The Hindu — UPSC Analysis
Saturday, 13 June 2026
Bengaluru City Edition · Curated for Prelims & Mains | GS I · II · III · IV
📋 Today's Topics
- U.S. Strikes on Ships with Indian Links & the Strait of Hormuz CrisisGS2 · GS3
- Article 329(b): Courts and Electoral DisputesGS2
- AI-171 Crash: AAIB Interim Statement & Aviation SafetyGS3
- Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate (MUDPFR)GS2 · GS3
- 8th Central Pay Commission & Public Compensation ReformGS2 · GS3
- Coal Exchange Rules, 2026GS3
- Paraquat Ban & Pesticide Regulation in IndiaGS3 · GS2
- BSF–BGB Border Talks & "Pushbacks"GS2 · GS3
- Retail Inflation at a 16-Month HighGS3
- PCPNDT Act & the Persistence of Male-Child BiasGS1 · GS2
- Solar Cell Manufacturing (ALCM/ALMM) & Domestic ContentGS3
- Draft Telecommunications (TV, Radio) Rules, 2026GS2
- Great Nicobar Airport vs INS Baaz ExpansionGS3 · GS2
- Project Kusha & Military Adviser to the NSCSGS3
- Quick Prelims Revision (MCQ Bank)Prelims
- FAQsRevision
U.S. Strikes on Ships with Indian Links & the Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Context
The U.S. struck three ships carrying Indian crew, killing three Indian seafarers. India condemned the attacks as "unacceptable", summoned the U.S. Embassy Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time in three days and lodged a "strong protest", while President Trump blamed Iran for "drone attacks" on Indian ships leaving the Strait of Hormuz.
Background & Key Facts
- The conflict: Launched by Trump with Israel's Netanyahu on 28 February; despite 40 days of U.S.–Israeli bombing, Iran survived and now controls the Strait of Hormuz.
- India's shifting tone: On Thursday the External Affairs Ministry called the ships foreign-flagged and the deaths "incidental collateral damage"; on Friday it conveyed "deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping".
- The three ships: Marivex (hit Monday; owned by Arihant Shipping, Panama-registered; six Indian names linked via Opencorporates) had transited Hormuz carrying Iranian oil bound for Mangalore and later served Karwar. Settebello (hit Wednesday; the three Indian deaths) is UAE-owned, managed by IOS Marine FZE, and was flagged by the U.S.-based non-profit United Against Nuclear Iran in its "Ghost Armada" list. Jalveer (hit Thursday; Guinea Bissau-registered) lists a One Person Company in Mumbai for safety compliance; last port was Dighi, Maharashtra.
- Flags of convenience: Many Indian-owned ships serving Russian and Iranian oil are registered in countries with minimum scrutiny; Settebello changed its flag ten times, names five times and ownership three times.
- Iran's framing: Iran's Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei described them as "attacks on Indian commercial vessels".
Strategic Stalemate (Editorial Angle)
Trump backed off from striking Iran hours after threatening to seize Kharg Island. Iran retaliated against U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan after a U.S. Apache was shot down over Hormuz. The war failed to achieve any declared objective (dismantling Iran's nuclear programme, degrading missiles, ending support to militias, regime change) and has hardened Iran's position: it now insists nuclear talks can follow only a ceasefire and lifting of the blockade.
Why Hormuz Matters to India
- Energy chokepoint: A narrow strait through which a large share of seaborne oil transits; closure spikes crude prices and freight/insurance.
- Diaspora & seafarers: Large Indian crewing presence in global merchant shipping exposes India to collateral risk.
- Diplomatic balancing: India must protect citizens and trade without being drawn into the U.S.–Iran confrontation.
Consular vs strategic dilemma: India's initial "collateral damage" framing, later upgraded to a "strong protest", reflects the tension between safeguarding citizens and preserving ties with both Washington and Tehran.
Flags-of-convenience opacity: Frequent changes of flag, name and ownership make accountability and attribution extremely hard, complicating India's claims of "Indian links".
Energy security exposure: India's reliance on West Asian sea lanes makes any Hormuz disruption a direct macroeconomic and inflationary threat.
Contradictory U.S. signalling: Trump's shifting statements and selective closure of Hormuz inject unpredictability into a sensitive theatre.
- Press for guaranteed safety of civilian shipping and Indian seafarers through diplomatic and IMO channels.
