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Daily News Analysis
Daily News Analysis
The Hindu — Bengaluru Edition
Saturday, 21 February 2026
Comprehensive GS + Essay + Ethics Coverage
📑 Table of Contents
- U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs
- India Joins Pax Silica — U.S.-Led Tech & Supply Chain Alliance
- SC Deploys Judicial Officers for SIR of Electoral Rolls in West Bengal
- School Dropout Rate in Karnataka: Primary Down, High School Spikes
- Ladki Bahin Yojana — Implementation Gaps in Maharashtra’s DBT Scheme
- AI Can Help India Achieve Viksit Bharat but Poses High Risk to Jobs — IMF
- Kurian Joseph Committee: Treatise for Federalism
- ‘Bhasha Matters’ — Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education
- Iran Warns U.S. Bases Will Be ‘Legitimate Targets’ If Attacked
- Net FDI into India Negative for Fourth Straight Month
- PAC Pulls Up Govt. for Slow Implementation of SANKALP Scheme
- Crowd Management SOP & IPL — Amicus Curiae’s Concern (Karnataka HC)
- Gen Z and Democratic Engagement — Editorial Analysis
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Article 01
U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs
A. Issue in Brief
- The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs in a landmark 6-3 ruling, holding that the Constitution vests the taxing power (including tariffs) exclusively in Congress, not the Executive Branch.
- The tariffs were imposed under an emergency powers law (IEEPA) on nearly every country, including India. Over $133 billion had been collected from these tariffs by December 2025.
- Trump responded by announcing a temporary 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 for 150 days.
B. Static Background
- U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8 — Congress has the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises.
- International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977 — Grants President broad authority during national emergencies; Trump used it to justify tariffs.
- Trade Act of 1974, Section 122 — Allows temporary import surcharges (up to 15%, max 150 days) to address balance-of-payments problems.
- WTO’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle and GATT Article I are relevant for India.
- The India-U.S. Interim Trade Agreement (Feb 2026) was announced just weeks before this ruling.
C. Key Dimensions
📌 Flowchart: Sequence of Events
April 2025: Trump imposes “reciprocal” tariffs via IEEPA
⬇
2025-26: States & businesses challenge legality in courts
⬇
Dec 2025: $133 billion collected from import taxes
⬇
Feb 2026: SCOTUS rules 6-3 — Only Congress can impose tariffs
⬇
Trump orders temporary 10% tariff under Trade Act, Sec 122
| Aspect | Impact on India | Impact on U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Deal | India-U.S. interim agreement uncertainty; concessions already made may lack reciprocity | Framework for bilateral deals weakened |
| Tariff Regime | Reciprocal tariffs struck down; temporary 10% tariff replaces them | Tariff revenue ($133B+) — refund claims likely |
| Exports | Short-term relief for Indian exporters (textiles, pharma, IT) | Import costs may decrease for U.S. businesses |
| Geopolitical | Strengthens India’s negotiating leverage | Executive power curbed; institutional checks reinforced |
D. Critical Analysis
- Separation of Powers: The ruling reaffirms the foundational principle that taxation is a legislative function — a lesson relevant for India’s own debates on executive overreach via ordinances.
- India’s Exposure: India had already made significant concessions (zero tariff on certain U.S. goods, commitment to import $500B, distancing from Russian oil). The ruling raises the question — what happens to those concessions now that the basis (reciprocal tariffs) is nullified?
- Judicial Accountability: Despite Trump appointing 3 of the 6 majority justices, the court ruled against him — a testament to institutional independence.
- WTO Implications: Unilateral tariffs violate MFN principles. This ruling could strengthen multilateral trade norms.
- Congress response is important: Whether Congress codifies lower tariffs, negotiates trade bills, or allows the temporary tariff to lapse will shape global trade.
E. Way Forward
- India must reassess the India-U.S. trade deal in light of the changed tariff landscape and protect domestic interests (cotton, soybean, maize farmers).
- Strengthen WTO-based multilateral trade mechanisms rather than relying on bilateral deals influenced by executive whims.
- Diversify export destinations through FTAs with EU, Mercosur, ASEAN to reduce U.S.-dependence.
- Global lesson: Rule of law and institutional checks are vital to prevent arbitrary executive action — relevant for India’s own governance discourse.
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- IEEPA (1977) — U.S. law for emergency economic powers
- Section 122, Trade Act 1974 — Allows temporary import surcharges
- GATT Article I — Most Favoured Nation clause
- Tariff = a tax on imports; constitutionally a legislative power in the U.S.
📝 Mains Model Question
“The U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down presidential tariffs reaffirms the principle that taxation is a legislative function. Discuss its implications for India-U.S. trade relations and the multilateral trading order.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-II)
Article 02
India Joins Pax Silica — U.S.-Led Tech & Supply Chain Alliance
A. Issue in Brief
- India formally joined the Pax Silica initiative — a U.S.-led alliance of nations seeking to build resilient supply chains for electronics and critical minerals, reducing dependence on China.
- Other signatories include Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the EU. The signing took place at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
B. Static Background
- Critical Minerals: India’s Critical Mineral Strategy (2023) identifies 30 minerals critical for energy transition and electronics.
- China’s dominance: China controls ~60% of global rare earth mining and ~90% of refining — giving it significant leverage in trade negotiations.
