Institutions).
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Article 25 vs. 26 • ERP Doctrine (Shirur Mutt, 1954) • Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala (2018) • Rule 3(b), Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship Rules, 1965 • Nine-judge Bench = largest after the Basic Structure Bench (13 judges)
📝 Mains Q: “The Essential Religious Practices doctrine has been criticised for making courts theological arbiters. Examine the ‘Anti-Exclusion Test’ as an alternative in the context of the Sabarimala review.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-II)
Article 03
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in West Bengal — Judiciary’s Unprecedented Role
📌 Issue in Brief
- The Supreme Court directed judicial officers to take over the quasi-judicial task of verifying ~50 lakh claims and objections in West Bengal’s SIR of electoral rolls, citing a “trust deficit” between the State government and the ECI.
- This has stalled court proceedings, including POCSO cases, across the State as hundreds of judges were redeployed.
- CM Mamata Banerjee alleged 1.2 crore voters may be deleted from rolls.
📚 Static Background
- Representation of the People Act, 1950: Section 21 — preparation and revision of electoral rolls; District Magistrate/DEO holds authority.
- Article 324: Superintendence, direction and control of elections vested in the Election Commission.
- SIR: Special Intensive Revision — a comprehensive exercise to clean up electoral rolls by identifying bogus/duplicate entries.
- EROs and AEROs: Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant EROs — quasi-judicial functionaries.
🔄 Flowchart — SIR Process & Judicial Intervention
SIR Process in West Bengal
ECI initiates SIR → identifies “unmapped” voters / “logical discrepancies”
⬇
~58 lakh names initially excluded from draft rolls
⬇
Trust deficit between TMC govt. & ECI → SC intervenes (Feb 20)
⬇
SC directs Calcutta HC Chief Justice to deploy judicial officers as EROs/AEROs
⬇
~294 judicial officers deployed → court proceedings (including POCSO) stalled
⬇
Deadline: Feb 28 — voter list to be published; supplementary lists to follow
🔍 Critical Analysis
- Separation of Powers: Deploying judicial officers for essentially executive/administrative functions of electoral roll revision blurs the line between judiciary and executive.
- Justice Delivery Impacted: POCSO trials, bail hearings, and other critical cases put on hold — raises serious right to speedy trial (Article 21) concerns.
- “Knee-jerk reaction” (per retired IAS officer Jawhar Sircar): Judges are “out of depth” for administrative work; more time was needed.
- Voter Disenfranchisement Risk: If 1.2 crore voters (as alleged by CM Banerjee) are actually deleted, it threatens universal adult franchise — the bedrock of democracy.
- Federal Tensions: SC’s direct intervention bypassing the State machinery reflects deepening Centre-State friction in electoral governance.
🛤️ Way Forward
- Institute permanent, technology-driven electoral roll verification mechanisms (Aadhaar-linked, continuous updation) to avoid crisis-mode SIR exercises.
- Strengthen ECI’s institutional independence — 2nd ARC, Dinesh Goswami Committee, and Tarkunde Committee recommendations on ECI autonomy.
- Ensure judicial officers are not burdened with non-judicial work; create a separate Election Tribunal cadre.
- Phased publication of voter lists with adequate time for claims/objections.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Article 324 • RPA, 1950 (Section 21) • ERO/AERO functions • SIR = Special Intensive Revision • POCSO Act, 2012 • Calcutta HC jurisdiction
📝 Mains Q: “The deployment of judicial officers for electoral roll verification in West Bengal raises questions about separation of powers and access to justice. Discuss.” (150 words, 10 marks — GS-II)
Article 04
SC Takes Suo Motu Case over NCERT Textbook Content on Judicial Corruption
📌 Issue in Brief
- The Supreme Court registered a suo motu case after a Class 8 NCERT textbook mentioned “corruption” as a challenge facing the judiciary — CJI Surya Kant called it a “calculated, deep-rooted attempt” to denigrate the institution.