- Diversify crude sourcing and strengthen strategic petroleum reserves to cushion price shocks.
- Tighten oversight of Indian-linked vessels using flags of convenience to reduce legal and security exposure.
- Continue strategic autonomy — engage the U.S., Iran and Gulf partners to support a phased ceasefire.
Strait of Hormuz Kharg Island Flags of convenience Charge d'Affaires
MCQ: Strait of Hormuz
With reference to the Strait of Hormuz, consider the following statements:
- It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
- It lies between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.
- It is a major maritime chokepoint for seaborne crude oil.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Article 329(b): Courts and Electoral Disputes
Context
The Supreme Court dismissed Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's plea challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination papers from Madhya Pradesh, holding that in view of Article 329(b) it had no jurisdiction to interfere with the Returning Officer's order and that an election petition was the only remedy.
Background & Key Facts
- Article 329(b): No election to either House of Parliament or a State legislature can be called in question except through an election petition presented to the prescribed authority.
- The dispute: The RO (MP Assembly Principal Secretary Arvind Sharma) rejected her nomination (9 June order) for failing to disclose a pending criminal case in Hyderabad in Form 26; three BJP candidates were declared elected unopposed.
- Bench: Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and A.S. Chandurkar.
- Precedent: N.P. Ponnuswami v. Returning Officer (1952) bars writ jurisdiction (Articles 32/226) to challenge disputes arising during the course of an election.
- Court's reasoning: Recognising an exception for "glaring" or "patent" errors would mean reading into Article 329 a principle that does not exist.
Non-interference principle: The judgment reaffirms judicial restraint in mid-election disputes to prevent stalling of the electoral process.
Access-to-justice concern: Aggrieved candidates may face long delays in election-petition adjudication, by which time the legislative term may be substantially over.
Allegations of bias: The petitioner's counsel alleged a "patent error" and questioned the poll body proceeding with results despite the matter being before the court, raising perceptions about a level playing field.
- Time-bound disposal of election petitions to make the post-poll remedy meaningful.
- Greater transparency and uniformity in scrutiny of nomination papers across States.
- Strengthen institutional neutrality of returning authorities and the Election Commission.
Article 329(b) N.P. Ponnuswami case Form 26 affidavit Rajya Sabha election
MCQ: Election disputes
Consider the following statements regarding challenges to elections in India:
- Article 329(b) provides that an election can be questioned only by an election petition.
- The Supreme Court can entertain a writ petition under Article 32 to set aside an election while it is in progress.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
AI-171 Crash: AAIB Interim Statement & Aviation Safety
Context
On the first anniversary of the crash of London-bound Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad (12 June 2025), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released an interim statement saying evidence is undergoing comprehensive analysis; the final report will follow international review and consultation.
Background & Key Facts
- The crash: A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed while taking off, killing 260 people — 241 on board and 19 on the ground. Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was among the dead; 52 British nationals were killed.
- Preliminary finding: The aircraft's fuel control switches had moved to the cut-off position, interrupting fuel supply moments before the crash; the report did not determine whether this was deliberate, inadvertent or a technical malfunction.
- Cockpit excerpt controversy: A brief cockpit exchange in the report triggered speculation; pilot associations condemned its inclusion for building a narrative around pilot involvement before any definitive conclusion.
- ICAO Annex 13: States must release a final report as soon as possible, ideally within 12 months; otherwise an interim statement must be published on each anniversary of the occurrence.
- Investigation covered technical, operational, organisational and human factors; flight recorder data, engine components and maintenance/operational records were examined.
Transparency vs prejudice: Releasing partial cockpit details can fuel premature blame, undermining a fair "just culture" investigation.
Delay & closure: Families bemoaned the absence of any statement from the PM or Gujarat CM and demanded the final report and a memorial; only the British High Commissioner paid respects at the site.
Regulatory credibility: Timely, objective reporting is essential to maintain public confidence in Indian aviation safety oversight.
- Adhere strictly to ICAO Annex 13 timelines and process for a credible final report.
- Avoid selective disclosure that could prejudge cause; protect a no-blame investigative culture.
- Strengthen independent functioning of the AAIB and clear communication with victims' families.
AAIB ICAO Annex 13 Flight data recorder Boeing 787 Dreamliner
MCQ: Aviation safety
Annex 13 on Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation, referred to in news, is associated with which organisation?