- Semiconductor Mission: India’s ₹76,000 crore India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) aims to build fab capacity domestically.
- QUAD: Technology and supply chain resilience are key QUAD pillars.
- Previous alliances: Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) led by the U.S. (India is a member).
C. Key Dimensions
🧠 Mind Map: Pax Silica — Significance for India
PAX SILICA
Supply Chain Security Reduces over-dependence on China for rare earths, semiconductors, electronics
Strategic Autonomy India leverages its talent pool & trusted foreign policy to become a node in global value chains
Economic Gains Boosts India Semiconductor Mission, electronics manufacturing, defence production
Geopolitical Signal India aligns with democratic nations on tech sovereignty without a formal military alliance
| Alliance | Focus | India’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| Pax Silica | Electronics, critical minerals supply chains | Signatory — talent pool, manufacturing base |
| MSP (Minerals Security Partnership) | Critical minerals diversification | Member since 2023 |
| QUAD Tech | Semiconductors, AI, cybersecurity | Founding member |
| IPEF (Indo-Pacific Econ. Framework) | Supply chains, clean energy, fair economy | Member (opted out of trade pillar) |
D. Critical Analysis
- China factor: Joining Pax Silica sends a clear signal against China’s rare earth weaponization (e.g., restrictions on Japan over Taiwan remarks, alleged Mumbai blackout sabotage).
- Balancing Act: India must balance Pax Silica membership with its BRICS commitments and engagement with China in forums like SCO — maintaining strategic autonomy.
- Domestic readiness: India’s mineral processing and refining capacity remains limited. Signing an alliance is necessary but not sufficient — investment in processing infrastructure is the key bottleneck.
- Ethical concern: Mining critical minerals involves significant environmental and social costs — must align with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption).
E. Way Forward
- Accelerate India Semiconductor Mission and build refining capacity for rare earths domestically.
- Leverage Pax Silica to secure technology transfer agreements in chip fabrication and mineral processing.
- Develop a National Critical Mineral Stockpile — similar to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
- Use platforms like QUAD and Pax Silica to establish alternative supply chains through Africa and Latin America.
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- Pax Silica — U.S.-led alliance for electronics & critical minerals supply chains
- Members: U.S., India, Canada, Japan, South Korea, EU
- India Semiconductor Mission — ₹76,000 crore outlay
- Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) — U.S.-led, India joined in 2023
📝 Mains Model Question
“India’s decision to join the Pax Silica alliance reflects its commitment to supply chain resilience. Analyse the strategic significance and challenges of India’s membership in technology-focused multilateral alliances.” (150 words, 10 marks — GS-II)
Article 03
SC Deploys Judicial Officers for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in West Bengal
A. Issue in Brief
- The Supreme Court took an “extraordinary” decision to deploy serving and retired judicial officers to oversee the SIR of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
- The move came due to a persistent “trust deficit” between the Mamata Banerjee government and the Election Commission of India (ECI), which had led to a stalemate in the process.
- Lakhs of voters had been dropped from draft rolls due to being “unmapped” or having “logical discrepancies.”
B. Static Background
- Article 324 — Superintendence, direction and control of elections vested in the Election Commission.
- Article 325 & 326 — Universal adult suffrage; no person to be excluded from electoral rolls.
- Representation of the People Act, 1950 — Provides for preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
- Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) — Appointed by ECI for roll preparation; here, judicial officers will assume this quasi-judicial role.
- CAA & Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024 — Related context as Matua community members applied for citizenship amid SIR.
C. Key Dimensions
📌 Flowchart: SC Intervention in SIR Process
ECI initiates SIR in West Bengal — lakhs “unmapped”
⬇
State Govt. & ECI trade allegations — stalemate
⬇
SC intervenes — deploys judicial officers as EROs
⬇
Cleared list to be published on Feb 28; rest in supplementary roll
⬇
Next hearing: March 10, 2026
D. Critical Analysis
- Extraordinary but necessary: SC deploying judicial officers in an ECI function is unprecedented — reflects the severity of the institutional deadlock.
- Federalism concerns: The dispute reveals the tension between State governments’ administrative role in elections and the ECI’s constitutional mandate.
- Citizenship vs. Voting Rights: The overlap between CAA applications and SIR exercise raises questions about using electoral rolls as a proxy for citizenship verification.
- Right to Vote: Dropping lakhs of voters has a chilling effect on democratic participation — disproportionately affects marginalised communities.
- ECI Independence: The ruling party’s (TMC) characterisation of ECI as a “partisan hit squad” raises concerns about public trust in electoral institutions.
E. Way Forward
- Implement Anoop Baranwal v. UOI (2023) guidelines for truly independent ECI appointments.
- Develop a transparent, technology-driven electoral roll revision system with built-in grievance redressal.
- Ensure no citizen is disenfranchised without due process — SIR must be conducted with adequate time, manpower and judicial oversight.
- Depoliticise electoral processes — both State and Centre must cooperate with ECI in good faith.
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- Article 324 — ECI’s power over elections
- SIR (Special Intensive Revision) — Comprehensive revision of electoral rolls
- ERO (Electoral Registration Officer) — Responsible for preparing rolls
- Anoop Baranwal case (2023) — SC on ECI appointment independence
📝 Mains Model Question
“The Supreme Court’s decision to deploy judicial officers for electoral roll revision in West Bengal highlights the tension between federalism and the Election Commission’s autonomy. Critically examine.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-II)
Article 04
School Dropout Rate in Karnataka: Down at Primary, Spikes at High School
A. Issue in Brief
- Karnataka’s overall school dropout rate increased from 19.63% (2020-21) to 20.4% (2024-25).