- NCERT issued an apology, calling it an “error of judgement” that “inadvertently crept” into the chapter; the book’s distribution was put on hold.
📚 Static Background
- Suo Motu Power: SC can take cognisance of issues without a formal petition — derived from Article 32 and inherent powers.
- NCERT: Established under Societies Registration Act (1860); develops curriculum, publishes textbooks under NEP.
- Separation of Powers: Basic Structure Doctrine — Kesavananda Bharati (1973).
- Judicial Independence: Articles 124–147 (Supreme Court); contempt jurisdiction under Article 129.
🔍 Critical Analysis
- Overreaction or Justified? While protecting institutional dignity is important, mentioning “corruption” as a challenge in an educational textbook is arguably factual and pedagogically valid — courts themselves have acknowledged corruption within (e.g., impeachment proceedings against Justice V. Ramaswami).
- Chilling Effect: Suo motu action against textbook content may create a chilling effect on academic freedom and critical thinking — the very goals of NEP 2020.
- Selective Sensitivity: As senior advocates pointed out — “Is there no corruption in other organs of governance?” The singling out of the judiciary raises questions about institutional sensitivity vs. transparency.
- Academic Autonomy: NCERT’s quick apology raises concerns about institutional capitulation under judicial pressure.
- Ethics Dimension: Tension between accountability/transparency and institutional respect — core GS-IV theme.
🛤️ Way Forward
- Textbooks should present balanced, factual content about all institutions — including challenges — to foster critical thinking.
- Judiciary should lead by example in transparency and accountability — e.g., asset declarations, live-streaming of cases.
- NCERT should have a robust peer-review mechanism for content before publication, not post-facto corrections.
- Uphold the spirit of constitutional literacy that NEP 2020 envisages.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Suo Motu = “on its own motion” • NCERT established 1961 • Article 129 (SC as Court of Record — contempt power) • Basic Structure Doctrine
📝 Mains Q: “Should educational textbooks discuss the challenges faced by the judiciary, including corruption? Analyse in the context of academic freedom and institutional independence.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-II / GS-IV)
Article 05
U.S. Slaps 126% Countervailing Duty on Indian Solar Cell Imports
📌 Issue in Brief
- The Trump administration imposed a preliminary 126% countervailing duty (CVD) on Indian solar cell imports, alleging subsidised exports hurt U.S. manufacturers.
- Duties also imposed on Indonesia (86–143%) and Laos (81%).
- Adani Group entities (Mundra Solar) specifically named with 125.87% duty; applies to all Indian exporters.
- India exported $1.94 billion worth of photovoltaics to the U.S. in FY2023-24.
📚 Static Background
- Countervailing Duty (CVD): A WTO-compliant trade remedy under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement); levied to counteract subsidies by exporting countries.
- India-U.S. Trade Framework: A framework deal to reduce tariffs from 50% to 18% was agreed recently — but U.S. Supreme Court struck down broad Trump tariffs as unconstitutional.
- India’s Solar Push: National Solar Mission (target: 500 GW renewable energy by 2030); PLI Scheme for solar manufacturing.
📊 Key Data
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| CVD on India | 125.87% (Adani entities named; applies to all) |
| Indian Solar Exports to U.S. (2024) | 2,297 MW (from 232 MW in 2022) |
| Photovoltaic Export Value (FY24) | $1,939.92 million |
| Existing Duties | Up to 40% already in place — CVD is additional |
| Final Determination Due | July 6, 2026 |
🔍 Critical Analysis
- Impact on India’s Solar Industry: The U.S. is the largest export destination for Indian solar parts — 126% duty could make exports economically unviable.
- Trade Protectionism: Comes alongside the broader U.S. tariff escalation — post-SC striking down Trump tariffs, new 15% baseline duty imposed, plus this CVD.
- Irony: Clean energy transition requires global cooperation; unilateral tariffs undermine climate goals (Paris Agreement, SDG 7 & 13).