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate (MUDPFR)
Context
An editorial argues that despite the Digital India Mission making India a "best practice" digital welfare state, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) remain excluded; disability pensions are determined by domicile and State discretion, not the nature or extent of disability. It proposes a Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate (MUDPFR).
Background & Key Facts
- Numbers: 2011 Census recorded 2.68 crore PwDs; today conservatively estimated at 4.5–6 crore.
- Legal basis: Right to live with dignity is a fundamental right; the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (Section 24) guarantees adequate social security including pensions; Article 41 obliges the State to provide public assistance to persons with disability.
- Current inadequacy: The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme covers only a small fraction; most States pay just ₹300–₹500/month, a few offer ₹1,000–₹3,000.
- Spending: India spends barely 0.02% of GDP on disability welfare — South Africa 0.12–0.15%, Australia 0.35–0.40%, Brazil 0.45–0.50%, OECD 2.2%.
- Economics: World Bank/UNDP estimate low- and middle-income countries lose 3–7% of GDP by excluding PwDs; fiscal multipliers 1.4–1.6; a 2025 Pro Bono Economics report found socio-economic returns exceed costs by nearly 48%.
Fiscal Cost of a MUDPFR
| Pension / Beneficiaries | Annual Cost | % of GDP |
|---|---|---|
| ₹8,000/month, 40 lakh | ~₹38,400 crore | 0.08% |
| ₹10,000/month, 65 lakh | ~₹78,000 crore | — |
| ₹15,000/month | — | below 0.2% |
Comparable allocations: food subsidies ₹2.05 lakh crore, rural development ₹1.80 lakh crore, revenue foregone ₹1.72 lakh crore, infrastructure ₹11.11 lakh crore.
Global Models & Institutional Fix
- Uniform national grants: South Africa (national disability grant), Brazil's BPC, Australia & New Zealand; Kenya, Rwanda, Thailand, Indonesia provide national disability income support.
- Single authority: South Africa's SASSA, Australia's NDIA, Brazil's INSS, Ireland's Department of Social Protection — India needs a National Disability Pension Authority for eligibility norms, a national registry, portability, digital integration and grievance redress.
- Employment linkage: Pair pensions with the Disability Employment Incentive Scheme; models include UK's Access to Work, Australia's wage subsidies, Nigeria's employer tax incentives; existing PM-DAKSH, NAPS support this.
- Global commitments: Article 28 of the UN CRPD, ILO Recommendation No. 202, SDG 1.3, and the G-20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.
Federalism vs equality: "Federalism cannot be a justification for inequality" — a "postcode lottery" leaves PwDs at the mercy of State budgets; a floor rate would still allow State top-ups.
Fragmentation: Shared responsibility between the Ministry of Rural Development and the Department of Empowerment of PwDs causes duplication, delays and diffused accountability.
Rights vs charity: A MUDPFR shifts disability pensions from discretion to citizenship rights, transforming the State from benevolent provider to constitutional guarantor.
- Legislate a Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate giving effect to Article 41 and Section 24 of the RPwD Act.
- Create a National Disability Pension Authority — "one standard, one system, one nation".
- Deliver via DBT/UPI (capacity already exists); add State-wise performance monitoring.
- Integrate pensions with employment support to move PwDs from survival to productive participation.
Article 41 RPwD Act, 2016 UN CRPD Article 28 SDG 1.3 IGNDPS
MCQ: Disability rights framework
Consider the following statements:
- Article 41 of the Constitution directs the State to provide public assistance in cases of disablement.
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 guarantees social security including pension benefits.
- Article 41 is a justiciable fundamental right.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
8th Central Pay Commission & Public Compensation Reform
Context
As India moves toward the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), an editorial argues the deeper question is not how much compensation should rise, but whether the framework for determining public compensation remains coherent, equitable and fiscally sustainable.
Background & Key Facts
- Beyond wages: Pay Commission recommendations shape inter-service parity, long-term fiscal commitments and the institutional balance within the state.
- Framework deficit: A small, time-bound body evaluates diverse civil, military and technical services largely on the basis of their own representations; there is no universally accepted method for comparing risk, responsibility, technical complexity or career progression.
- Civil–military divergence: Military careers are sharply pyramidal with limited promotion and earlier retirement; civilian services offer broader advancement and longer careers.
- Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU): Allows financial advancement without a corresponding rise in responsibility, weakening the link between role, accountability and compensation.