- While lower primary dropout is now 0%, the high school dropout rate surged to 18.3% (peaked at 22.1% in 2023-24).
- SC/ST students face disproportionately high dropout rates — Karnataka ranks 5th nationally for SC dropouts and 3rd for ST dropouts at high school level.
B. Static Background
- Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009 — Guarantees free and compulsory education for ages 6-14 (up to Class 8).
- Article 21A — Fundamental right to education.
- NEP 2020 — Aims to achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio by 2030; emphasises bridge courses and re-entry pathways.
- UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) — Data source for dropout tracking.
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan — Integrated scheme covering school education from pre-primary to Class 12.
C. Key Dimensions
| Year | Lower Primary | Upper Primary | High School |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 1.1% | 1.97% | 16.56% |
| 2021-22 | 0 | 1.08% | 14.65% |
| 2022-23 | 0 | 0 | 14.9% |
| 2023-24 | 1.7 | 2.27 | 22.1% |
| 2024-25 | 0 | 2.1% | 18.3% |
🧠 Mind Map: Causes of High School Dropout
HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUT
Teacher Shortage ~60,000 vacancies in govt. schools; many single-teacher schools
Socio-Economic SC/ST students face poverty, caste discrimination, child labour pressures
Lack of Monitoring Govt. schools lack attendance tracking, parent engagement mechanisms
Transition Gap RTE covers up to Class 8 only; no legal guarantee for Classes 9-12
D. Critical Analysis
- RTE gap: The Act covers education only up to Class 8 (age 14). The spike in dropout at high school level (Classes 9-10) is directly linked to this legislative vacuum.
- SC/ST vulnerability: A 31.9% dropout rate for SC students at high school is alarming and points to systemic failure in social welfare mechanisms.
- Quality deficit: Even where enrolment exists, learning outcomes remain poor — NAS and ASER data consistently show foundational literacy gaps.
- Govt. vs Private school divide: Private schools have better monitoring and parent engagement. Government schools lack these, contributing to higher dropouts.
E. Way Forward
- Extend RTE to Class 12 — as recommended by several education committees.
- Fill the 60,000 teacher vacancies in Karnataka on a war footing.
- Implement conditional cash transfers for SC/ST students to incentivise retention beyond Class 8.
- Establish bridge courses and re-entry pathways as envisioned in NEP 2020.
- Adopt digital attendance tracking and early-warning systems to identify at-risk students.
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- RTE Act 2009 — Free education for ages 6-14; Article 21A
- UDISE+ — School education data system
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan — Integrated school education scheme
- Karnataka: 5th in SC dropout, 3rd in ST dropout nationally (high school level)
📝 Mains Model Question
“Despite improvements at the primary level, school dropout rates at the high school level remain alarmingly high, particularly among SC/ST students. Analyse the reasons and suggest policy measures to address this challenge.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-II)
Article 05
Ladki Bahin Yojana — Implementation Gaps in Maharashtra’s DBT Scheme
A. Issue in Brief
- Maharashtra’s Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana (launched June 2024) promises ₹1,500/month via DBT to women aged 21-65 from low-income families.
- Initially 2.4 crore beneficiaries; after mandatory e-KYC, numbers dropped to 1.57 crore by Dec 2025.
- Women report OTP failures, Aadhaar-bank linkage errors, data mismatches, and no helpline — leaving the most vulnerable excluded.
B. Static Background
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) — Launched in 2013 to reduce leakage; requires JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) trinity.
- DPSP Article 39(a) & 39(b) — State to direct policy towards adequate means of livelihood and equitable distribution of resources.
- DPSP Article 38 — State to promote welfare of people.
- Comparable schemes: Ladli Behna (MP), Kalia (Odisha), Rythu Bandhu (Telangana).
C. Key Dimensions
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Boosts women’s economic independence | ₹46,000 crore annual cost strains State exchequer |
| Positive impact on rural economy — healthcare, education spending | E-KYC glitches excluded lakhs of genuine beneficiaries |
| Reduces intra-household dependence on men | Fraud: 14,000 men received benefits; 26.34 lakh accounts suspended |
| Helped buffer flood-shock in Marathwada 2025 | Launched just before elections — raises questions of fiscal populism |
D. Critical Analysis
- Digital divide as exclusion: Women from the poorest backgrounds — widows, rural women, those without smartphones — are the most likely to face e-KYC failures. The scheme’s reliance on technology without adequate ground-level support creates an inverse care law — those who need it most, get it least.
- Fiscal sustainability: At ₹46,000 crore/year, the scheme diverts funds from other welfare schemes. The Opposition’s demand for a white paper is justified.
- Ethical dimension: Asking widows to remove their mangalsutra for photographs is a deeply insensitive and dignity-violating practice — raises GS-IV concerns about compassion and human dignity in governance.
- Electoral timing: Launched before the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections — mirrors a trend of competitive populism across States.
E. Way Forward
- Establish a dedicated toll-free helpline and grievance redressal mechanism accessible to non-digital-literate women.
- Deploy mobile verification camps in rural areas instead of expecting women to navigate online systems.