- Supply Chain Disruption: Indian firms like Waaree, Premier Energies, Adani may need to diversify markets or relocate manufacturing.
- WTO Route: India can challenge the CVD at WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body if the subsidies are mischaracterised.
🛤️ Way Forward
- Diversify export markets: EU, Australia, Middle East, Africa for Indian solar products.
- Strengthen domestic demand: Align with India’s own 500 GW renewable target.
- Pursue the issue at WTO DSB and in bilateral India-U.S. trade negotiations.
- Accelerate PLI Scheme for solar cells/modules to build vertically integrated supply chains.
- Use the India-U.S. trade framework deal to negotiate sectoral exemptions.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Countervailing Duty (SCM Agreement, WTO) • National Solar Mission • PLI Scheme for Solar • Difference between Anti-Dumping Duty and CVD • Paris Agreement targets
📝 Mains Q: “Examine the impact of U.S. countervailing duties on India’s solar manufacturing sector. How should India respond through trade diplomacy and domestic industrial policy?” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-III)
Article 06
India’s Nationwide HPV Vaccination Programme — A Jab Well Done
📌 Issue in Brief
- India is rolling out a nationwide HPV vaccination programme for girls aged 14 — a single-dose regimen as recommended by the WHO.
- Cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in Indian women — 127,526 new cases and 79,906 deaths in 2022.
- Only 1.9% of women aged 30–49 have been screened — alarmingly low.
📚 Static Background
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Types 16 and 18 cause >80% of cervical cancer cases in India.
- WHO’s cervical cancer elimination strategy: 90-70-90 targets by 2030 (90% girls vaccinated, 70% women screened, 90% treated).
- 2009-10 controversy: HPV vaccine trial in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat — 7 girls died; ICMR found deaths “most probably unrelated” to vaccine but could not establish certainty.
- AEFI: Adverse Events Following Immunisation — must be monitored and reported.
- India’s SE Asia Region accounts for 2nd highest cervical cancer burden globally, with India contributing >65%.
🔍 Critical Analysis
- Global context: U.S. is currently facing a measles epidemic across 26 states due to anti-vaccine sentiment — India’s move counters this dangerous global trend.
- Cold chain challenge: HPV vaccines require proper cold-chain infrastructure — a challenge in rural India.
- Past trauma: The 2009-10 deaths during trials created lasting public distrust — transparent AEFI monitoring is critical for acceptance.
- Screening gap: Vaccination alone is insufficient — screening coverage at 1.9% needs massive improvement.
🛤️ Way Forward
- Ensure a robust cold chain network and complete transparency in AEFI reporting.
- Complement vaccination with cervical cancer screening programmes (VIA/VILI tests, HPV DNA testing).
- Address vaccine hesitancy through community health workers (ASHAs) and IEC campaigns.
- Align with WHO’s 90-70-90 targets and SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being).
- Indigenous vaccine development (e.g., Cervavac by SII) — boost affordability and accessibility.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: HPV types 16 & 18 • Cervavac (India’s first quadrivalent HPV vaccine by SII) • WHO 90-70-90 targets • AEFI • Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) • SEARO = South-East Asia Regional Office of WHO
📝 Mains Q: “Discuss the significance of India’s nationwide HPV vaccination programme in combating cervical cancer. What challenges need to be addressed for its successful implementation?” (150 words, 10 marks — GS-II)
Article 07
Trump’s State of the Union Address — Tariffs, Immigration & Global Implications
📌 Issue in Brief
- President Trump delivered a record 108-minute State of the Union address, touting economic success, championing tariff policy (despite SC striking it down), and warning about immigration.
- Called the SC ruling against tariffs “unfortunate” and vowed to use “alternative” laws — no Congressional action needed.
- On Iran: Preferred diplomacy but said he would “never allow” Iran to have a nuclear weapon.