- Pensions: India operates legacy defined-benefit schemes, contributory plans for newer entrants, and separate arrangements for elected representatives. RBI's State Finances Report (2023) notes salaries, pensions and interest consume a large share of State expenditure, limiting fiscal space.
Coherence over quantum: Officers in very different services may receive comparable pay at certain stages; without transparent, objective principles, parity claims breed perceptions of inconsistency.
Experience vs efficiency: Reduced experience requirements for senior posts may aid faster progression but cannot fully substitute for institutional memory and seasoned judgment.
Fiscal sustainability & equity: Multiple pension systems raise concerns about inter-generational equity and crowding out of development spending.
- Consider a permanent National Compensation Authority / specialised public service body with continuous, benchmark-based review instead of the decadal model.
- Establish common principles for assessing responsibility, experience and hardship while preserving flexibility across services and States.
- Respect federalism — States retain autonomy over implementation within a framework of transparency, comparability and fiscal discipline.
- Ensure compensation structures are not only financially sustainable but also publicly explainable.
Central Pay Commission Non-Functional Upgradation Defined-benefit vs contributory pension RBI State Finances Report
MCQ: Pay Commission & pensions
"Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU)", in the context of government service, refers to:
- A promotion to a higher post with additional responsibilities
- Financial advancement without a corresponding increase in responsibility
- A disciplinary downgrade of pay scale
- Pension benefits for elected representatives
Coal Exchange Rules, 2026
Context
Unveiled at a time of record domestic coal production, the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026 will create a market-based mechanism through regulated trading platforms for coal — the lynchpin of India's energy system — aimed at price discovery, transparency and access for small consumers.
Background & Key Facts
- Current trade: Most coal moves via long-term contracts (mainly power sector), followed by auctions, imports and captive mining; bilateral deals are often opaque.
- Design: Coal exchanges are closer in design to power exchanges (physical delivery platforms) than to financial commodity exchanges; expected to serve the non-regulated sector relying on Coal India auctions where coal is sold at a premium to the highest bidder.
- Regulator: Specific rules will be framed by the Coal Controller Organisation of India, determining the success of the exchanges.
- Key difference from power: Coal is not as fungible as electricity — coal quality varies widely, so robust standards and quality assurance are crucial.
Lessons from power exchanges: Power exchanges aided price discovery and acted as a balancing market without replacing PPAs; their successes and failures are lessons for coal.
Quality & logistics: Variable coal quality, the need for standards, dispute resolution, transportation logistics and safeguards against volatility are critical since these are physical-delivery platforms.
Retail participation: Unlike power exchanges dominated by discoms, the emphasis must be on drawing in retail consumers; Coal India's stance will be crucial.
- Begin by opening up inventories so surpluses balance shortages across India.
- Frame robust quality standards, liquidity creation and enforcement to attract major producers and consumers.
- Build dispute-resolution mechanisms and improved transport logistics for physical delivery.
Coal Exchange Rules 2026 Coal Controller Organisation Power exchanges Captive mining
MCQ: Coal exchanges
Consider the following statements about the proposed Coal Exchanges in India:
- They are designed as physical-delivery platforms rather than purely financial markets.
- Rules are to be framed by the Coal Controller Organisation of India.
- Coal is more fungible than electricity, making standardisation unnecessary.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Paraquat Ban & Pesticide Regulation in India
Context
In March 2026, Telangana banned the sale, manufacture and use of paraquat — one of the world's most widely used and highly toxic weedicides — becoming only the third State to do so after Kerala and Odisha (Andhra Pradesh followed in May). The herbicide causes hundreds of deaths each year, mostly suicides and some accidental.
Background & Key Facts
- Toxicity: Paraquat is colourless, tasteless, mostly fatal, has no antidote; it destroys cell structure, damaging kidneys, then liver, then lungs (irreversible fibrosis). Ventilation accelerates lung damage.
- Easy availability: Low price (₹280/litre), labelled as a non-selective contact herbicide; imports rose from 8,598 tonnes (2019-20) to 20,786 tonnes (2022-23).
- Sole regulating law: The Insecticides Act, 1968. Under Section 27 a State ban lasts 60 days, extendable by 30; the Kerala HC (Feb 2022) struck down Kerala's 2011 ban on the technical ground that the State lacked authority beyond 60+30 days.