- Conduct a social audit and make beneficiary data publicly available for transparency.
- Link scheme to skilling and financial literacy programmes to make empowerment sustainable.
- Adopt fiscal responsibility measures — cap expenditure and ensure other welfare schemes are not starved.
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- DBT — Direct Benefit Transfer via JAM trinity
- Ladki Bahin Yojana — ₹1,500/month, Maharashtra, women 21-65
- Comparable: Ladli Behna (MP), Kalia (Odisha)
📝 Mains Model Question
“Direct Benefit Transfer schemes aimed at women’s empowerment often suffer from implementation gaps that exclude the most vulnerable. Critically examine with reference to recent State-level schemes.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-II)
Article 06
AI Can Help India Achieve Viksit Bharat but Poses High Risk to Jobs — IMF
A. Issue in Brief
- IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that AI could boost global growth by 0.8 percentage points and help India achieve Viksit Bharat.
- However, she warned of three major risks: increasing inequality between nations, financial instability, and massive job displacement — 40% of jobs globally affected (60% in advanced economies).
B. Static Background
- IndiaAI Mission — ₹10,300 crore allocation for AI compute, innovation, skilling.
- National Strategy for AI (NITI Aayog, 2018) — Identified AI as “AI for All” — inclusive growth.
- ILO Future of Work Report — Warns of technology-driven labour displacement in developing countries.
- AI Impact Summit 2026 (New Delhi) — $250 billion in investment commitments; Delhi Declaration on AI signed by 70+ countries.
C. Key Dimensions
| Opportunity | Risk |
|---|---|
| +0.8% global growth; faster than pre-COVID rate | 40% of jobs globally affected (some eliminated) |
| India’s demographic dividend + digital infra = AI advantage | Digital divide could widen between India and developed nations |
| Productivity boost in agriculture, healthcare, education | Financial instability — AI-driven market volatility |
| Potential to achieve Viksit Bharat goals | Ethical concerns — deepfakes, surveillance, algorithmic bias |
D. Critical Analysis
- India’s unique challenge: Unlike advanced economies where AI replaces high-skill tasks, in India, AI risks displacing mid-level service jobs (BPO, data entry, customer support) — the very jobs that powered India’s service-led growth.
- Skilling gap: IMF research shows 1 in 10 U.S. jobs already requires AI skills. India’s SANKALP scheme (discussed elsewhere in this paper) shows the skilling infrastructure is itself underperforming.
- Inequality amplifier: Without proactive policies, AI risks creating a two-speed India — tech-savvy urban elite vs. excluded rural majority.
- Global governance deficit: Lula’s warning about “digital colonialism” and the need for intergovernmental AI governance is pertinent — AI rules should not be written by Big Tech alone.
E. Way Forward
- Reskilling at scale: Integrate AI literacy into school curriculum and ITI/polytechnic courses.
- Universal Basic Income (UBI) debate: As AI displaces jobs, explore social protection mechanisms including UBI pilots.
- Regulate AI responsibly: India must develop a domestic AI regulatory framework that balances innovation with safety.
- Sovereign AI: Invest in domestic LLMs, compute infrastructure, and data sovereignty — avoid over-reliance on Western tech platforms.
- Align with SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation).
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- IndiaAI Mission — ₹10,300 crore
- AI Impact Summit 2026 — New Delhi; $250B investment; Delhi Declaration
- IMF estimate: AI can boost global growth by 0.8%
- 40% of global jobs affected by AI (60% in advanced economies)
📝 Mains Model Question
“Artificial Intelligence offers transformative potential for India’s development but also poses significant risks of job displacement and inequality. How can India harness AI while mitigating its adverse impacts?” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-III)
Article 07
Kurian Joseph Committee Report — A Treatise for Federalism
A. Issue in Brief
- A high-level committee chaired by Justice Kurian Joseph (appointed by Tamil Nadu government) has mapped patterns of centralisation of power and suggested comprehensive corrective measures.
- The report concludes that “Indian federalism now requires a structural reset comparable in ambition to the economic reforms of 1991.”
B. Static Background
- Sarkaria Commission (1988) — First major commission on Centre-State relations.
- M.M. Punchhi Commission (2010) — Recommended greater fiscal and administrative autonomy for States.
- Article 3 — Parliament can alter boundaries/create new States (States have no veto).
- 7th Schedule — Union, State and Concurrent Lists.
- GST (101st Amendment, 2016) — Restructured fiscal landscape in favour of the Union.
- Article 370 abrogation (2019) — J&K converted to two UTs without State legislature consent.
C. Key Dimensions
🧠 Mind Map: Key Concerns Identified by the Committee
CENTRALISATION THREATS
Territorial Integrity J&K dismantled into UTs (2019); Article 3 gives Centre unchecked power
Fiscal Centralism GST regime reduced State fiscal autonomy; compensation cess issues
Governor’s Role Governors used as instruments of Centre’s overreach in opposition-ruled States
Delimitation Anxiety States that stabilised populations may lose Lok Sabha seats — penalised for good governance
Language Policy Union push for Hindi as national language concerns southern/eastern States
Education & Health Subjects increasingly centralised despite being on State/Concurrent lists
D. Critical Analysis
- Constitutional design flaw: The Indian Constitution can be amended far too easily for a federal polity — simple majority suffices for many amendments, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of centralisation.