🔍 Critical Analysis
- Executive overreach: Claiming “Congressional action will not be necessary” for tariffs challenges the separation of powers and the SC ruling.
- Tariff costs: Despite claims that foreign countries pay tariffs, evidence shows American consumers and businesses bear the cost.
- India implications: U.S. tariff policy (50% → 18% framework, then SC struck down, then 15% baseline + 126% solar CVD) creates policy uncertainty for Indian exporters.
- Iran tensions: Military build-up in West Asia with diplomatic rhetoric — implications for India’s energy security and Chabahar port project.
- Midterm strategy: The speech was designed to galvanise Republican base ahead of November midterms — rhetoric over substance.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: State of the Union — U.S. President’s annual address to joint session of Congress • IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) — used for tariffs, struck down by SC • Midterm elections in U.S. — November 2026
📝 Mains Q: “Analyse how the recent U.S. trade and tariff policy shifts impact India’s export competitiveness and bilateral relations.” (150 words, 10 marks — GS-II)
Article 08
Microplastic Contamination in Bottled Water — Unpackaging the Myth of Safety
📌 Issue in Brief
- Studies from Nagpur, Mumbai, and coastal Andhra Pradesh detected microplastics in all sampled bottled water brands — 72 to 212 particles per litre.
- Locally bottled water showed higher contamination than national brands.
- FSSAI and BIS standards do not include testing for microplastics or long-term plastic-derived chemical exposure.
🧠 Mind Map — Bottled Water & Microplastics
BOTTLED WATER RISKS
Microplastics
- Particles <5mm in size
- All samples tested positive
- Carry toxic additives
- Nanoplastics below detection
Chemical Leaching
- Antimony, phthalates
- Accelerated by heat/sunlight
- Common in Indian supply chains
Regulatory Gaps
- FSSAI — no microplastic limits
- BIS certification not mandatory
- Thousands of unregulated units
Solutions
- Point-of-use filtration
- Strengthen municipal supply
- Refill stations / public dispensers
- Update FSSAI/BIS standards
🔍 Critical Analysis
- Regulatory disconnect: Standards test for bacteria, not for emerging contaminants like microplastics — a critical oversight.
- Circular pollution: Plastic bottles → landfills/rivers → microplastics → re-enter water sources, including bottled water itself.
- Fragmented industry: Thousands of small bottling units operate with minimal oversight, drawing from stressed groundwater.
- Over-dependence: Misplaced trust in bottled water reflects the failure of municipal water supply systems — a governance issue.
🛤️ Way Forward
- Update FSSAI/BIS standards to include routine testing for microplastics and plastic-derived contaminants.
- Strengthen Jal Jeevan Mission for reliable piped water supply — reduce bottled water dependence.
- Promote point-of-use filtration systems (RO, UV, gravity filters) as a safer alternative.
- Enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
- Link to SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption).
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Microplastics (<5mm) • Nanoplastics (smaller, unregulated) • FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) • BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) • Jal Jeevan Mission • EPR under Plastic Waste Management Rules
📝 Mains Q: “India’s regulatory framework for bottled water safety does not address emerging contaminants like microplastics. Analyse the public health and environmental implications, and suggest reforms.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-III)
Article 09
Digital Census 2027 — India’s First-Ever Digital Population Enumeration
📌 Issue in Brief
- India’s first-ever digital Census 2027 will deploy ~32 lakh field functionaries; real-time monitoring via the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) web portal.
- Phase 1 (Houselisting): April 1 – September 30, 2026 — 33 questions on housing, amenities.
- Phase 2 (Population Enumeration): February 2027 — demographic, socio-economic, cultural, and caste details.
- Satellite imagery will be used for the first time to create “working maps” for identifying habitations.
📚 Static Background
- Census: Conducted under the Census Act, 1948; Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (under MHA).
- Last Census: 2011 (Census 2021 was postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19).
- Article 246: Census falls under the Union List (Entry 69).