- Global & data: Banned in 74 countries. Gandhi Hospital, Hyderabad recorded 217 poisoning cases (2024–25); of 100 studied, 94% suicide and 5% accidental, 54% farmers and 16% students.
- Rotterdam Convention: In May 2013 India (with Guatemala) opposed listing paraquat as a "severely hazardous pesticide formulation" under Annex III; the proposal had 118-country support but failed as the treaty requires complete consensus. Listing would have required prior-informed consent before export, not an outright ban.
- Industry & supply: 1,503 licensed manufacturers (Aug 2025); on 16 April the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee cleared seven new formulation applications. CropLife India (17 agro-chemical firms) warned sudden restrictions could raise input costs; paraquat is used on nearly 80 lakh acres.
- Impact of ban: In Karimnagar, deaths fell from ~30–50/month to 3–5; Telangana's Assembly passed a bipartisan resolution urging a nationwide ban. Flipkart and Amazon delisted it in Telangana, but smaller sites still sell it.
Regulatory federalism gap: State bans without e-commerce cooperation are "a ban on paper" — Section 27's time limit and online sales render them ineffectual; a central ban is needed.
Weak oversight & awareness: Only 79,185 farmers were sensitised on safe pesticide use (2020–2026) in a country where 46.1% depend on agriculture (Economic Survey 2025-26).
State as enabler: India opposed Rotterdam listing and continues clearing new formulations even as a State bans the chemical, reflecting policy incoherence.
Livelihood trade-off: Rising labour shortages and costs drive farmers to cheap paraquat; bans must be paired with affordable alternatives (brush-cutters, sickles).
- Enact a nationwide ban or stricter central regulation under a strengthened pesticides law, plus mandatory e-commerce delisting.
- Reconsider opposition to listing under the Rotterdam Convention to enable prior-informed consent.
- Scale up farmer awareness, promote safer/affordable weed-control alternatives, and improve agriculture-department oversight.
- Strengthen poisoning-response capacity and mental-health support given the high suicide share.
Insecticides Act, 1968 Rotterdam Convention (Annex III) CIBRC Paraquat
MCQ: Rotterdam Convention & pesticides
With reference to the Rotterdam Convention, consider the following statements:
- Listing a chemical under Annex III amounts to a global ban on its use.
- It operates on the principle of Prior Informed Consent for trade in hazardous chemicals.
- The only law in India regulating chemicals like paraquat is the Insecticides Act, 1968.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
BSF–BGB Border Talks & "Pushbacks"
Context
The 57th Director-General-level Border Coordination Conference between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) concluded in Delhi (8–11 June), discussing "illegal and forced border crossings", smuggling and human trafficking along the India–Bangladesh border.
Background & Key Facts
- Agenda: Preventing trans-border crimes — narcotics, arms, counterfeit currency, gold; border deaths; illegal/forcible crossings; border infrastructure; the Coordinated Border Management Plan; confidence-building measures.
- "Pushbacks": Over the past month, undocumented persons (suspected Bangladeshis) were sent across on foot along the West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura and Assam frontiers, leading to confrontations and reported stone-throwing.
- Bangladesh's stand: The BGB DG expressed "deep concern" over push-ins, including Rohingya/Myanmar nationals and Indian nationals, describing the suffering of those "pushed-in"; reiterated Bangladesh does not allow Rohingya/Myanmar nationals to enter India illegally.
- India's stand: The BSF maintains the persons entered India illegally and carried documents indicating Bangladeshi nationality.
- Leadership: India led by BSF DG Praveen Kumar; Bangladesh by BGB DG Major-General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui.
- Bilateral context: India's new High Commissioner-designate Dinesh Trivedi (appointed 27 April) called for cooperation in health, technology, education; relations strained since the August 2024 uprising that overthrew Sheikh Hasina, who remains in India.
Trust deficit: The shift from a joint press conference to a BSF-only statement signals strained ties amid the pushback controversy.
Humanitarian & legal concerns: Pushing back individuals — including potentially Rohingya — raises questions of due process, refugee protection and nationality verification.
Security–diplomacy balance: Effective border management requires institutionalised cooperation rather than unilateral action that fuels confrontation.
- Strengthen the Coordinated Border Management Plan and confidence-building measures to handle crossings cooperatively.
- Establish clear, verifiable protocols for nationality determination and humane treatment of detained persons.