- GST and fiscal autonomy: States lost the power to levy indirect taxes independently. The GST Council, while nominally cooperative, gives the Centre effective veto.
- Delimitation dilemma: Southern States that invested in family planning and education are now anxious about losing political representation — a perverse incentive against good governance.
- Context matters: The report is commissioned by a non-BJP State government — critics may view it as politically motivated. However, the substantive concerns about federalism transcend party politics.
- Comparative perspective: Federal democracies like the U.S., Germany, and Australia provide States constitutional protections that India lacks (e.g., Senate representation, territorial integrity guarantees).
E. Way Forward
- Revive the Inter-State Council as a permanent forum for Centre-State dialogue.
- Consider a constitutional amendment to protect territorial integrity of States (require State legislature consent for reorganisation).
- Reform the Governor’s office — implement Punchhi Commission recommendations on gubernatorial appointments and discretionary powers.
- Address delimitation concerns by delinking Lok Sabha seats from population — or providing additional representation mechanisms.
- Strengthen cooperative federalism through genuine fiscal decentralisation and respectful Centre-State relations.
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- Sarkaria Commission (1988) and Punchhi Commission (2010) — Centre-State relations
- Article 3 — Parliament’s power over State boundaries
- 7th Schedule — Three legislative lists
- Inter-State Council — Article 263
📝 Mains Model Question
“Indian federalism requires a structural reset to reverse the trend of centralisation. In light of the Kurian Joseph Committee’s findings, critically evaluate the state of Centre-State relations in India.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-II)
Article 08
‘Bhasha Matters’ — Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education
A. Issue in Brief
- On International Mother Language Day (Feb 21), the UNESCO report “Bhasha Matters” (2025) highlights that 44% of Indian children enter school speaking a language different from the medium of instruction.
- The report calls for a National Mission for Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) and sets out 10 policy recommendations.
B. Static Background
- NEP 2020 — Recommends mother tongue/home language as medium of instruction until at least Class 5, preferably Class 8.
- Article 350A — Facilities for instruction in mother tongue at primary stage for linguistic minorities.
- 8th Schedule — 22 languages recognised; India has 1,300+ mother tongues (Census 2011).
- NCERT’s National Achievement Survey (NAS) and ASER reports show poor foundational literacy.
- DIKSHA platform, BHASHINI, AI4Bharat — Digital tools for multilingual education.
C. Key Dimensions
| Challenge | Solution (from Bhasha Matters) |
|---|---|
| 44% children face language barrier in school | MTB-MLE as foundation of early education |
| Shortage of teachers trained in multilingual pedagogy | Reform pre-service and in-service teacher training |
| Lack of textbooks and assessments in local languages | High-quality multilingual materials & assessments |
| Endangered languages losing speakers | Digital tools (BHASHINI, AI4Bharat) for documentation and content creation |
| No coordinated national framework | Proposed National Mission for MTB-MLE |
D. Critical Analysis
- Language as equity issue: Children taught in an unfamiliar language face cumulative learning gaps, reduced confidence, and higher dropout risk — this disproportionately affects tribal and rural communities.
- NEP vs. reality: While NEP 2020 recommends mother tongue instruction, implementation varies wildly across States. Many aspirational parents prefer English-medium — creating a demand-supply tension.
- Odisha’s success: 21 tribal languages across 17 districts, supporting 90,000 children — a scalable model.
- Technology as enabler: BHASHINI and AI4Bharat demonstrate how AI can democratise multilingual content creation — but digital access remains uneven.
E. Way Forward
- Establish the proposed National Mission for MTB-MLE with dedicated funding and cross-ministerial coordination.
- Scale Odisha’s tribal language model to other States with high linguistic diversity.
- Invest in teacher recruitment and training for multilingual classrooms — especially for tribal languages.
- Use AI-powered tools (BHASHINI, DIKSHA) to create low-cost multilingual learning resources.
- Align with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- International Mother Language Day — February 21
- Article 350A — Mother tongue instruction for minorities
- 8th Schedule — 22 languages
- BHASHINI — AI-based language translation platform
- UNESCO Bhasha Matters Report (2025)
📝 Mains Model Question
“India’s linguistic diversity is a powerful driver of equity, identity and social cohesion. Discuss the importance of mother-tongue-based multilingual education in the context of NEP 2020 and the UNESCO ‘Bhasha Matters’ report.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-I/GS-II)
Article 09
Iran Warns U.S. Bases Will Be ‘Legitimate Targets’ If Attacked
A. Issue in Brief
- Iran warned the UN that if attacked, all U.S. regional bases, facilities and assets would be “legitimate targets” for retaliatory strikes.
- Iran cited Article 51 of the UN Charter (inherent right of self-defence) and accused the U.S. of violating Article 2(4) (prohibition on threat or use of force).
- The U.S. has built its largest military presence in West Asia since the 2003 Iraq invasion; Iran has held live-fire drills in the Persian Gulf.
B. Static Background
- UN Charter, Article 51 — Right of self-defence if an armed attack occurs.
- UN Charter, Article 2(4) — Members shall refrain from threat or use of force against any State.
- JCPOA (Iran Nuclear Deal, 2015) — U.S. withdrew in 2018 under Trump’s first term.