- Caste Census: OBC caste data was collected in SECC (Socio-Economic and Caste Census) 2011 but never fully released — politically contentious.
🔍 Critical Analysis
- 15-year gap: With the 2021 census skipped, India will have a 16-year gap between censuses — severely outdated demographic data impacts all policy planning.
- Caste data collection: Inclusion of caste details in Phase 2 is politically significant — demands for a caste census have intensified.
- Digital divide: Real-time monitoring and digital data collection assume network connectivity and digital literacy across India — not universally available.
- Privacy concerns: Digital data collection at this scale raises issues about data security, surveillance potential, and need for a robust data protection framework (DPDP Act, 2023).
🛤️ Way Forward
- Ensure offline data collection capability in areas with poor connectivity.
- Implement robust data anonymisation and encryption protocols under the DPDP Act.
- Release caste data transparently to inform affirmative action policies.
- Train field functionaries in digital tools and local language interfaces.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Census Act, 1948 • RG&CCI (under MHA) • Union List, Entry 69 • SECC 2011 • CMMS portal • Houselisting = Phase 1; Population Enumeration = Phase 2
📝 Mains Q: “Discuss the significance and challenges of conducting India’s first digital census in 2027, especially in the context of a 16-year gap in demographic data.” (150 words, 10 marks — GS-II)
Article 10
ISRO NVS-02 Satellite Failure — Loose Connection Made Satellite Miss Orbit
📌 Issue in Brief
- ISRO’s apex committee found that the NVS-02 satellite (launched Jan 29, 2025 via GSLV-F15) failed to reach its intended circular orbit because a loose electrical connection prevented a key valve signal from reaching the engine’s oxidiser line.
- NVS-02 was part of India’s NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system.
- This was also ISRO’s 100th launch from Sriharikota.
- Corrective measures were implemented in the subsequent CMS-03/GSAT-7R launch (Nov 2, 2025) — which succeeded.
🔍 Critical Analysis
- Systemic quality control issue: A “loose connection” is a basic hardware failure — raises concerns about quality assurance in integration processes.
- Serial failures: PSLV also had successive failures — a separate committee (Vijayraghavan, Somanath) is probing “systemic issues”.
- NavIC gap: NVS-02 was critical for India’s indigenous navigation system — failure delays the upgrade from GPS-dependence to sovereign navigation.
- Positive: Quick diagnosis, corrective action, and successful CMS-03 launch show institutional learning capacity.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: NavIC = Navigation with Indian Constellation (7 satellites, covers India + 1,500 km) • GSLV = Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (uses cryogenic upper stage) • NVS = Navigation Satellite series • CMS-03/GSAT-7R = Navy’s communication satellite • PSLV vs. GSLV differences
📝 Mains Q: “Examine the strategic importance of India’s NavIC system and the challenges ISRO faces in ensuring mission reliability.” (150 words, 10 marks — GS-III)
Article 11
VBSA Bill 2025 — Replacing UGC, AICTE, NCTE with a Single Commission
📌 Issue in Brief
- The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025 proposes a 12-member umbrella commission to replace UGC, AICTE, and NCTE.
- Key change: The new commission will not have grant-disbursal powers — funding control shifts to “mechanisms devised by the Ministry of Education”.
- The Bill was circulated to 39 Ministries and is being examined by a 31-member JPC headed by BJP MP D. Purandeswari.
- Opposition parties called it “executive overreach” that subjects higher education to pervasive executive control.
📊 Comparison
| Aspect | Current System | VBSA Bill Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Bodies | UGC, AICTE, NCTE (separate) | Single umbrella VBSA commission |
| Grant Disbursal | UGC disburses grants | Separated from regulation; Ministry controls funding |
| Autonomy | Statutory bodies with some autonomy | Concerns about “graded autonomy” and executive control |
| Penalties | Limited enforcement | “Severe penalties and closure powers” |
🔍 Critical Analysis
- Autonomy Concern: Separating funding from regulation means the Ministry becomes the sole funder — institutions may face political pressure via funding conditionality.