- Use the India–Bangladesh economic and people-to-people potential to rebuild trust post-2024.
BSF & BGB Coordinated Border Management Plan Petrapole–Benapole Rohingya
MCQ: India–Bangladesh border
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is the counterpart of which Indian force along the India–Bangladesh border?
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Assam Rifles
Retail Inflation at a 16-Month High
Context
Retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 3.9% in May 2026 from 3.5% in April — the highest in 16 months and the fastest pace since January 2025 (4.06%), driven by rising food prices.
Background & Key Facts
- Trend: Inflation was over 6% in October 2024, nearly stagnated by October 2025, and has risen since November 2025 on a low base; now just 0.07% short of the RBI's 4% target.
- Core inflation: Rose to 3.73% — three consecutive months of quickening. Core excludes food, fuel and electricity.
- Food (CFPI): 4.8% in May (up from 4.2%). Cereal prices rose 0.28% (positive for the first time since Jan 2026), rice up 0.23%; tomato prices up 48.4% (from 35.3%); onion deflation slowed to 2.2% (from 17.7%).
- Housing/fuel: Housing, water, electricity, gas group (17.6% of basket) quickened to 1.73%; petrol and diesel inflation rose to 6% (from 0.5% in March) due to the West Asia war; transport costs up 1.75%.
- Monsoon: Delayed; farmers advised to wait for rains before sowing (Bank of Baroda's Madan Sabnavis).
Food & geopolitics-driven: The uptick is led by food staples and by fuel inflation traceable to the West Asia conflict and higher logistics costs.
Approaching the target: Headline nearing the 4% RBI target, with core inflation firming for three months, narrows the room for monetary easing.
Monsoon risk: A delayed monsoon threatens kharif sowing and could keep food prices elevated.
- Ensure timely sowing and buffer-stock management to stabilise food prices.
- Cushion fuel-price pass-through via calibrated taxation and supply measures.
- Monitor core inflation closely to calibrate monetary policy around the 4% target band.
CPI & CFPI Core inflation RBI inflation target (4%) Base effect
MCQ: Inflation measures
Consider the following statements:
- Core inflation excludes food, fuel and electricity prices.
- The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) is released by the RBI.
- The RBI's flexible inflation-targeting framework has a CPI target of 4%.
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
PCPNDT Act & the Persistence of Male-Child Bias
Context
The Supreme Court observed that though the child sex ratio shows "clear signs of improvement", the continued prevalence of sex selection reflects "deep-seated patriarchal preferences" for a male child, while dismissing a Maharashtra doctor's appeal against proceedings under the PCPNDT Act, 1994.
Background & Key Facts
- The Act: Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 prohibits sex selection and misuse of diagnostic techniques.
- Bench: Justices Sanjay Karol and P.K. Mishra refused to quash criminal proceedings, stressing strict enforcement until social attitudes change.
- Persistent gaps: Several States still report sex ratios at birth below the national average, indicating "behind the curtains" sex selection.
- Global indicator: The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2025 records India's ranking dropping to 131 of 148 (from 129 the previous year).
- State schemes to curb female foeticide reflect sustained efforts against systemic discrimination faced by the girl child.
Law vs social attitudes: Improvement in the child sex ratio coexists with entrenched patriarchal preference; legislation alone cannot eliminate demand for sex selection.
Enforcement imperative: "Letting infractions slide" would defeat the Act's purpose — hence strict enforcement remains essential.
Global standing: A falling Gender Gap ranking signals that gains in sex ratio have not translated into broader gender parity.
- Combine strict PCPNDT enforcement with sustained behaviour-change communication.
- Strengthen girl-child welfare schemes and women's economic participation.
- Improve monitoring of sex ratios at birth at the district level.
PCPNDT Act, 1994 Sex ratio at birth Global Gender Gap Report WEF
MCQ: PCPNDT & gender indices
The Global Gender Gap Report is published by:
- United Nations Development Programme
- World Economic Forum
- World Bank
- UN Women
Solar Cell Manufacturing (ALCM/ALMM) & Domestic Content
Context
The Approved List of Cell Manufacturers (ALCM) for solar cells came into effect on 1 June 2026, requiring module manufacturers to use solar PV cells only from listed sources — a move the Indian Solar Association warns may hit solar projects already on the books.
Background & Key Facts
- The orders: Under the ALMM (Approved List of Module Manufacturers) order of 2019, PV module makers must source cells only from those listed under the ALCM.