- U.S. military bases in West Asia: 19+ bases across Bahrain (5th Fleet HQ), Qatar (Al-Udeid Air Base / CENTCOM forward HQ), Kuwait, UAE, etc.
- India imports oil from both sides and has strategic interests in the region (Chabahar Port, diaspora in Gulf).
C. Key Dimensions
| Stakeholder | Concern |
|---|---|
| Iran | Threat to sovereignty; demands U.S. cease threats; invokes self-defence rights |
| U.S. | Iran’s nuclear programme; regional influence via proxies; considers military options |
| Gulf States | Caught between U.S. alliance obligations and proximity to Iran |
| India | Energy security (oil imports); Chabahar Port; 8+ million diaspora in Gulf; navigation security |
D. Critical Analysis
- India’s balancing act: India must maintain ties with both U.S. and Iran. The Chabahar Port is vital for Afghanistan connectivity and Central Asia access; disruption due to U.S.-Iran conflict would harm Indian interests.
- Oil vulnerability: India has committed under the trade deal to reduce Russian oil purchases. A West Asia conflict would spike oil prices and worsen India’s current account deficit.
- Diaspora risk: Over 8 million Indians in the Gulf region face direct risk in any military escalation.
- International law: Iran’s invocation of Article 51 is legally sound only in response to an actual armed attack — pre-emptive threats do not qualify.
E. Way Forward
- India should push for diplomatic de-escalation through back-channels and multilateral forums.
- Prepare contingency plans for energy diversification and evacuation of diaspora (Operation Vande Bharat model).
- Advocate for revival of JCPOA or a new diplomatic framework for Iran’s nuclear programme.
- Maintain strategic autonomy — avoid being drawn into a U.S.-Iran binary.
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- Article 51, UN Charter — Self-defence right
- Article 2(4), UN Charter — Prohibition on use/threat of force
- Al-Udeid Air Base — Qatar; largest U.S. base in West Asia
- Chabahar Port — India-Iran project for Afghanistan/Central Asia connectivity
- JCPOA — Iran nuclear deal (2015)
📝 Mains Model Question
“Analyse the implications of the U.S.-Iran military tensions for India’s energy security and its strategic interests in West Asia.” (150 words, 10 marks — GS-II)
Article 10
Net FDI into India Negative for Fourth Straight Month
A. Issue in Brief
- Net FDI remained negative for the fourth consecutive month in December 2025, at -$1.6 billion.
- While gross inflows stood at a five-month high of $8.6 billion, repatriation by foreign companies rose to ~$7.5 billion (highest since Jan 2021), and outward investment by Indian companies reached $2.7 billion.
- The RBI attributed investor hesitation to uncertainty over the India-U.S. trade agreement.
B. Static Background
- FDI routes in India: Automatic route, Government route, and Prohibited sectors.
- FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act), 1999 — Governs FDI in India.
- FDI vs FPI: FDI is long-term direct investment; FPI is portfolio investment in stocks/bonds.
- Net FDI = Gross Inflows − Repatriations − Outward FDI.
- Top FDI sources: Singapore, Netherlands, Mauritius (accounting for 80%+ of Dec inflows).
C. Key Dimensions
📌 Why Net FDI Is Negative Despite High Gross Inflows
Gross FDI Inflows: $8.6 billion (5-month high)
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Repatriations by foreign companies: ~$7.5 billion (record high)
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Outward FDI by Indian companies: $2.7 billion
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Net FDI = -$1.6 billion (4th consecutive negative month)
D. Critical Analysis
- Structural concern: High repatriations suggest foreign companies are pulling profits out of India rather than reinvesting — possibly due to global uncertainty, better returns elsewhere, or regulatory concerns.
- Positive spin is misleading: Headline gross FDI figures mask the reality — net FDI is what matters for capital formation and job creation.
- Outward FDI growth: Indian companies investing abroad ($2.7B) reflects growing global ambitions — but also suggests domestic investment climate may not be sufficiently attractive.
- Post-trade-deal recovery: RBI notes FPIs staged a comeback in Feb 2026 after India-EU and India-U.S. trade deals — but FPI is volatile; FDI recovery is what India needs for sustained growth.
E. Way Forward
- Improve ease of doing business: Reduce regulatory uncertainty, simplify compliance, ensure policy stability.
- Target green FDI: Position India as a destination for renewable energy, EV manufacturing, and green hydrogen investments.
- Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs): Negotiate modern BITs with key investor countries to provide certainty.
- Address repatriation concern: Encourage reinvestment through tax incentives for ploughing back profits.
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- Net FDI = Gross Inflows − Repatriations − Outward FDI
- Top FDI sources to India: Singapore, Netherlands, Mauritius
- FEMA, 1999 — Governs foreign exchange and FDI
- FDI routes: Automatic, Government, Prohibited
📝 Mains Model Question
“Net FDI into India has remained negative for several consecutive months despite robust gross inflows. What are the implications for India’s growth strategy, and how can this trend be reversed?” (150 words, 10 marks — GS-III)
Article 11
PAC Pulls Up Govt. for Slow Implementation of SANKALP Scheme
A. Issue in Brief
- The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, criticised the government for “lackadaisical” implementation of the SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) scheme.
- CAG report found: Only 44% of budgeted provision disbursed between 2017-18 and 2023-24; of the World Bank loan of $250 million, only ₹850.71 crore utilised out of ₹1,606.15 crore disbursed.