- Federalism: Education is on the Concurrent List — centralised regulation may conflict with state-level education policies.
- NEP 2020 Implementation: The Bill is designed to implement NEP’s vision of a single regulator — but the devil is in the details of autonomy safeguards.
- JPC Scrutiny: Referral to a JPC is positive — ensures parliamentary scrutiny and stakeholder consultation.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: UGC Act, 1956 • AICTE Act, 1987 • NCTE Act, 1993 • Education in Concurrent List (Entry 25, List III) • NEP 2020 recommended single regulatory body • JPC = Joint Parliamentary Committee
📝 Mains Q: “The VBSA Bill proposes to replace UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single commission. Evaluate the proposal in terms of academic autonomy, federalism, and quality regulation.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-II)
Article 12
Decolonising & De-Nobelising Science — National Science Day Debate
📌 Issue in Brief
- An opinion piece argues that National Science Day (Feb 28) — commemorating the Raman Effect — should not merely reproduce a “Nobel-shaped story about genius” but become a day to discuss what counts as science.
- Three keywords — ‘jugaad’, ‘poromboke’, ‘laboratory’ — from the book Decolonial Keywords are used to challenge how India valorises science.
- The piece argues for recognising the work of technicians, field staff, nurses, lab attendants, data collectors — whose labour is essential but rarely commemorated.
🔍 Critical Analysis
- ‘Jugaad’ is celebrated as frugal innovation but erases the vocabularies of farmers, fishers, craftspeople who practise grassroots innovation daily.
- ‘Poromboke’: State classification of “wasteland” has rendered commons — critical for marginalised communities — invisible, much like “routine work” in science.
- ‘Laboratory’: The distinction between “mega labs” and “minor labs” (diagnostic centres) mirrors how caste and class hierarchies are reproduced within scientific institutions.
- UPSC Angle: This debate links to NEP 2020’s emphasis on “Indian Knowledge Systems”, the Gandhian idea of Gram Swaraj and appropriate technology, and the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020 focus on inclusive innovation.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: National Science Day = Feb 28 (Raman Effect, 1928; Nobel Prize 1930) • C.V. Raman worked at IACS, Calcutta • STIP 2020 • Jugaad = frugal innovation concept
📝 Mains Q (Essay): “Science in India must be de-Nobelised — celebrating not just genius but also the invisible labour that sustains knowledge production.” Discuss. (Essay / GS-I)
Article 13
Wildlife Conservation — Celebrity Animals & the Tension Between Emotion and Ecology
📌 Issue in Brief
- The death of Craig, one of Africa’s last “super tusker” elephants, sparked global mourning — raising the debate on celebrity animals vs. population-level conservation.
- Indian parallels: Machli (Ranthambore tigress) generated millions in tourism; Ustad (T-24) was removed after human deaths, sparking protests.
- Key argument: Conservation operates at the level of populations, habitats, and ecosystems — not individuals (K. Ullas Karanth).
📊 Key Tensions
| Celebrity Animal Benefits | Risks & Limitations |
|---|---|
| Generate tourism revenue; support local livelihoods | Tourism can expand beyond ecological limits |
| Create public empathy and conservation awareness | Emotional attachment blurs individual welfare vs. species protection |
| “Ambassadors for coexistence” in human-dominated landscapes | Rescuing every conflict animal alienates local communities |
| Help researchers track behaviour patterns | Diverts resources from less visible but more critical conservation work |
🔍 Critical Analysis
- Sanjay Gubbi’s critique: Wildlife tourism has become a “selfie opportunity” rather than an educational experience — commercial enterprise over ecological education.
- K. Ullas Karanth’s argument: Saving one ageing tiger rarely changes population-level trends — habitats, prey, genetic diversity, and connectivity matter more.
