The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes to (1) increase Lok Sabha strength from 550 to a maximum of 850 seats, (2) remove the existing freeze on inter-state redistribution of seats (in place since the 42nd Amendment of 1976), and (3) allow delimitation based on the 2011 Census. It is controversial because while it is framed as enabling 33% women’s reservation (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023), it simultaneously redistributes political power from southern states — which controlled population growth — to Hindi-heartland states, which will gain proportionally more seats. Critics argue women’s reservation could be implemented within the existing 543-seat framework without altering the federal balance.

Based on 2011 Census data and a proposed 850-seat Lok Sabha: Hindi-heartland states (UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Delhi) would see their seat share rise from 38.1% to 43.1% — a 77% increase in absolute seats. Southern states (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Puducherry) would see their share shrink from 24.3% to 20.7% — only a 33% increase despite national expansion. UP alone would gain 58 seats (80→138) while Kerala would gain only 3 (20→23). This rewards states with higher population growth rates, which critics argue perversely incentivises poor demographic governance.

Both are injectable medications for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) is a GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonist — it mimics the GLP-1 hormone to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, and reduce appetite. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a dual agonist acting on both GLP-1 and GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) receptors — it is generally considered more potent for weight loss. Both are associated with loss of lean muscle mass (sarcopenia) as a side effect, accounting for 25–40% of total weight lost. Semaglutide recently went off-patent in India, triggering entry of ~40 generic products into the market.

Thermal injustice refers to the unequal burden of extreme heat on marginalised communities — specifically that informal workers (construction workers, waste-pickers, delivery partners, street vendors) who have zero “cooling autonomy” bear the brunt of heatwaves while the affluent can manage heat through private air conditioning. It is UPSC-relevant because it intersects with: (1) environmental justice and climate change (GS III), (2) labour rights and social protection for informal workers (GS II), (3) constitutional rights — Article 21’s Right to Life including right to a dignified livelihood, and (4) legislative gaps in the OSHWC Code 2020 and Disaster Management Act 2005. The concept of “Right to Cool” derived from Ranjitsinh (2024) is an emerging constitutional doctrine.

India’s paradox stems from systemic supply chain failures rather than consumer behaviour (India’s per capita waste of 55 kg/year is actually lower than the US at 73 kg). The primary causes include: (1) India processes only 8% of produce vs 65% in the USA — cold chain infrastructure is severely underdeveloped, (2) the Jute Packaging Materials Act forces grain storage in porous jute sacks prone to moisture damage, (3) FCI storage inefficiency — 8,200 tonnes spoiled in Punjab alone (2019–24), (4) no mandatory food redistribution law like France’s, (5) poor grading, standardisation, and scientific packaging at the farm level. Despite low per capita waste, the sheer scale of India’s food production means absolute waste is enormous — ₹1.55 lakh crore annually.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are adult multipotent stem cells found in bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, and other connective tissues. They can differentiate into bone, cartilage, or muscle cells and release anti-inflammatory molecules. Crucially, they do not strongly activate the recipient’s immune system, reducing rejection risk and the need for immunosuppressive drugs — making them safer for elderly patients. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs), derived from embryos, are pluripotent (can become any cell type in the body) but raise significant ethical concerns and trigger strong immune reactions. ESC research is heavily regulated in India under ICMR guidelines. MSC therapies like laromestrocel (studied in the CRATUS trial for frailty) use the patient’s or a donor’s adult stem cells, circumventing the ethical controversies associated with embryonic stem cells.

Under Article 19(1)(a), every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression. Article 19(2) allows the State to impose “reasonable restrictions” on this right for specified grounds: sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation, and incitement to an offence. The Supreme Court in Shreya Singhal v. UOI (2015) struck down Section 66A of the IT Act for being overbroad and not meeting this “reasonable restrictions” threshold. Any hate speech law must be narrowly tailored — covering only direct incitement to violence/discrimination — not vague concepts like “disharmony” or “ill-will,” which are subjective and can chill legitimate speech. Existing BNS provisions (erstwhile IPC 153A, 295A) already cover organised hate speech, raising questions about the necessity of a new standalone law.