B. Static Background
- SANKALP — Approved Oct 2017; ₹4,455 crore outlay; World Bank loan of ₹3,300 crore.
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship — Nodal ministry.
- CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) — Article 148-151; audits government expenditure.
- PAC (Public Accounts Committee) — Parliamentary committee that examines CAG reports; chaired by Opposition member by convention.
- Related: PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana), Skill India Mission.
D. Critical Analysis
- Skilling crisis amidst AI disruption: At a time when AI threatens to displace 40% of jobs (IMF estimate), India’s flagship skilling scheme is itself underperforming — a dangerous mismatch.
- World Bank loan underutilisation: Only 53% of the disbursed loan was actually spent — indicating absorptive capacity issues within the Ministry.
- “Non-preparedness”: CAG specifically flagged that the Ministry was not ready before the loan period commenced — a systemic governance failure.
- Parliamentary oversight: PAC’s criticism reinforces the importance of legislative oversight over executive spending — a core constitutional function.
E. Way Forward
- Establish a central real-time monitoring dashboard for SANKALP with State-level milestones.
- Strengthen industry-academia linkages to align skilling with market demand.
- Conduct a concurrent evaluation and course-correct before launching successor schemes.
- Integrate AI and digital literacy modules into SANKALP curriculum.
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- SANKALP — ₹4,455 crore; World Bank-funded skilling scheme
- PAC — Examines CAG reports; chaired by Opposition member
- CAG — Articles 148-151; audits government expenditure
📝 Mains Model Question
“Examine the role of parliamentary committees like the PAC in ensuring executive accountability. Why do flagship skilling schemes in India often underperform?” (150 words, 10 marks — GS-II)
Article 12
Crowd Management SOP & IPL — Karnataka HC’s Concern
A. Issue in Brief
- The Karnataka High Court heard concerns from the amicus curiae that crowd management would be difficult during IPL 2026 matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in the absence of an enforced SOP.
- The PIL was initiated suo motu after a stampede outside the stadium on June 4, 2025.
- The State proposed a Karnataka Crowd Control Act, 2025 — the amicus curiae noted the draft SOP has better measures than the proposed Bill.
B. Static Background
- Disaster Management Act, 2005 — Provides framework but not specific to crowd management at events.
- NDMA Guidelines on Crowd Management — Issued periodically but lack statutory force.
- Stampede incidents: Hathras (2024), Vaishno Devi (2022), Elphinstone Bridge (2017).
- Amicus curiae — “Friend of the court” appointed to assist in public interest matters.
D. Critical Analysis
- Regulatory vacuum: India lacks a comprehensive statutory framework for crowd management at large events — existing laws are fragmented across police, municipal, and disaster management legislations.
- SOP vs. Legislation: SOPs are executive guidelines with limited enforceability; a dedicated Act with penal provisions for organisers who violate safety norms would be more effective.
- IPL commercial pressures: Revenue maximisation often overrides safety considerations — a classic conflict between commercial interests and public safety.
E. Way Forward
- Fast-track the Karnataka Crowd Control Act, 2025 with robust provisions from the draft SOP.
- Develop a National Crowd Management Protocol with mandatory compliance for events above a certain capacity.
- Make safety audits mandatory for all large-event venues; link event licences to compliance.
- Leverage AI and CCTV-based crowd density monitoring systems in real-time.
F. Exam Orientation
🎯 Prelims Pointers
- Amicus curiae — Friend of the court; assists in PIL matters
- DM Act, 2005 — National disaster management framework
- Karnataka proposing Crowd Control Act, 2025
📝 Mains Model Question
“India lacks a comprehensive legal framework for crowd management at mass-gathering events. In light of recurring stampede incidents, suggest measures to strengthen crowd safety governance.” (150 words, 10 marks — GS-III)
Article 13
Gen Z and the Dynamics of Democratic Engagement — Editorial
A. Issue in Brief
- The editorial analyses Generation Z (born 1997-2012) as a renewed source of democratic hope amidst global democratic backsliding.
- Gen Z protests in Bangladesh (2024) and Nepal (2025) spearheaded regime-challenging movements — leaderless, episodic, but impactful.
- Gen Z represents a unique combination of radical individualism, digital activism, and social indifference — reshaping how democracies are sustained.
B. Static Background
- Democratic backsliding: V-Dem Institute and Freedom House report declining democratic quality globally.
- Historical comparisons: Occupy Wall Street (2011), Arab Spring (2010s), Brazilian Spring (2013) — large mobilisations with limited lasting impact.
- India’s Gen Z: ~370 million people; largest youth demographic globally.
- DPSP Article 51A(h) — Duty to develop scientific temper, humanism, and spirit of inquiry (relevant to Gen Z’s worldview).
C. Key Dimensions
| Gen Z Trait | Democratic Implication |
|---|---|
| Digital-first activism | Rapid mobilisation but short-lived; “hashtag activism” risks superficiality |
| Leaderless protests | Harder for States to co-opt, but also harder to sustain or negotiate outcomes |
| “Personal is political” | Focus on individual rights, mental health, identity — but weak on structural analysis |
| Consumption as identity | Market equalises across caste/religion, but deepens class inequality |
| Anxiety + confidence | Assertive yet precarious — episodic engagement, not sustained movements |
D. Critical Analysis
- Essay/Ethics angle: Gen Z challenges the traditional notion that democratic participation requires formal organisation. Their “exemplar” approach (living values vs. preaching them) is an ethical stance worth examining in GS-IV.