- Ustad case (2015): The tension between urban sentiment (protect the beloved tiger) and local community safety (remove the danger) exposes the rural-urban divide in conservation discourse.
- Craig’s success: He survived poaching because of sustained protection, anti-poaching enforcement, and community involvement — systemic, not individual.
🛤️ Way Forward
- Channel the emotional appeal of celebrity animals toward systemic support — funding for habitats, corridors, community-based conservation.
- Implement science-based wildlife management — not emotion-driven rescues.
- Strengthen human-wildlife conflict mitigation through compensation, crop insurance, and early warning systems.
- Ensure wildlife tourism follows ecotourism guidelines (carrying capacity, guide training, minimal disturbance).
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Project Tiger (1973) • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 • NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) • Super Tusker = elephant with tusks touching the ground • NavIC vs. GPS
📝 Mains Q: “Focusing on individual celebrity animals can misdirect limited conservation resources. Discuss with examples from India and suggest a science-based approach to wildlife conservation.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-III)
Article 14
SIM-Binding Directions for Messaging Platforms — WhatsApp, Security & Privacy
📌 Issue in Brief
- Communications Minister Scindia confirmed that SIM-binding directions (Nov 2025) will remain in force — Feb 28 deadline for compliance.
- Apps like WhatsApp must: (a) log out users on WhatsApp Web every 6 hours, and (b) stop functioning if the registered SIM is not on the device.
- Rationale: Fraud prevention and national security.
🔍 Critical Analysis
- Security vs. Convenience: 6-hour forced logouts from web clients significantly impact professionals and businesses relying on WhatsApp for work.
- Privacy Concerns: SIM-binding effectively creates a device-level identity tracking mechanism — raises questions under the DPDP Act, 2023 and Article 21 (right to privacy, Puttaswamy judgment).
- Implementation Challenges: Millions of users use dual-SIM phones, corporate devices, or devices without their primary SIM — compliance is complex.
- Comparative Perspective: No major democracy mandates such tight SIM-app binding for messaging platforms.
🎯 Exam Orientation
Prelims: Telecommunications Act, 2023 (replaced Indian Telegraph Act, 1885) • DPDP Act, 2023 • Puttaswamy judgment (2017) — right to privacy as fundamental right • IT Act, 2000 — intermediary guidelines
📝 Mains Q: “Critically evaluate the government’s SIM-binding directive for messaging platforms from the perspectives of national security, digital rights, and user privacy.” (150 words, 10 marks — GS-III)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the key UPSC-relevant topics from The Hindu dated February 26, 2026?
The key topics include PM Modi’s Knesset address and India-Israel relations, the Sabarimala review and the Anti-Exclusion Test, West Bengal’s SIR of electoral rolls and judicial intervention, NCERT textbook controversy on judicial corruption, U.S. 126% countervailing duty on Indian solar cells, India’s nationwide HPV vaccination programme, Digital Census 2027, ISRO NVS-02 satellite failure, VBSA Bill to replace UGC/AICTE/NCTE, microplastic contamination in bottled water, and wildlife conservation debates.
What is the Anti-Exclusion Test proposed in the Sabarimala case and how is it relevant for UPSC?
The Anti-Exclusion Test, proposed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, offers an alternative to the Essential Religious Practices (ERP) doctrine. Instead of asking whether a practice is essential to religion (which makes courts theological arbiters), it asks whether the consequences of a practice are compatible with constitutional guarantees of equal treatment and dignity. This is highly relevant for GS-II (Polity), GS-IV (Ethics), and Essay papers, as it touches on fundamental rights, secularism, gender justice, and the balance between individual rights and communitarian claims.
What is the U.S. countervailing duty on Indian solar cells and why does it matter for UPSC preparation?