- Capacity mismatch: India's module manufacturing capacity ~190 GW, but domestic cell capacity only ~25 GW, against an annual installation requirement of ~50 GW — a supply deficit is likely.
- Prices: Imported cells available at ~₹5/watt (with 20% Basic Customs Duty); domestic cells ~₹13/watt. Higher costs will pass to developers, investors, discoms, consumers or the government.
- Segments: Residential rooftop continues with DCR (Domestic Content Requirement) cells under PM Surya Ghar subsidy; commercial/solar-park projects (70% of installations) will be affected.
- Demand: Indian Solar Association president C. Narasimhan sought phased ALCM implementation until cell capacity reaches at least 100 GW.
Sequencing problem: Mandatory domestic sourcing was enforced without first building adequate cell capacity, risking a supply deficit and higher costs.
Atmanirbharta vs affordability: Domestic-content goals support self-reliance and the value chain but raise tariffs and may stall capacity utilisation and projects.
Closure risk: EPC and manufacturing firms may face closure if module availability becomes an issue.
- Phase in the ALCM until domestic cell production reaches at least 100 GW.
- Accelerate cell manufacturing via PLI and infrastructure support to close the 25 GW–50 GW gap.
- Calibrate duties and support schemes to protect project viability and consumer tariffs.
ALMM / ALCM Domestic Content Requirement PM Surya Ghar Basic Customs Duty
MCQ: Solar manufacturing policy
Consider the following statements:
- ALMM is the Approved List of Module Manufacturers.
- Under the new rule, listed module makers must source cells from the Approved List of Cell Manufacturers.
- Residential rooftop installations under PM Surya Ghar use Domestic Content Requirement cells.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Draft Telecommunications (TV, Radio) Rules, 2026
Context
The Centre published the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 for public consultation, to consolidate guidelines for TV and radio under the framework of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, replacing those issued under the erstwhile Telegraph Act.
Background & Key Facts
- Administering ministry: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry administers provisions relating to television, radio and associated services.
- Unified rule-book: Existing terms and conditions of authorisation are harmonised and rationalised into a single regulatory framework replacing multiple guidelines.
- Key features: Digital implementation of the authorisation process, simplified authorisation procedures, removal of the requirement for signing a Grant of Permission Agreement, and a transparent adjudication mechanism.
- Stated aim: Simplify the existing regime and promote ease of doing business in the TV and radio broadcasting sector.
Consolidation & clarity: A single rule-book under the 2023 Act reduces fragmentation and compliance burden, aiding ease of doing business.
Continuity vs reform: Harmonising existing authorisations enables reforms while ensuring continuity for incumbents.
Regulatory scope: Effective public consultation and a transparent adjudication mechanism will determine credibility.
- Ensure wide, meaningful public consultation before notification.
- Maintain a transparent, time-bound adjudication and grievance mechanism.
- Balance ease of doing business with content plurality and consumer interest.
Telecommunications Act, 2023 Telegraph Act (repealed) I&B Ministry Grant of Permission Agreement
MCQ: Telecom & broadcasting
The draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 are framed under which legislation?
- Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
- Cable Television Networks Act, 1995
- Telecommunications Act, 2023
- Information Technology Act, 2000
Great Nicobar Airport vs INS Baaz Expansion
Context
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh wrote to the Defence Minister urging reconsideration of the rejected full runway expansion at INS Baaz on Campbell Bay, arguing the alternative — a greenfield airport at Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar — carries far heavier ecological and social costs.
Background & Key Facts
- The project: The Defence Ministry's 8 June assertion said India would invest around ₹13,000 crore in a dual-use airport and runway for civilian and naval operations.
- INS Baaz limit: Media reports attributed to Defence Ministry sources say runway expansion at INS Baaz would be limited because lengthening it beyond 4,500 feet would damage the surrounding environment.
- Ecological cost of alternative: The proposed airport would require clearing around 225 acres of protected forest and 130 acres of deemed forest that form part of the territory of the Shompen tribal community.
- Ramesh questioned the timing of the "sudden worry for ecological protection".
Development–ecology trade-off: Strategic and connectivity needs in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands conflict with the protection of fragile biodiversity and forests.
Tribal rights: Clearing land that is part of Shompen (a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) territory raises serious questions of consent and survival.