- Comparison with farmers’ movement: The 2020-24 farmers’ movement had sustained leadership, formal demands, and years of mobilisation. Gen Z protests “fizzle out” but leave lasting impact — a new modality of democratic expression.
- Hyper-nationalism risk: The editorial warns that Gen Z’s engagement with technology may fuel hyper-nationalism and empty rhetoric rather than genuine civic engagement.
- Mental health dimension: Gen Z is the first generation comfortable with therapy — their emphasis on mental well-being could transform workplace and institutional cultures.
E. Way Forward
- Invest in civic education that equips Gen Z with structural understanding alongside their instinctive democratic impulses.
- Create institutional channels for youth participation — youth parliaments, local governance roles, policy consultation mechanisms.
- Address the employment crisis — Gen Z’s anxiety stems from disappearing economic opportunities.
- Harness Gen Z’s digital fluency for democratic innovation — digital town halls, e-governance, participatory budgeting.
F. Exam Orientation
📝 Essay Topics This Can Support
- “Democracy is not a spectator sport” — Gen Z and democratic participation
- “The personal is political” — new forms of civic engagement in the digital age
- “Technology can be both a tool of liberation and a weapon of control”
📝 Mains Model Question
“Gen Z’s digital activism and episodic protests represent a new modality of democratic engagement. Critically analyse whether this generational shift strengthens or weakens democratic institutions.” (250 words, 15 marks — GS-I)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why did the U.S. Supreme Court strike down Trump’s tariffs in 2026?
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Constitution vests the power to impose taxes, including tariffs, exclusively in Congress (Article I, Section 8). President Trump had used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose “reciprocal” tariffs, but the court found this exceeded executive authority. The ruling nullified tariffs imposed on nearly every country including India.
Q2. What is Pax Silica and why did India join it?
Pax Silica is a U.S.-led multilateral alliance focused on building resilient supply chains for electronics and critical minerals, reducing dependence on China. India joined alongside Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the EU. For India, it strengthens semiconductor ambitions, secures rare earth supply, and aligns with its strategic autonomy goals while countering China’s monopoly over mineral refining.
Q3. What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal?
SIR is a comprehensive revision of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India. In West Bengal, lakhs of voters were found “unmapped” or had “logical discrepancies.” Due to a trust deficit between the State government and ECI, the Supreme Court deployed judicial officers to oversee the process — an unprecedented intervention.
Q4. Why is the school dropout rate high at the high school level in Karnataka?
While lower primary dropout has reached 0%, high school dropouts spiked to 18.3% in 2024-25. Key reasons include: the RTE Act covers only up to Class 8, leaving a legislative gap for Classes 9-12; approximately 60,000 teacher vacancies in government schools; lack of attendance monitoring; and socio-economic factors disproportionately affecting SC/ST students.
Q5. What are the implementation challenges of the Ladki Bahin Yojana in Maharashtra?
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana provides ₹1,500/month to eligible women via DBT. Implementation challenges include: e-KYC failures and OTP issues excluding genuine beneficiaries, Aadhaar-bank linkage errors, no dedicated helpline, fraud (14,000 men received benefits), and fiscal strain of ₹46,000 crore annual cost on the State exchequer.
Q6. How can AI help India achieve Viksit Bharat according to the IMF?
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated AI could boost global growth by 0.8 percentage points, making India’s Viksit Bharat goal achievable. However, she warned that 40% of global jobs would be affected by AI (60% in advanced economies). India must balance AI adoption with reskilling programmes, regulation, and social protection to prevent inequality.
Q7. What is the Kurian Joseph Committee report on federalism?
The Kurian Joseph Committee (appointed by Tamil Nadu) mapped the increasing centralisation of power in India and called for a “structural reset comparable to the 1991 economic reforms.” Key concerns include: GST reducing State fiscal autonomy, Governors being used as Centre’s instruments, delimitation anxiety in southern States, and the Centre’s push for Hindi as a national language.
Q8. What is the UNESCO ‘Bhasha Matters’ report 2025?
The UNESCO “Bhasha Matters” report (7th edition of the State of Education Report for India) highlights that 44% of Indian children enter school speaking a language different from the medium of instruction. It recommends mother-tongue-based multilingual education (MTB-MLE), proposes a National Mission for MTB-MLE, and presents 10 policy recommendations aligned with NEP 2020.
Q9. Why is Net FDI into India negative despite high gross inflows?
Net FDI = Gross Inflows minus Repatriations minus Outward FDI. While gross inflows hit $8.6 billion in December 2025, repatriation by foreign companies reached a record ~$7.5 billion, and outward FDI by Indian companies was $2.7 billion. This resulted in a net negative FDI of -$1.6 billion for the fourth consecutive month, driven by global uncertainty and trade deal ambiguity.
Q10. What is the SANKALP scheme and why was the government criticised by the PAC?
SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) is a ₹4,455 crore World Bank-funded scheme under the Ministry of Skill Development. The Public Accounts Committee criticised its “lackadaisical” implementation after the CAG found only 44% of budgeted provisions were disbursed, and the Ministry utilised only ₹850.71 crore of the ₹1,606.15 crore loan disbursed.