The U.S. imposed a preliminary 126% countervailing duty (CVD) on Indian solar cell imports, alleging that Indian government subsidies were hurting U.S. manufacturers. This is important for GS-III (Economy, Trade, Environment) as it impacts India’s solar manufacturing sector, affects India’s renewable energy targets (500 GW by 2030), and illustrates growing trade protectionism. It also tests understanding of WTO mechanisms (SCM Agreement), PLI Scheme, and India-U.S. bilateral trade dynamics.
What is the VBSA Bill 2025 and how does it change higher education regulation in India?
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025 proposes a single 12-member umbrella commission to replace UGC, AICTE, and NCTE. The key change is that the new body will not have grant-disbursal powers — funding will be controlled by the Ministry of Education. This is relevant for GS-II (Education, Governance) as it raises concerns about academic autonomy, federalism (education is on the Concurrent List), and potential for executive overreach in higher education.
What is India’s Digital Census 2027 and why is it significant for UPSC?
Census 2027 will be India’s first-ever digital population census, deploying about 32 lakh field functionaries with real-time monitoring through the CMMS portal. It comes after a 16-year gap (last census: 2011). Phase 1 (houselisting) runs April–September 2026, and Phase 2 (population enumeration with caste data) in February 2027. For UPSC, this is relevant for GS-I (Indian Society), GS-II (Governance), and Prelims (Census Act 1948, Union List Entry 69, RG&CCI). The collection of caste data and the digital divide are important analytical dimensions.
What is the significance of PM Modi’s Knesset address for India’s foreign policy (UPSC GS-II)?
PM Modi’s address at the Israeli Knesset is significant as it reflects India’s “de-hyphenation” strategy — maintaining independent ties with both Israel and Palestine. India supports the Gaza Peace Initiative while affirming a “zero tolerance for terrorism” stance. The visit comes after India signed a UN statement criticising Israel’s West Bank settlements, showing the diplomatic balancing act. For UPSC, this covers India-Israel strategic partnership, defence cooperation (38% of Israel’s arms exports), the I2U2 grouping, Abraham Accords, and India’s evolving West Asia policy.
What are the concerns about microplastic contamination in bottled water in India?
Studies from Nagpur, Mumbai, and Andhra Pradesh found microplastics in all sampled bottled water brands (72–212 particles per litre). The key concern is that India’s FSSAI and BIS standards do not include testing for microplastics or long-term exposure to plastic-derived chemicals. This creates a regulatory gap between daily consumption patterns and safety oversight. For UPSC, this connects to GS-III (Environment, Health), the Jal Jeevan Mission, Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and SDGs 6 and 12.
What is the NavIC system and why did the ISRO NVS-02 mission fail?
NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India’s indigenous regional navigation satellite system with 7 satellites covering India and 1,500 km beyond. The NVS-02 satellite, launched via GSLV-F15 in January 2025, failed to reach its intended circular orbit because a loose electrical connection prevented a signal from activating a key valve in the engine’s oxidiser line. This is relevant for GS-III (Science & Technology) and Prelims, covering topics like GSLV vs. PSLV, indigenous navigation systems, and ISRO’s quality assurance challenges.
How is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal relevant for UPSC?
The SC-directed deployment of judicial officers for SIR verification in West Bengal raises critical UPSC themes: separation of powers (judicial officers doing executive/administrative work), right to speedy trial (POCSO and other cases stalled), universal adult franchise (concerns about mass voter deletion), federal tensions (Centre-State-ECI relations), and ECI’s institutional independence. It involves Article 324, RPA 1950, and the role of EROs/AEROs — all important for GS-II (Polity & Governance).
What is the relevance of the NCERT textbook controversy for UPSC Ethics paper (GS-IV)?
The NCERT controversy — where the SC took suo motu cognisance of a textbook mentioning corruption in the judiciary — raises key GS-IV themes: tension between institutional accountability and institutional dignity, academic freedom vs. respect for constitutional bodies, the role of transparency in public institutions, and whether suppressing factual information in educational materials serves democratic values. It also connects to the broader question of whether courts should be above criticism in a democracy.