Policy consistency: Citing ecology to limit INS Baaz while clearing larger forest tracts at Galathea Bay appears contradictory.
- Rigorous, independent environmental and social impact assessment with genuine tribal consultation.
- Explore least-damaging options, including capped expansion of existing facilities.
- Balance the islands' strategic importance with India's biodiversity and constitutional obligations to tribal communities.
INS Baaz (Campbell Bay) Galathea Bay Shompen (PVTG) Great Nicobar
MCQ: Great Nicobar
The Shompen, in news regarding the Great Nicobar project, are:
- A migratory bird species protected in Galathea Bay
- A Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group
- A coral reef formation
- A naval reconnaissance squadron
Project Kusha & Military Adviser to the NSCS
Context
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the indigenous Project Kusha air defence programme as a "game changer", asserting its importance was demonstrated during Operation Sindoor. Separately, Lt-Gen Rajiv Ghai was appointed Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
Background & Key Facts
- Project Kusha: A long-range air defence missile system being developed by the DRDO to provide a comprehensive shield against a wide range of aerial threats.
- Operation Sindoor: India's indigenous air defence capabilities reportedly thwarted enemy intentions during the operation.
- Changing warfare: Rajnath Singh highlighted emerging technologies — precision-strike systems, integrated air defence networks, hypersonic weapons, autonomous platforms, AI and electronic warfare.
- First-ever appointment: Lt-Gen Rajiv Ghai (former DGMO during Operation Sindoor, currently Deputy Chief of the Army, tenure till December 2027) is the first serving military officer appointed Military Adviser to the NSCS, which functions under NSA Ajit Doval.
- Predecessors: The post was previously held by General N.S. Raja Subramani (before becoming CDS), Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, and General Anil Chauhan.
Strategic autonomy: Indigenous systems like Project Kusha reduce import dependence and strengthen technological self-reliance in defence.
Civil-military integration: Appointing a serving officer as Military Adviser deepens military expertise within the highest national-security decision-making framework.
Future-readiness: The shift toward hypersonics, autonomous platforms and AI requires sustained R&D and theaterisation reforms.
- Accelerate DRDO's air-defence and missile clusters with adequate funding and private-sector participation.
- Institutionalise military inputs in strategic decision-making while preserving civilian oversight.
- Invest in emerging warfare technologies and integrated, networked air defence.
Project Kusha DRDO NSCS / NSA Operation Sindoor
MCQ: Defence & security architecture
Consider the following statements:
- Project Kusha is a long-range air defence missile system being developed by the DRDO.
- The National Security Council Secretariat functions under the National Security Adviser.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
📝 Quick Prelims Revision — MCQ Bank
Q1 — Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz lies between which of the following?
- Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea
- Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
- Black Sea and Caspian Sea
Q2 — Article 329(b)
Under Article 329(b), an election to Parliament or a State legislature can be called in question only through:
- A writ petition under Article 32
- A public interest litigation
- An election petition
- A reference by the President
Q3 — Disability rights
Section 24 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 relates to:
- Reservation in education
- Social security including pension benefits
- Accessibility of public buildings
- Legal capacity of PwDs
Q4 — Rotterdam Convention
The Rotterdam Convention deals primarily with:
- Persistent organic pollutants
- Transboundary movement of hazardous wastes
- Prior Informed Consent for hazardous chemicals and pesticides in trade
- Ozone-depleting substances
Q5 — Inflation
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) in India are released by:
- Reserve Bank of India
- Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
- Ministry of Finance
- NITI Aayog
Q6 — Shompen
The Shompen tribe is associated with:
- Great Nicobar Island
- Lakshadweep
- Nilgiris
- Bastar
❓ FAQs
Frequently asked exam-oriented questions — 13 June 2026 edition
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important for India's energy security?
What does Article 329(b) say about challenging elections?
What is a Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate (MUDPFR)?
Why are State bans on paraquat considered ineffective?
What is the difference between ALMM and ALCM in solar policy?
Take the Next Step
Qualify Prelims? Start Mains Prep with Legacy IAS
Expert faculty, structured GS & Optional guidance, and Bangalore's most trusted UPSC coaching — all under one roof.
Jayanagar, Bengaluru · Classroom & Online · legacyias.com
Analysis based on The Hindu, Bengaluru City Edition, 13 June 2026. Prepared for academic use. Static background and frameworks added for exam preparation; original article text has been paraphrased, not reproduced.
